Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter R

 R 

R1  n. (also r) (pl. Rs or r's) eighteenth letter of the alphabet.

R2  abbr. (also r.) 1 regina (elizabeth r). 2 rex. 3 river. 4 (also ®) registered as a trademark. 5 chess rook.

R.  Abbr. (also r) 1 right. 2 radius.

Ra  abbr. 1 a royal academy. B royal academician. 2 royal artillery.

Ra  symb. Radium.

Rabbet  —n. Step-shaped channel cut along the edge or face of a length of wood etc., usu. To receive the edge or tongue of another piece. —v. (-t-) 1 join or fix with a rabbet. 2 make a rabbet in. [french rab(b)at: related to +rebate1]

Rabbi  n. (pl. -s) 1 jewish scholar or teacher, esp. Of the law. 2 jewish religious leader. ~ rabbinical adj. [hebrew, = my master]

Rabbit  —n. 1 a burrowing plant-eating mammal of the hare family. B us hare. 2 its fur. —v. (-t-) 1 hunt rabbits. 2 (often foll. By on, away) colloq. Talk pointlessly; chatter. [origin uncertain]

Rabbit punch  n. Short chop with the edge of the hand to the nape of the neck.

Rabble  n. 1 disorderly crowd, mob. 2 contemptible or inferior set of people. 3 (prec. By the) the lower or disorderly classes of the populace. [origin uncertain]

Rabble-rouser  n. Person who stirs up the rabble or a crowd, esp. To agitate for social change.

Rabelaisian  adj. 1 of or like the french satirist rabelais or his writings. 2 marked by exuberant imagination and coarse humour.

Rabid  adj. 1 affected with rabies, mad. 2 violent, fanatical. ~ rabidity n. [latin rabio rave]

Rabies  n. Contagious viral disease of esp. Dogs, transmissible through saliva to humans etc. And causing madness; hydrophobia. [latin: related to +rabid]

Rac  abbr. Royal automobile club.

Raccoon  var. Of +racoon.

Race1  —n. 1 contest of speed between runners, horses, vehicles, ships, etc. 2 (in pl.) Series of these for horses, dogs, etc., at a fixed time on a regular course. 3 contest between persons to be first to achieve something. 4 a strong current in the sea or a river. B channel (mill-race). —v. (-cing) 1 take part in a race. 2 have a race with. 3 try to surpass in speed. 4 (foll. By with) compete in speed with. 5 cause to race. 6 a go at full or excessive speed. B cause to do this. 7 (usu. As racing adj.) Follow or take part in horse-racing (a racing man). [old norse]

Race2  n. 1 each of the major divisions of humankind, each having distinct physical characteristics. 2 fact or concept of division into races. 3 genus, species, breed, or variety of animals or plants. 4 group of persons, animals, or plants connected by common descent. 5 any great division of living creatures (the human race). [italian razza]

Racecourse  n. Ground for horse-racing.

Racegoer  n. Person who frequents horse-races.

Racehorse  n. Horse bred or kept for racing.

Raceme  n. Flower cluster with separate flowers attached by short stalks at equal distances along the stem. [latin racemus grape-bunch]

Race meeting  n. Sequence of horse-races at one place.

Race relations  n.pl. Relations between members of different races in the same country.

Race riot  n. Outbreak of violence due to racial antagonism.

Racetrack  n. 1 = +racecourse. 2 track for motor racing.

Racial  adj. 1 of or concerning race. 2 on the grounds of or connected with difference in race. ~ racially adv.

Racialism  n. = +racism. ~ racialist n. & adj.

Racing car  n. Motor car built for racing.

Racing driver  n. Driver of a racing car.

Racism  n. 1 belief in the superiority of a particular race; prejudice based on this. 2 antagonism towards other races. ~ racist n. & adj.

Rack1  —n. 1 framework, usu. With rails, bars, etc., for holding things. 2 cogged or toothed bar or rail engaging with a wheel or pinion etc. 3 hist. Instrument of torture stretching the victim's joints. —v. 1 (of disease or pain) inflict suffering on. 2 hist. Torture (a person) on the rack. 3 place in or on a rack. 4 shake violently. 5 injure by straining. ~ on the rack suffering acute mental or physical pain. Rack one's brains make a great mental effort.  [low german or dutch]

Rack2  n. Destruction (esp. Rack and ruin). [from +wrack]

Rack3  v. (often foll. By off) draw off (wine, beer, etc.) From the lees. [provençal arracar from raca stems and husks of grapes, dregs]

Racket1  n. (also racquet) 1 bat with a round or oval frame strung with catgut, nylon, etc., used in tennis, squash, etc. 2 (in pl.) Game like squash, played in a court of four plain walls. [french raquette from arabic rahat palm of the hand]

Racket2  n. 1 disturbance, uproar, din. 2 slang a scheme for obtaining money etc. By dishonest means. B dodge; sly game. 3 colloq. Line of business. [perhaps imitative]

Racketeer  n. Person who operates a dishonest business. ~ racketeering n.

Rack-rent  n. Extortionate rent.

Raconteur  n. Teller of anecdotes. [french: related to +recount]

Racoon  n. (also raccoon) (pl. Same or -s) 1 n. American mammal with a bushy tail and sharp snout. 2 its fur. [algonquian]

Racquet  var. Of +racket1.

Racy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 lively and vigorous in style. 2 risqué. 3 of distinctive quality (a racy wine). ~ raciness n. [from +race2]

Rad  n. Unit of absorbed dose of ionizing radiation. [from radiation absorbed dose]

Rada  abbr. Royal academy of dramatic art.

Radar  n. 1 system for detecting the direction, range, or presence of objects, by sending out pulses of high frequency electromagnetic waves which they reflect. 2 apparatus for this. [from radio detection and ranging]

Radar trap  n. Device using radar to detect speeding vehicles.

Raddle  —n. Red ochre. —v. (-ling) 1 colour with raddle or too much rouge. 2 (as raddled adj.) Worn out. [related to +ruddy]

Radial  —adj. 1 of or in rays. 2 a arranged like rays or radii. B having spokes or radiating lines. C acting or moving along lines diverging from a centre. 3 (in full radial-ply) (of a tyre) having fabric layers arranged radially and the tread strengthened. —n. Radial-ply tyre. ~ radially adv. [medieval latin: related to +radius]

Radian  n. Si unit of angle, equal to an angle at the centre of a circle the arc of which is equal in length to the radius (1 radian is approx. 57°).

Radiant  —adj. 1 emitting rays of light. 2 (of eyes or looks) beaming with joy, hope, or love. 3 (of beauty) splendid or dazzling. 4 (of light) issuing in rays. —n. Point or object from which light or heat radiates. ~ radiance n. Radiantly adv.

Radiant heat  n. Heat transmitted by radiation.

Radiate  —v. (-ting) 1  a emit rays of light, heat, etc. B (of light or heat) be emitted in rays. 2  emit (light, heat, etc.) From a centre. 3 transmit or demonstrate (joy etc.). 4 diverge or spread from a centre. —adj. Having divergent rays or parts radially arranged.

Radiation  n. 1 radiating or being radiated. 2 physics a emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving particles. B energy transmitted in this way, esp. Invisibly. 3 (in full radiation therapy) treatment of cancer etc. Using radiation, e.g. X-rays or ultraviolet light.

Radiation sickness  n. Sickness caused by exposure to radiation, such as gamma rays.

Radiator  n. 1 device for heating a room etc., consisting of a metal case through which hot water or steam circulates. 2 engine-cooling device in a motor vehicle or aircraft.

Radical  —adj. 1 fundamental (a radical error). 2 far-reaching; thorough (radical change). 3 advocating thorough reform; holding extreme political views; revolutionary. 4 forming the basis; primary. 5 of the root of a number or quantity. 6 (of surgery etc.) Seeking to ensure the removal of all diseased tissue. 7 of the roots of words. 8 bot. Of the root. —n. 1 person holding radical views or belonging to a radical party. 2 chem. A = +free radical. B atom or a group of these normally forming part of a compound and remaining unaltered during the compound's ordinary chemical changes. 3 root of a word. 4 math. Quantity forming or expressed as the root of another. ~ radicalism n. Radically adv. [latin: related to +radix]

Radicchio  n. (pl. -s) chicory with reddish-purple leaves. [italian, = chicory]

Radicle  n. Part of a plant embryo that develops into the primary root; rootlet. [latin: related to +radix]

Radii  pl. Of +radius.

Radio  —n. (pl. -s) 1 (often attrib.) A transmission and reception of sound messages etc. By electromagnetic waves of radio frequency. B apparatus for receiving, broadcasting, or transmitting radio signals. 2 a sound broadcasting (prefers the radio). B broadcasting station or channel (radio one). —v. (-es, -ed) 1 a send (a message) by radio. B send a message to (a person) by radio. 2 communicate or broadcast by radio. [short for radio-telegraphy etc.]

Radio-  comb. Form 1 denoting radio or broadcasting. 2 connected with radioactivity. 3 connected with rays or radiation.

Radioactive  adj. Of or exhibiting radioactivity.

Radioactivity  n. Spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei, with the emission of usu. Penetrating radiation or particles.

Radiocarbon  n. Radioactive isotope of carbon.

Radio-controlled  adj. Controlled from a distance by radio.

Radio frequency  n. (pl. -ies) frequency band of telecommunication, ranging from 104 to 1011 or 1012 hz.

Radiogram  n. 1 combined radio and record-player. 2 picture obtained by x-rays etc. 3 telegram sent by radio.

Radiograph  —n. 1 instrument recording the intensity of radiation. 2 = +radiogram 2. —v. Obtain a picture of by x-ray, gamma ray, etc. ~ radiographer n. Radiography n.

Radioisotope  n. Radioactive isotope.

Radiology  n. The study of x-rays and other high-energy radiation, esp. As used in medicine. ~ radiologist n.

Radiophonic  adj. Of or relating to electronically produced sound, esp. Music.

Radioscopy  n. Examination by x-rays etc. Of objects opaque to light.

Radio-telegraphy  n. Telegraphy using radio.

Radio-telephony  n. Telephony using radio. ~ radio-telephone n.

Radio telescope  n. Directional aerial system for collecting and analysing radiation in the radio frequency range from stars etc.

Radiotherapy  n. Treatment of disease by x-rays or other forms of radiation.

Radish  n. 1 plant with a fleshy pungent root. 2 this root, eaten esp. Raw. [latin +radix]

Radium  n. Radioactive metallic element orig. Obtained from pitchblende etc., used esp. In radiotherapy.

Radius  n. (pl. Radii or radiuses) 1 a straight line from the centre to the circumference of a circle or sphere. B length of this. 2 distance from a centre (within a radius of 20 miles). 3 a thicker and shorter of the two bones in the human forearm. B corresponding bone in a vertebrate's foreleg or a bird's wing. [latin]

Radix  n. (pl. Radices) math. Number or symbol used as the basis of a numeration scale (e.g. Ten in the decimal system). [latin, = root]

Radon  n. Gaseous radioactive inert element arising from the disintegration of radium.

Raf  abbr. Royal air force.

Raffia  n. 1 palm-tree native to madagascar. 2 fibre from its leaves, used for weaving and for tying plants etc. [malagasy]

Raffish  adj. 1 disreputable, rakish. 2 tawdry. [raff rubbish]

Raffle  —n. Fund-raising lottery with prizes. —v. (-ling) (often foll. By off) sell by means of a raffle. [french raf(f)le, a dice-game]

Raft  n. Flat floating structure of timber or other materials for conveying persons or things. [old norse]

Rafter  n. Each of the sloping beams forming the framework of a roof. [old english]

Rag1  n. 1 torn, frayed, or worn piece of woven material. 2 (in pl.) Old or worn clothes. 3 (collect.) Scraps of cloth used as material for paper, stuffing, etc. 4 derog. Newspaper. ~ in rags much torn. Rags to riches poverty to affluence. [probably a back-formation from +ragged]

Rag2  —n. 1 fund-raising programme of stunts, parades, and entertainment organized by students. 2 prank. 3 a rowdy celebration. B noisy disorderly scene. —v. (-gg-) 1 tease; play rough jokes on. 2 engage in rough play; be noisy and riotous. [origin unknown]

Rag3  n. Ragtime composition. [abbreviation]

Ragamuffin  n. Child in ragged dirty clothes. [probably from +rag1]

Rag-and-bone man  n. Itinerant dealer in old clothes, furniture, etc.

Rag-bag  n. 1 bag for scraps of fabric etc. 2 miscellaneous collection.

Rag doll  n. Stuffed cloth doll.

Rage  —n. 1 fierce or violent anger. 2 fit of this. 3 violent action of a natural force. —v. (-ging) 1 be full of anger. 2 (often foll. By at, against) speak furiously or madly. 3 (of wind, battle, etc.) Be violent; be at its height. 4 (as raging adj.) Extreme, very painful (raging thirst; raging headache). ~ all the rage very popular, fashionable. [latin +rabies]

Ragged  adj. 1 torn; frayed. 2 in ragged clothes. 3 with a broken or jagged outline or surface. 4 faulty, imperfect; lacking finish, smoothness, or uniformity. [old norse]

Ragged robin  n. Pink-flowered campion with tattered petals.

Raglan  —adj. (of a sleeve) running up to the neck of a garment. —n. (often attrib.) Overcoat without shoulder seams, the sleeves running up to the neck. [lord raglan]

Ragout  n. Meat stewed with vegetables and highly seasoned. [french]

Ragtag  n. (in full ragtag and bobtail) derog. Rabble or common people. [from +rag1]

Ragtime  n. Form of highly syncopated early jazz, esp. For the piano.

Rag trade  n. Colloq. The clothing business.

Ragwort  n. Yellow-flowered ragged-leaved plant.

Raid  —n. 1 rapid surprise attack, esp.: a in warfare. B in order to commit a crime, steal, or do harm. 2 surprise attack by police etc. To arrest suspected persons or seize illicit goods. —v. Make a raid on. ~ raider n. [scots form of +road]

Rail1  —n. 1 level or sloping bar or series of bars: a used to hang things on. B as the top of banisters. C forming part of a fence or barrier as protection. 2 steel bar or continuous line of bars laid on the ground, usu. As a railway. 3 (often attrib.) Railway. —v. 1 furnish with a rail or rails. 2 (usu. Foll. By in, off) enclose with rails. ~ off the rails disorganized; out of order; deranged. [french reille from latin regula +rule]

Rail2  v. (often foll. By at, against) complain or protest strongly; rant. [french railler]

Rail3  n. Wading bird often inhabiting marshes. [french]

Railcar  n. Single powered railway coach.

Railcard  n. Pass entitling the holder to reduced rail fares.

Railing  n. (usu. In pl.) Fence or barrier made of rails.

Raillery  n. Good-humoured ridicule. [french raillerie: related to +rail2]

Railman  n. = +railwayman.

Railroad  —n. Esp. Us = +railway. —v. (often foll. By into, through, etc.) Coerce; rush (railroaded into agreeing; railroaded through the cabinet).

Railway  n. 1 track or set of tracks of steel rails upon which trains run. 2 such a system worked by a single company. 3 organization and personnel required for its working.

Railwayman  n. Railway employee.

Raiment  n. Archaic clothing. [arrayment: related to +array]

Rain  —n. 1 a condensed atmospheric moisture falling in drops. B fall of such drops. 2 (in pl.) A (prec. By the) rainy season. B rainfalls. 3 a falling liquid or solid particles or objects. B rainlike descent of these. —v. 1 (prec. By it as subject) rain falls. 2 a fall like rain. B (prec. By it as subject) send in large quantities. 3 send down like rain; lavishly bestow (rained blows upon him). 4 (of the sky, clouds, etc.) Send down rain. ~ rain off (or us out) (esp.

Rainbow  —n. Arch of colours formed in the sky by reflection, refraction, and dispersion of the sun's rays in falling rain or in spray or mist. —adj. Many-coloured. [old english: related to +rain, +bow1]

Rainbow trout  n. Large trout orig. Of the pacific coast of n. America.

Rain check  n. Esp. Us ticket given for later use when an outdoor event is interrupted or postponed by rain. ~ take a rain check on reserve the right not to take up (an offer) until convenient.

Raincoat  n. Waterproof or water-resistant coat.

Raindrop  n. Single drop of rain.

Rainfall  n. 1 fall of rain. 2 quantity of rain falling within a given area in a given time.

Rainforest  n. Luxuriant tropical forest with heavy rainfall.

Rainproof  adj. Impervious to rain.

Rainstorm  n. Storm with heavy rain.

Rainwater  n. Water collected from fallen rain.

Rainwear  n. Clothes for wearing in the rain.

Rainy  adj. (-ier, -iest) (of weather, a climate, day, etc.) In or on which rain is falling or much rain usually falls. [old english: related to +rain]

Rainy day  n. Time of special need in the future.

Raise  —v. (-sing) 1 put or take into a higher position. 2 (often foll. By up) cause to rise or stand up or be vertical. 3 increase the amount, value, or strength of. 4 (often foll. By up) construct or build up. 5 levy, collect, or bring together (raise money). 6 cause to be heard or considered (raise an objection). 7 set going or bring into being (raise hopes). 8 bring up, educate. 9 breed, grow. 10 promote to a higher rank. 11 (foll. By to) multiply a quantity to a power. 12 cause (bread) to rise. 13 cards bet more than (another player). 14 end (a siege etc.). 15 remove (a barrier etc.). 16 cause (a ghost etc.) To appear. 17 colloq. Get hold of, find. 18 rouse from sleep or death, or from a lair. —n. 1 cards increase in a stake or bid. 2 esp. Us increase in salary. ~ raise cain colloq. = raise the roof. Raise one's eyebrows see +eyebrow. Raise from the dead restore to life. Raise a laugh cause others to laugh. Raise the roof be very angry; cause an uproar. [old norse]

Raisin  n. Dried grape. [latin: related to +raceme]

Raison d'être  n. (pl. Raisons d'être pronunc. Same) purpose or reason that accounts for, justifies, or originally caused a thing's existence. [french]

Raj  n. (prec. By the) hist. British sovereignty in india. [hindi]

Raja  n. (also rajah) hist. 1 indian king or prince. 2 petty dignitary or noble in india. [hindi from sanskrit]

Rake1  —n. 1 implement consisting of a pole with a toothed crossbar at the end for drawing together hay etc. Or smoothing loose soil or gravel. 2 similar implement used (e.g.) To draw in money at a gaming-table. —v. (-king) 1 collect or gather with or as with a rake. 2 make tidy or smooth with a rake. 3 use a rake. 4 search thoroughly, ransack. 5 direct gunfire along (a line) from end to end. 6 scratch or scrape. ~ rake in colloq. Amass (profits etc.). Rake up revive the (unwelcome) memory of. [old english]

Rake2  n. Dissolute man of fashion. [rakehell: related to +rake1, +hell]

Rake3  —v. (-king) 1 set or be set at a sloping angle. 2 (of a mast or funnel) incline from the perpendicular towards the stern. —n. 1 raking position or build. 2 amount by which a thing rakes. [origin unknown]

Rake-off  n. Colloq. Commission or share.

Rakish  adj. 1 dashing; jaunty. 2 dissolute. ~ rakishly adv. [from +rake2]

Rallentando  mus. —adv. & adj. With a gradual decrease of speed. —n. (pl. -s or -di) passage to be performed in this way. [italian]

Rally1  —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By round) bring or come together as support or for action. 2 bring or come together again after a rout or dispersion. 3 recover after illness etc., revive. 4 revive (courage etc.). 5 (of share-prices etc.) Increase after a fall. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 rallying or being rallied. 2 mass meeting of supporters or persons with a common interest. 3 competition for motor vehicles, mainly over public roads. 4 (in tennis etc.) Extended exchange of strokes. [french rallier: related to +re-, +ally]

Rally2  v. (-ies, -ied) ridicule good-humouredly. [french railler: related to +rail2]

Rallycross  n. Motor racing over roads and cross-country.

Ram  abbr. 1 royal academy of music. 2 random-access memory.

Ram  —n. 1 uncastrated male sheep. 2 (the ram) zodiacal sign or constellation aries. 3 hist. = +battering-ram. 4 falling weight of a pile-driving machine. 5 hydraulically operated water pump. —v. (-mm-) 1 force or squeeze into place by pressure. 2 (usu. Foll. By down, in, etc.) Beat down or drive in by heavy blows. 3 (of a ship, vehicle, etc.) Strike violently, crash against. 4 (foll. By against, into) dash or violently impel. [old english]

Ramadan  n. Ninth month of the muslim year, with strict fasting from sunrise to sunset. [arabic]

Ramble  —v. (-ling) 1 walk for pleasure. 2 talk or write incoherently. —n. Walk taken for pleasure. [dutch rammelen]

Rambler  n. 1 person who rambles. 2 straggling or spreading rose.

Rambling  adj. 1 wandering. 2 disconnected, incoherent. 3 (of a house, street, etc.) Irregularly arranged. 4 (of a plant) straggling, climbing.

Rambutan  n. 1 red plum-sized prickly fruit. 2 e. Indian tree bearing this. [malay]

Ramc  abbr. Royal army medical corps.

Ramekin  n. 1 small dish for baking and serving an individual portion of food. 2 food served in this. [french ramequin]

Ramification  n. (usu. In pl.) 1 consequence. 2 subdivision of a complex structure or process. [french: related to +ramify]

Ramify  v. (-ies, -ied) (cause to) form branches, subdivisions, or offshoots; branch out. [latin ramus branch]

Ramp  —n. 1 slope, esp. Joining two levels of ground, floor, etc. 2 movable stairs for entering or leaving an aircraft. 3 transverse ridge in a road making vehicles slow down. —v. 1 furnish or build with a ramp. 2 a assume a threatening posture. B (often foll. By about) storm, rage. [french ramper crawl]

Rampage  —v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By about) rush wildly or violently about. 2 rage, storm. —n. Wild or violent behaviour. ~ on the rampage rampaging. [perhaps from +ramp]

Rampant  adj. 1 unchecked, flourishing excessively. 2 rank, luxuriant. 3 (placed after the noun) heraldry (of an animal) standing on its left hind foot with its forepaws in the air (lion rampant). 4 violent, fanatical. ~ rampancy n. [french: related to +ramp]

Rampart  n. 1 a defensive wall with a broad top and usu. A stone parapet. B walkway on top of this. 2 defence, protection. [french remparer fortify]

Ramrod  n. 1 rod for ramming down the charge of a muzzle-loading firearm. 2 thing that is very straight or rigid.

Ramshackle  adj. Tumbledown, rickety. [related to +ransack]

Ran  past of +run.

Ranch  —n. 1 cattle-breeding establishment, esp. In the us and canada. 2 farm where other animals are bred (mink ranch). —v. Farm on a ranch. ~ rancher n. [spanish rancho group of persons eating together]

Rancid  adj. Smelling or tasting like rank stale fat. ~ rancidity n. [latin rancidus stinking]

Rancor  n. (brit. Rancour) inveterate bitterness, malignant hate. ~ rancorous adj. [latin rancor: related to +rancid]

Rancour  n. (us rancor) inveterate bitterness, malignant hate. ~ rancorous adj. [latin rancor: related to +rancid]

Rand  n. Chief monetary unit of south africa. [the rand, gold-field district near johannesburg]

R & b  abbr. Rhythm and blues.

R & d  abbr. Research and development.

Random  adj. Made, done, etc., without method or conscious choice. ~ at random without a particular aim. ~ randomize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Randomization n. Randomly adv. Randomness n. [french randon from randir gallop]

Random-access  adj. Computing (of a memory or file) having all parts directly accessible, so that it need not read sequentially.

Randy  adj. (-ier, -iest) eager for sexual gratification, lustful. ~ randily adv. Randiness n. [perhaps related to +rant]

Ranee  n. (also rani) (pl. -s) hist. Raja's wife or widow. [hindi]

Rang  past of +ring2.

Range  —n. 1 a region between limits of variation, esp. Scope of effective operation. B such limits. 2 area relevant to something. 3 a distance attainable by a gun or projectile. B distance between a gun or projectile and its objective. 4 row, series, etc., esp. Of mountains. 5 area with targets for shooting. 6 fireplace with ovens and hotplates for cooking. 7 area over which a thing is distributed. 8 distance that can be covered by a vehicle without refuelling. 9 distance between a camera and the subject to be photographed. 10 large area of open land for grazing or hunting. —v. (-ging) 1 reach; lie spread out; extend; be found over a specified district; vary between limits. 2 (usu. In passive or refl.) Line up, arrange. 3 rove, wander. 4 traverse in all directions. [french: related to +rank1]

Rangefinder  n. Instrument for estimating the distance of an object to be shot at or photographed.

Ranger  n. 1 keeper of a royal or national park, or of a forest. 2 member of a body of mounted soldiers. 3 (ranger) senior guide.

Rangy  adj. (-ier, -iest) tall and slim.

Rani  var. Of +ranee.

Rank1  —n. 1 a position in a hierarchy, grade of advancement. B distinct social class; grade of dignity or achievement. C high social position. D place in a scale. 2 row or line. 3 single line of soldiers drawn up abreast. 4 place where taxis await customers. 5 order, array. —v. 1 have a rank or place. 2 classify, give a certain grade to. 3 arrange (esp. Soldiers) in rank. ~ close ranks maintain solidarity. The ranks common soldiers. [french ranc]

Rank2  adj. 1 luxuriant, coarse; choked with or apt to produce weeds or excessive foliage. 2 a foul-smelling. B loathsome, corrupt. 3 flagrant, virulent, gross, complete (rank outsider). [old english]

Rank and file  n. (usu. Treated as pl.) Ordinary members of an organization.

Rankle  v. (-ling) (of envy, disappointment, etc., or their cause) cause persistent annoyance or resentment. [french (d)rancler fester, from medieval latin dra(cu)nculus little serpent]

Ransack  v. 1 pillage or plunder (a house, country, etc.). 2 thoroughly search. [old norse rannsaka from rann house, -saka seek]

Ransom  —n. 1 money demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner. 2 liberation of a prisoner in return for this. —v. 1 buy the freedom or restoration of; redeem. 2 = hold to ransom (see +hold1). 3 release for a ransom. [latin: related to +redemption]

Rant  —v. Speak loudly, bombastically, violently, or theatrically. —n. Piece of ranting. ~ rant and rave express anger noisily and forcefully. [dutch]

Ranunculus  n. (pl. -luses or -li) plant of the genus including buttercups. [latin, diminutive of rana frog]

Raoc  abbr. Royal army ordnance corps.

Rap1  —n. 1 smart slight blow. 2 knock, sharp tapping sound. 3 slang blame, punishment. 4 a rhythmic monologue recited to music. B (in full rap music) style of rock music with words recited. —v. (-pp-) 1 strike smartly. 2 knock; make a sharp tapping sound. 3 criticize adversely. 4 perform a rap. ~ take the rap suffer the consequences. ~ rapper n. [probably imitative]

Rap2  n. Small amount, the least bit (don't care a rap). [irish ropaire counterfeit coin]

Rapacious  adj. Grasping, extortionate, predatory. ~ rapacity n. [latin rapax: related to +rape1]

Rape1  —n. 1 a act of forcing a woman or girl to have sexual intercourse against her will. B forcible sodomy. 2 (often foll. By of) violent assault or plunder, forcible interference. —v. (-ping) commit rape on. [latin rapio seize]

Rape2  n. Plant grown as fodder, and for its seed from which oil is extracted. [latin rapum, rapa turnip]

Rapid  —adj. (-er, -est) 1 quick, swift. 2 acting or completed in a short time. 3 (of a slope) descending steeply. —n. (usu. In pl.) Steep descent in a river-bed, with a swift current. ~ rapidity n. Rapidly adv. Rapidness n.  [latin: related to +rape1]

Rapid eye movement  n. Type of jerky movement of the eyes during dreaming.

Rapier  n. 1 light slender sword for thrusting. 2 (attrib.) Sharp (rapier wit). [french rapière]

Rapine  n. Rhet. Plundering. [latin: related to +rape1]

Rapist  n. Person who commits rape.

Rapport  n. Relationship or communication, esp. When useful and harmonious. [latin porto carry]

Rapprochement  n. Resumption of harmonious relations, esp. Between states. [french: related to +approach]

Rapscallion  n. Archaic or joc. Rascal. [perhaps from +rascal]

Rapt  adj. 1 fully absorbed or intent, enraptured. 2 carried away with feeling or lofty thought. [latin raptus: related to +rape1]

Rapture  n. 1 ecstatic delight. 2 (in pl.) Great pleasure or enthusiasm or the expression of it. ~ rapturous adj. [french or medieval latin: related to +rape1]

Rare1  adj. (rarer, rarest) 1 seldom done, found, or occurring; uncommon, unusual. 2 exceptionally good. 3 of less than the usual density. ~ rareness n.  [latin rarus]

Rare2  adj. (rarer, rarest) (of meat) cooked so that the inside is still red and juicy; underdone. [old english]

Rarebit  n. = +welsh rabbit. [from +rare1]

Rare earth  n. Lanthanide element.

Rarefy  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make or become less dense or solid. 2 purify or refine (a person's nature etc.). 3 make (an idea etc.) Subtle. ~ rarefaction n. [french or medieval latin: related to +rare1]

Rarely  adv. 1 seldom, not often. 2 exceptionally.

Raring  adj. Colloq. Enthusiastic, eager (raring to go). [participle of rare, dial. Var. Of +roar or +rear2]

Rarity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 rareness. 2 uncommon thing. [latin: related to +rare1]

Rascal  n. Dishonest or mischievous person. ~ rascally adj. [french rascaille rabble]

Rase  var. Of +raze.

Rash1  adj. Reckless, impetuous, hasty. ~ rashly adv. Rashness n.  [probably old english]

Rash2  n. 1 eruption of the skin in spots or patches. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) sudden widespread phenomenon (rash of strikes). [origin uncertain]

Rasher  n. Thin slice of bacon or ham. [origin unknown]

Rasp  —n. 1  coarse kind of file having separate teeth. 2 grating noise or utterance. —v. 1 a scrape with a rasp. B scrape roughly. C (foll. By off, away) remove by scraping. 2 a make a grating sound. B say gratingly. 3 grate upon (a person or feelings). [french raspe(r)]

Raspberry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a red blackberry-like fruit. B bramble bearing this. 2 colloq. Sound made by blowing through the lips, expressing derision or disapproval. [origin unknown]

Raspberry-cane  n. Raspberry plant.

Rastafarian  (also rasta) —n. Member of a jamaican sect, often having dreadlocks and regarding haile selassie of ethiopia as god. —adj. Of this sect. [ras tafari, title of former emperor haile selassie]

Rat  —n. 1 a rodent like a large mouse. B similar rodent (muskrat; water-rat). 2 turncoat. 3 colloq. Unpleasant or treacherous person. 4 (in pl.) Slang exclamation of annoyance etc. —v. (-tt-) 1 hunt or kill rats. 2 (also foll. By on) inform (on); desert, betray. [old english]

Ratable  var. Of +rateable.

Ratatat  (also rat-a-tat) var. Of +rat-tat.

Ratatouille  n. Dish of stewed onions, courgettes, tomatoes, aubergines, and peppers. [french dial.]

Ratbag  n. Slang obnoxious person.

Ratchet  n. 1 set of teeth on the edge of a bar or wheel with a catch ensuring motion in one direction only. 2 (in full ratchet-wheel) wheel with a rim so toothed. [french rochet lance-head]

Rate1  —n. 1 numerical proportion between two sets of things (moving at a rate of 50 m.p.h.) Or as the basis of calculating an amount or value (rate of interest). 2 fixed or appropriate charge, cost, or value; measure of this (postal rates; the rate for the job). 3 pace of movement or change (prices increasing at a great rate). 4 (in comb.) Class or rank (first-rate). 5 (in pl.) Tax levied by local authorities on businesses (and formerly on private individuals) according to the value of buildings and land occupied. —v. (-ting) 1 a estimate the worth or value of. B assign a value to. 2 consider, regard as. 3 (foll. By as) rank or be considered. 4 a subject to the payment of a local rate. B value for the purpose of assessing rates. 5 be worthy of, deserve. ~ at any rate in any case, whatever happens. At this rate if this example is typical. [latin rata: related to +ratio]

Usage  see note at community charge.

Rate2  v. (-ting) scold angrily. [origin unknown]

Rateable  adj. (also ratable) liable to rates.

Rateable value  n. Value at which a business etc. Is assessed for rates.

Rate-capping  n. Hist. Imposition of an upper limit on local authority rates. ~ rate-cap v.

Ratepayer  n. Person liable to pay rates.

Rather  adv. 1 by preference (would rather not go). 2 (usu. Foll. By than) more truly; as a more likely alternative (is stupid rather than dishonest). 3 more precisely (a book, or rather, a pamphlet). 4 slightly, to some extent (became rather drunk). 5  (as an emphatic response) assuredly (did you like it? – rather!). ~ had rather would rather. [old english comparative of rathe early]

Ratify  v. (-ies, -ied) confirm or accept (an agreement made in one's name) by formal consent, signature, etc. ~ ratification n. [medieval latin: related to +rate1]

Rating  n. 1 placing in a rank or class. 2 estimated standing of a person as regards credit etc. 3 non-commissioned sailor. 4 amount fixed as a local rate. 5 relative popularity of a broadcast programme as determined by the estimated size of the audience. 

Ratio  n. (pl. -s) quantitative relation between two similar magnitudes expressed as the number of times one contains the other (in the ratio of three to two). [latin reor rat- reckon]

Ratiocinate  v. (-ting) literary reason, esp. Using syllogisms. ~ ratiocination n. [latin: related to +ratio]

Ration  —n. 1 official allowance of food, clothing, etc., in a time of shortage. 2 (usu. In pl.) Fixed daily allowance of food, esp. In the armed forces. —v. 1 limit (persons or provisions) to a fixed ration. 2 (usu. Foll. By out) share out (food etc.) In fixed quantities. [latin: related to +ratio]

Rational  adj. 1 of or based on reason. 2 sensible. 3 endowed with reason. 4 rejecting what is unreasonable or cannot be tested by reason in religion or custom. 5  (of a quantity or ratio) expressible as a ratio of whole numbers. ~ rationality n. Rationally adv. [latin: related to +ration]

Rationale  n. Fundamental reason, logical basis. [neuter of latin rationalis: related to +rational]

Rationalism  n. Practice of treating reason as the basis of belief and knowledge. ~ rationalist n. & adj. Rationalistic adj.

Rationalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (often foll. By away) offer a rational but specious explanation of (one's behaviour or attitude). 2 make logical and consistent. 3  make (a business etc.) More efficient by reorganizing it to reduce or eliminate waste. ~ rationalization n.

Ratline  n. (also ratlin) (usu. In pl.) Any of the small lines fastened across a sailing-ship's shrouds like ladder-rungs. [origin unknown]

Rat race  n. Colloq. Fiercely competitive struggle for position, power, etc.

Ratsbane  n. Anything poisonous to rats, esp. A plant.

Rattan  n. 1 climbing palm with long thin jointed pliable stems, used for furniture etc. 2 piece of rattan stem used as a walking-stick etc. [malay]

Rat-tat  n. (also rat-tat-tat, ratatat, rat-a-tat) rapping sound, esp. Of a knocker. [imitative]

Rattle  —v. (-ling) 1 a give out a rapid succession of short sharp hard sounds. B cause to do this. C cause such sounds by shaking something. 2 (often foll. By along) a move with a rattling noise. B move or travel briskly. 3 a (usu. Foll. By off) say or recite rapidly. B (usu. Foll. By on) talk in a lively thoughtless way. 4 colloq. Disconcert, alarm. —n. 1 rattling sound. 2 device or plaything made to rattle. ~ rattly adj. [probably low german or dutch]

Rattlesnake  n. Poisonous american snake with a rattling structure of horny rings on its tail.

Rattling  —adj. 1 that rattles. 2 brisk, vigorous (rattling pace). —adv. Colloq. Remarkably (rattling good story).

Ratty  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 relating to or infested with rats. 2 colloq. Irritable, bad-tempered. ~ rattily adv. Rattiness n.

Raucous  adj. Harsh-sounding, loud and hoarse. ~ raucously adv. Raucousness n. [latin]

Raunchy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Coarse, earthy, sexually boisterous. ~ raunchily adv. Raunchiness n. [origin unknown]

Ravage  —v. (-ging) devastate, plunder. —n. 1 devastation. 2 (usu. In pl.; foll. By of) destructive effect. [french alteration from ravine rush of water]

Rave  —v. (-ving) 1 talk wildly or furiously in or as in delirium. 2 (usu. Foll. By about, over) speak with rapturous admiration; go into raptures. 3 colloq. Enjoy oneself freely (esp. Rave it up). —n. 1 (usu. Attrib.) Colloq. Highly enthusiastic review. 2 (also rave-up) colloq. Lively party. 3 slang craze. [probably french dial. Raver]

Ravel  v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 entangle or become entangled. 2 fray out. 3 (often foll. By out) disentangle, unravel, separate into threads. [probably dutch ravelen]

Raven  —n. Large glossy blue-black crow with a hoarse cry. —adj. Glossy black. [old english]

Ravening  adj. Hungrily seeking prey; voracious. [french raviner from latin: related to +rapine]

Ravenous  adj. 1 very hungry. 2 voracious. 3 rapacious. ~ ravenously adv. [obsolete raven plunder, from french raviner ravage]

Raver  n. Colloq. Uninhibited pleasure-loving person.

Ravine  n. Deep narrow gorge. [latin: related to +rapine]

Raving  —n. (usu. In pl.) Wild or delirious talk. —adj. & adv. Colloq. As an intensifier (a raving beauty; raving mad).

Ravioli  n. Small pasta envelopes containing minced meat etc. [italian]

Ravish  v. 1 archaic rape (a woman). 2 enrapture. ~ ravishment n. [latin: related to +rape1]

Ravishing  adj. Lovely, beautiful. ~ ravishingly adv.

Raw  adj. 1 uncooked. 2 in the natural state; not processed or manufactured. 3 inexperienced, untrained. 4 a stripped of skin; with the flesh exposed, unhealed. B sensitive to the touch from being so exposed. 5 (of the atmosphere, day, etc.) Cold and damp. 6 crude in artistic quality; lacking finish. 7 (of the edge of cloth) without hem or selvage. ~ in the raw 1 in its natural state without mitigation (life in the raw). 2 naked.

Raw-boned  adj. Gaunt.

Raw deal  n. Harsh or unfair treatment.

Rawhide  n. 1 untanned hide. 2 rope or whip of this.

Rawlplug  n. Propr. Cylindrical plug for holding a screw or nail in masonry. [rawlings, name of the engineers]

Raw material  n. Material from which manufactured goods are made.

Ray1  n. 1 single line or narrow beam of light from a small or distant source. 2 straight line in which radiation travels to a given point. 3 (in pl.) Radiation of a specified type (x-rays). 4 trace or beginning of an enlightening or cheering influence (ray of hope). 5 any of a set of radiating lines, parts, or things. 6 marginal floret of a composite flower, e.g. A daisy. [latin +radius]

Ray2  n. Large edible marine fish with a flat body and a long slender tail. [latin raia]

Ray3  n. (also re) mus. Second note of a major scale. [latin resonare, word arbitrarily taken]

Rayon  n. Textile fibre or fabric made from cellulose. [from +ray1]

Raze  v. (also rase) (-zing or -sing) completely destroy; tear down (esp. Raze to the ground). [latin rado ras- scrape]

Razor  n. Instrument with a sharp blade used in cutting hair, esp. Shaving. [french rasor: related to +raze]

Razor-bill  n. Auk with a sharp-edged bill.

Razor-blade  n. Flat piece of metal with a sharp edge, used in a safety razor.

Razor-edge  n. (also razor's edge) 1 keen edge. 2 sharp mountain-ridge. 3 critical situation. 4 sharp line of division.

Razzle-dazzle  n. (also razzle) colloq. 1 a excitement; bustle. B spree (esp. On the razzle). 2 extravagant publicity. [reduplication of +dazzle]

Razzmatazz  n. Colloq. 1 glamorous excitement, bustle. 2 spree. 3 insincere actions. [probably an alteration of +razzle-dazzle]

Rb  symb. Rubidium.

Rc  abbr. Roman catholic.

Rd.  Abbr. Road.

Re  abbr. 1  religious education. 2 royal engineers.

Re  symb. Rhenium.

Re1  prep. 1 in the matter of (as the first word in a heading). 2 commerce about, concerning (in letters). [latin, ablative of res thing]

Re2  var. Of +ray3.

Re-  prefix 1 attachable to almost any verb or its derivative, meaning: a once more; afresh, anew. B back; with return to a previous state. 2 (also red- before a vowel, as in redolent) in verbs and verbal derivatives denoting: a in return; mutually (react). B opposition (resist). C behind or after (relic). D retirement or secrecy (recluse). E off, away, down (recede; relegate; repress). F frequentative or intensive force (redouble; resplendent). G negative force (recant; reveal). [latin]

Usage  in sense 1, a hyphen is normally used when the word begins with e (re-enact), or to distinguish the compound from a more familiar one-word form (re-form = form again).

Reach  —v. 1 (often foll. By out) stretch out, extend. 2 (often foll. By for) stretch out the hand etc.; make a stretch or effort. 3 get as far as. 4 get to or attain. 5 make contact with the hand etc., or by telephone etc. (could not be reached). 6 hand, pass (reach me that book). 7 take with an outstretched hand. 8 naut. Sail with the wind abeam or abaft the beam. —n. 1 extent to which a hand etc. Can be reached out, influence exerted, motion carried out, or mental powers used. 2 act of reaching out. 3 continuous extent, esp. Of river between two bends or of canal between locks. 4 naut. Distance traversed in reaching. ~ reachable adj. [old english]

Reach-me-down  n. Colloq. 1 ready-made garment. 2 = +hand-me-down.

Reacquaint  v. Make acquainted again. ~ reacquaintance n.

React  v. 1 (often foll. By to) respond to a stimulus; change or behave differently due to some influence (reacted badly to the news). 2 (often foll. By against) respond with repulsion to; tend in a reverse or contrary direction. 3 (foll. By with) (of a substance or particle) be the cause of chemical activity or interaction with another (nitrous oxide reacts with the metal). 4 (foll. By with)  cause (a substance) to react with another.

Reaction  n. 1 reacting, response. 2 bad physical response to a drug etc. 3 occurrence of a condition after a period of its opposite. 4 tendency to oppose change or reform. 5 interaction of substances undergoing chemical change.

Reactionary  —adj. Tending to oppose (esp. Political) change or reform. —n. (pl. -ies) reactionary person.

Reactivate  v. (-ting) restore to a state of activity. ~ reactivation n.

Reactive  adj. 1 showing reaction. 2 reacting rather than taking the initiative. 3 susceptible to chemical reaction.

Reactor  n. 1 person or thing that reacts. 2 = +nuclear reactor.

Read  —v. (past and past part. Read) 1 (also absol.) Reproduce mentally or (often foll. By aloud, out, off, etc.) Vocally the written or printed words of (a book, author, etc.). 2 convert or be able to convert into the intended words or meaning (written or other symbols or the things expressed in this way) (can't read music). 3 understand by observing; interpret (read me like a book; read his silence as consent; read my mind; reads tea-leaves). 4 find (a thing) stated in print etc. (read that you were leaving). 5 (often foll. By into) assume as intended or deducible (read too much into it). 6 bring into a specified state by reading (read myself to sleep). 7 a (of a recording instrument) show (a specified figure etc.). B interpret (a recording instrument) (read the meter). 8 convey meaning when read; have a certain wording (it reads persuasively; reads from left to right). 9 sound or affect a hearer or reader when read (the book reads like a parody). 10 study by reading (esp. A subject at university). 11 (as read adj.) Versed in a subject (esp. Literature) by reading (well-read person). 12 (of a computer) copy or transfer (data). 13 hear and understand (over a radio) (are you reading me?). 14 replace (a word etc.) With the correct one(s) (for ‘this’ read ‘these’). —n. 1 spell of reading. 2 colloq. Book etc. As regards readability (is a good read). ~ read between the lines look for or find hidden meaning. Read up (often followed by on) make a special study of (a subject). Take as read treat (a thing) as if it has been agreed. [old english]

Readable  adj. 1 able to be read. 2 interesting to read. ~ readability n.

Readdress  v. 1 change the address of (an item for posting). 2 address (a problem etc.) Anew. 3 speak or write to anew.

Reader  n. 1 person who reads. 2 book intended to give reading practice, esp. In a foreign language. 3 device for producing an image that can be read from microfilm etc. 4 (also reader) university lecturer of the highest grade below professor. 5 publisher's employee who reports on submitted manuscripts. 6 printer's proof-corrector. 7 person appointed to read aloud, esp. In church.

Readership  n. 1 readers of a newspaper etc. 2 (also readership) position of reader.

Readily  adv. 1 without showing reluctance, willingly. 2 without difficulty.

Readiness  n. 1 ready or prepared state. 2 willingness. 3 facility; promptness in argument or action.

Reading  n. 1 a act of reading (reading of the will). B matter to be read (made exciting reading). 2 (in comb.) Used for reading (reading-lamp; reading-room). 3 literary knowledge. 4 entertainment at which a play, poems, etc., are read. 5 figure etc. Shown by a recording instrument. 6 interpretation or view taken (what is your reading of the facts?).

Readjust  v. Adjust again or to a former state. ~ readjustment n.

Readmit  v. (-tt-) admit again. ~ readmission n.

Readopt  v. Adopt again. ~ readoption n.

Ready  —adj. (-ier, -iest) (usu. Predic.) 1 with preparations complete (dinner is ready). 2 in a fit state. 3 willing, inclined, or resolved (he is always ready to complain). 4 within reach; easily secured (ready source of income). 5 fit for immediate use. 6 immediate, unqualified (found ready acceptance). 7 prompt (is always ready with excuses). 8 (foll. By to + infin.) About to (ready to burst). 9 provided beforehand. —adv. (usu. In comb.) Beforehand; so as not to require doing when the time comes for use etc. (is ready packed; ready-mixed concrete; ready-made family). —n. (pl. -ies) slang (prec. By the) = +ready money. —v. (-ies, -ied) make ready, prepare. ~ at the ready ready for action. Make ready prepare. [old english]

Ready-made  adj. (also ready-to-wear) (esp. Of clothes) made in a standard size, not to measure.

Ready money  n. 1 actual coin or notes. 2 payment on the spot.

Ready reckoner  n. Book or table listing standard numerical calculations as used esp. In commerce.

Reaffirm  v. Affirm again. ~ reaffirmation n.

Reafforest  v. Replant (former forest land) with trees. ~ reafforestation n.

Reagent  n. Chem. Substance used to cause a reaction, esp. To detect another substance.

Real1  —adj. 1 actually existing or occurring. 2 genuine; rightly so called; not artificial. 3 law consisting of immovable property such as land or houses (real estate). 4 appraised by purchasing power (real value). 5 math. (of a quantity) having no imaginary part (see +imaginary 2). —adv. Scot. & us colloq. Really, very. ~ for real colloq. Seriously, in earnest. The real thing (of an object or emotion) genuine, not inferior. [anglo-french and latin realis from res thing]

Real2  n. Hist. Coin and monetary unit in spanish-speaking countries. [spanish: related to +royal]

Real ale  n. Beer regarded as brewed in a traditional way.

Realign  v. 1 align again. 2 regroup in politics etc. ~ realignment n.

Realism  n. 1 practice of regarding things in their true nature and dealing with them as they are. 2 fidelity to nature in representation; the showing of life etc. As it is. 3 philos. Doctrine that abstract concepts have an objective existence. ~ realist n.

Realistic  adj. 1 regarding things as they are; following a policy of realism. 2 based on facts rather than ideals. ~ realistically adv.

Reality  n. (pl. -ies) 1 what is real or existent or underlies appearances. 2 (foll. By of) the real nature of. 3 real existence; state of being real. 4 resemblance to an original. ~ in reality in fact. [medieval latin or french: related to +real1]

Realize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (often foll. By that) be fully aware of; conceive as real. 2 understand clearly. 3 present as real. 4 convert into actuality. 5 a convert into money. B acquire (profit). C be sold for (a specified price). ~ realizable adj. Realization n.

Real life  n. 1 life lived by actual people. 2 (attrib.) (real-life) actual, not fictional (her real-life husband).

Reallocate  v. (-ting) allocate again or differently. ~ reallocation n.

Really  adv. 1 in reality. 2 very (really useful). 3 indeed, i assure you. 4 expression of mild protest or surprise.

Realm  n. 1 formal kingdom. 2 domain (realm of myth). [latin +regimen]

Real money  n. Current coin; cash.

Real tennis  n. Original form of tennis played on an indoor court.

Real time  n. 1 actual time during which a process occurs. 2 (attrib.) (real-time) computing (of a system) in which the response time is the actual time during which an event occurs.

Realty  n. Real estate.

Ream  n. 1 twenty quires of paper. 2 (in pl.) Large quantity of writing. [arabic, = bundle]

Reanimate  v. (-ting) 1 restore to life. 2 restore to activity or liveliness. ~ reanimation n.

Reap  v. 1 cut or gather (esp. Grain) as a harvest. 2 harvest the crop of (a field etc.). 3 receive as a result of one's own or others' actions. [old english]

Reaper  n. 1 person who reaps. 2 reaping machine. 3 (the reaper or grim reaper) death personified.

Reappear  v. Appear again or as previously. ~ reappearance n.

Reapply  v. (-ies, -ied) apply again, esp. Submit a further application (for a position etc.). ~ reapplication n.

Reappoint  v. Appoint to a position previously held. ~ reappointment n.

Reapportion  v. Apportion again or differently.

Reappraise  v. (-sing) appraise or assess again or differently. ~ reappraisal n.

Rear1  —n. 1 back part of anything. 2 space behind, or position at the back of, anything. 3 colloq. Buttocks. —adj. At the back. ~ bring up the rear come last. [probably from +rearward or +rearguard]

Rear2  v. 1 a bring up and educate (children). B breed and care for (animals). C cultivate (crops). 2 (of a horse etc.) Raise itself on its hind legs. 3 a set upright. B build. C hold upwards. 4 extend to a great height. [old english]

Rear admiral  n. Naval officer ranking below vice admiral.

Rearguard  n. Body of troops detached to protect the rear, esp. In retreats. [french rereguarde]

Rearguard action  n. 1 engagement undertaken by a rearguard. 2 defensive stand or struggle, esp. When losing.

Rear-lamp  n. (also rear-light) usu. Red light at the rear of a vehicle.

Rearm  v. (also absol.) Arm again, esp. With improved weapons. ~ rearmament n.

Rearmost  adj. Furthest back.

Rearrange  v. (-ging) arrange again in a different way. ~ rearrangement n.

Rearrest  —v. Arrest again. —n. Rearresting or being rearrested.

Rearward  —n. (esp. In prepositional phrases) rear (to the rearward of; in the rearward). —adj. To the rear. —adv. (also rearwards) towards the rear. [anglo-french rerewarde = +rearguard]

Reason  —n. 1 motive, cause, or justification. 2 fact adduced or serving as this. 3 intellectual faculty by which conclusions are drawn from premisses. 4 sanity (lost his reason). 5 sense; sensible conduct; what is right, practical, or practicable; moderation. —v. 1 form or try to reach conclusions by connected thought. 2 (foll. By with) use argument with (a person) by way of persuasion. 3 (foll. By that) conclude or assert in argument. 4 (foll. By into, out of) persuade or move by argument. 5 (foll. By out) think out (consequences etc.). 6 (often as reasoned adj.) Express in a logical way. 7 embody reason in (an amendment etc.). ~ by reason of owing to. In (or within) reason within the bounds of moderation. With reason justifiably. [latin ratio]

Reasonable  adj. 1 having sound judgement; moderate; ready to listen to reason. 2 not absurd. 3 a not greatly less or more than might be expected. B inexpensive. C tolerable, fair. ~ reasonableness n. Reasonably adv.

Reassemble  v. (-ling) assemble again or into a former state. ~ reassembly n.

Reassert  v. Assert again, esp. With renewed emphasis. ~ reassertion n.

Reassess  v. Assess again or differently. ~ reassessment n.

Reassign  v. Assign again or differently. ~ reassignment n.

Reassure  v. (-ring) 1 restore confidence to; dispel the apprehensions of. 2 confirm in an opinion or impression. ~ reassurance n. Reassuring adj.

Reawaken  v. Awaken again.

Rebate1  n. 1 partial refund. 2 deduction from a sum to be paid; discount. [french rabattre: related to +re-, +abate]

Rebate2  n. & v. (-ting) = +rabbet.

Rebel  —n. 1 person who fights against, resists, or refuses allegiance to, the established government. 2 person or thing that resists authority or control. —attrib. Adj. 1 rebellious. 2 of rebels. 3 in rebellion. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) (usu. Foll. By against) 1 act as a rebel; revolt. 2 feel or display repugnance. [latin: related to +re-, bellum war]

Rebellion  n. Open resistance to authority, esp. Organized armed resistance to an established government. [latin: related to +rebel]

Rebellious  adj. 1 tending to rebel. 2 in rebellion. 3 defying lawful authority. 4 (of a thing) unmanageable, refractory. ~ rebelliously adv. Rebelliousness n.

Rebid  —v. (-dd-; past and past part. Rebid) bid again. —n. 1 act of rebidding. 2 bid so made.

Rebind  v. (past and past part. Rebound) bind (esp. A book) again or differently.

Rebirth  n. 1 new incarnation. 2 spiritual enlightenment. 3 revival. ~ reborn adj.

Reboot  v. (often absol.) Computing boot up (a system) again.

Rebound  —v. 1 spring back after impact. 2 (foll. By upon) (of an action) have an adverse effect upon (the doer). —n. Act of rebounding; recoil, reaction. ~ on the rebound while still recovering from an emotional shock, esp. Rejection by a lover. [french rebonder: related to +bound1]

Rebroadcast  —v. (past -cast or -casted; past part. -cast) broadcast again. —n. Repeat broadcast.

Rebuff  —n. 1 rejection of one who makes advances, proffers help, shows interest, makes a request, etc. 2 snub. —v. Give a rebuff to. [french from italian]

Rebuild  v. (past and past part. Rebuilt) build again or differently.

Rebuke  —v. (-king) express sharp disapproval to (a person) for a fault; censure. —n. Rebuking or being rebuked. [anglo-french]

Rebus  n. (pl. Rebuses) representation of a word (esp. A name) by pictures etc. Suggesting its parts. [latin rebus, ablative pl. Of res thing]

Rebut  v. (-tt-) 1 refute or disprove (evidence or a charge). 2 force or turn back; check. ~ rebuttal n. [anglo-french rebuter: related to +butt1]

Rec  n. Colloq. Recreation ground. [abbreviation]

Recalcitrant  adj. 1 obstinately disobedient. 2 objecting to restraint. ~ recalcitrance n. [latin recalcitro kick out, from calx heel]

Recall  —v. 1 summon to return. 2 recollect, remember. 3 bring back to memory; serve as a reminder of. 4 revoke or annul (an action or decision). 5 revive, resuscitate. 6 take back (a gift). —n. 1 summons to come back. 2 act of remembering. 3 ability to remember. 4 possibility of recalling, esp. In the sense of revoking (beyond recall).

Recant  v. (also absol.) Withdraw and renounce (a former belief or statement) as erroneous or heretical. ~ recantation n. [latin: related to +chant]

Recap  colloq. —v. (-pp-) recapitulate. —n. Recapitulation. [abbreviation]

Recapitulate  v. (-ting) 1 go briefly through again; summarize. 2 go over the main points or headings of. [latin: related to +capital]

Recapitulation  n. 1 act of recapitulating. 2 mus. Part of a movement in which themes are restated. [latin: related to +recapitulate]

Recapture  —v. (-ring) 1 capture again; recover by capture. 2 re-experience (a past emotion etc.). —n. Act of recapturing.

Recast  —v. (past and past part. Recast) 1 cast again (a play, net, votes, etc.). 2 put into a new form; improve the arrangement of. —n. 1 recasting. 2 recast form.

Recce  colloq. —n. Reconnaissance. —v. (recced, recceing) reconnoitre. [abbreviation]

Recede  v. (-ding) 1 go or shrink back or further off. 2 be left at an increasing distance by an observer's motion. 3 slope backwards (a receding chin). 4 decline in force or value. [latin recedere -cess-: related to +cede]

Receipt  —n. 1 receiving or being received. 2 written acknowledgement of payment received. 3 (usu. In pl.) Amount of money etc. Received. 4 archaic recipe. —v. Place a written or printed receipt on (a bill). ~ in receipt of having received. [anglo-french receite: related to +receive]

Receive  v. (-ving) 1 take or accept (a thing offered, sent, or given). 2 acquire; be provided with. 3 have conferred or inflicted on one. 4 react to (news, a play, etc.) In a particular way. 5 a stand the force or weight of. B bear up against; encounter with opposition. 6 consent to hear (a confession or oath) or consider (a petition). 7 (also absol.) Accept (stolen goods knowingly). 8 admit; consent or prove able to hold; provide accommodation for. 9 (of a receptacle) be able to hold. 10 greet or welcome, esp. In a specified manner. 11 entertain as a guest etc. 12 admit to membership. 13 convert (broadcast signals) into sound or pictures. 14 (often as received adj.) Give credit to; accept as authoritative or true. ~ be at (or on) the receiving end colloq. Bear the brunt of something unpleasant. [latin recipio -cept- get back again]

Received pronunciation  n. The form of educated spoken english used in southern england.

Receiver  n. 1 person or thing that receives. 2 part of a machine or instrument that receives something (esp. The part of a telephone that contains the earpiece). 3 (in full official receiver) person appointed by a court to administer the property of a bankrupt or insane person, or property under litigation. 4 radio or television receiving apparatus. 5 person who receives stolen goods.

Receivership  n. 1 office of official receiver. 2 state of being dealt with by a receiver (esp. In receivership).

Recent  —adj. 1 not long past; that happened, began to exist, or existed, lately. 2 not long established; lately begun; modern. 3 (recent) geol. Of the most recent epoch of the quaternary period. —n. (recent) geol. This epoch. ~ recently adv. [latin recens -ent-]

Receptacle  n. 1 containing vessel, place, or space. 2 bot. Enlarged and modified area of the stem apex which bears the flower. [latin: related to +receive]

Reception  n. 1 receiving or being received. 2 way in which a person or thing is received (cool reception). 3 social occasion for receiving guests, esp. After a wedding. 4 place where guests or clients etc. Report on arrival at a hotel, office, etc. 5 a receiving of broadcast signals. B quality of this. [latin: related to +receive]

Receptionist  n. Person employed to receive guests, clients, etc.

Reception room  n. Room for receiving guests, clients, etc.

Receptive  adj. Able or quick to receive impressions or ideas. ~ receptively adv. Receptiveness n. Receptivity n. [french or medieval latin: related to +receive]

Recess  —n. 1 space set back in a wall. 2 (often in pl.) Remote or secret place. 3 temporary cessation from work, esp. Of parliament. —v. 1 make a recess in. 2 place in a recess. 3 us take a recess; adjourn. [latin recessus: related to +recede]

Recession  n. 1 temporary decline in economic activity or prosperity. 2 receding or withdrawal from a place or point. [latin: related to +recess]

Recessional  —adj. Sung while the clergy and choir withdraw after a service. —n. Recessional hymn.

Recessive  adj. 1 tending to recede. 2  (of an inherited characteristic) appearing in offspring only when not masked by an inherited dominant characteristic.

Recharge  —v. (-ging) charge (a battery etc.) Again or be recharged. —n. Recharging or being recharged. ~ rechargeable adj.

Recheck  —v. Check again. —n. Further check or inspection.

Recherché  adj. 1 carefully sought out; rare or exotic. 2 far-fetched. [french]

Rechristen  v. 1 christen again. 2 give a new name to.

Recidivist  n. Person who relapses into crime. ~ recidivism n. [latin recidivus falling back: related to +recede]

Recipe  n. 1 statement of the ingredients and procedure required for preparing a cooked dish. 2 (foll. By for) certain means to (an outcome) (recipe for disaster). [2nd sing. Imperative of latin recipio +receive]

Recipient  n. Person who receives something. [italian or latin: related to +receive]

Reciprocal  —adj. 1 in return (a reciprocal greeting). 2 mutual. 3 gram. (of a pronoun) expressing mutual relation (as in each other). —n. Math. Expression or function so related to another that their product is unity (1/2 is the reciprocal of 2). ~ reciprocally adv. [latin reciprocus moving to and fro]

Reciprocate  v. (-ting) 1 requite (affection etc.). 2 (foll. By with) give in return. 3 give and receive mutually; interchange. 4 (of a part of a machine) move backwards and forwards. ~ reciprocation n.

Reciprocity  n. 1 condition of being reciprocal. 2 mutual action. 3 give and take, esp. The interchange of privileges.

Recital  n. 1 reciting or being recited. 2 concert of classical music given by a soloist or small group. 3 (foll. By of) detailed account of (connected things or facts); narrative.

Recitation  n. 1 reciting. 2 thing recited.

Recitative  n. Musical declamation in the narrative and dialogue parts of opera and oratorio. [italian recitativo: related to +recite]

Recite  v. (-ting) 1 repeat aloud or declaim (a poem or passage) from memory. 2 give a recitation. 3 enumerate. [latin recito read out]

Reckless  adj. Disregarding the consequences or danger etc.; rash. ~ recklessly adv. Recklessness n. [old english reck concern oneself]

Reckon  v. 1 (often foll. By that) be of the considered opinion; think. 2 consider or regard (reckoned to be the best). 3 count or compute by calculation. 4 (foll. By in) count in or include in computation. 5 make calculations; add up an account or sum. 6 (foll. By on) rely on, count on, or base plans on. 7 (foll. By with or without) take (or fail to take) into account. [old english]

Reckoning  n. 1 counting or calculating. 2 consideration or opinion. 3 settlement of an account.

Reclaim  v. 1 seek the return of (one's property, rights, etc.). 2 bring (land) under cultivation, esp. From being under water. 3 win back or away from vice, error, or a waste condition.~ reclaimable adj. Reclamation n. [latin reclamare cry out against]

Reclassify  v. (-ies, -ied) classify again or differently. ~ reclassification n.

Recline  v. (-ning) assume or be in a horizontal or relaxed leaning position. [latin reclino]

Reclothe  v. (-thing) clothe again or differently.

Recluse  n. Person given to or living in seclusion or isolation; hermit. ~ reclusive adj. [latin recludo -clus- shut away]

Recognition  n. Recognizing or being recognized. [latin: related to +recognize]

Recognizance  n. 1 bond by which a person undertakes before a court or magistrate to observe some condition, e.g. To appear when summoned. 2 sum pledged as surety for this. [french: related to +re-]

Recognize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 identify as already known. 2 realize or discover the nature of. 3 (foll. By that) realize or admit. 4 acknowledge the existence, validity, character, or claims of. 5 show appreciation of; reward. 6 (foll. By as, for) treat. ~ recognizable adj. [latin recognosco]

Recoil  —v. 1 suddenly move or spring back in fear, horror, or disgust. 2 shrink mentally in this way. 3 rebound after an impact. 4 (foll. By on, upon) have an adverse reactive effect on (the originator). 5 (of a gun) be driven backwards by its discharge. —n. Act or sensation of recoiling. [french reculer from latin culus buttocks]

Recollect  v. 1 remember. 2 succeed in remembering; call to mind. [latin recolligo: related to +collect1]

Recollection  n. 1 act or power of recollecting. 2 thing recollected. 3 a person's memory. B time over which memory extends (happened within my recollection). [french or medieval latin: related to +recollect]

Recolour  v. Colour again or differently.

Recombine  v. (-ning) combine again or differently.

Recommence  v. (-cing) begin again. ~ recommencement n.

Recommend  v. 1 suggest as fit for some purpose or use. 2 advise as a course of action etc. 3 (of qualities, conduct, etc.) Make acceptable or desirable. 4 (foll. By to) commend or entrust (to a person or a person's care). ~ recommendation n. [medieval latin: related to +re-]

Recompense  —v. (-sing) 1 make amends to (a person) or for (a loss etc.). 2 requite; reward or punish (a person or action). —n. 1 reward, requital. 2 retribution. [latin: related to +compensate]

Reconcile  v. (-ling) 1 make friendly again after an estrangement. 2 (usu. In refl. Or passive; foll. By to) make acquiescent or contentedly submissive to (something disagreeable). 3 settle (a quarrel etc.). 4 a harmonize, make compatible. B show the compatibility of by argument or in practice. ~ reconcilable adj. Reconciliation n. [latin: related to +conciliate]

Recondite  adj. 1 (of a subject or knowledge) abstruse, out of the way, little known. 2 (of an author or style) dealing in abstruse knowledge or allusions, obscure. [latin recondo -dit- put away]

Recondition  v. Overhaul, renovate, make usable again.

Reconnaissance  n. 1 survey of a region, esp. To locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features. 2 preliminary survey. [french: related to +reconnoitre]

Reconnect  v. Connect again. ~ reconnection n.

Reconnoiter  v. (brit. Reconnoitre) (-ring) make a reconnaissance (of). [french: related to +recognize]

Reconnoitre  v. (us reconnoiter) (-ring) make a reconnaissance (of). [french: related to +recognize]

Reconquer  v. Conquer again. ~ reconquest n.

Reconsider  v. Consider again, esp. For a possible change of decision. ~ reconsideration n.

Reconstitute  v. (-ting) 1 reconstruct. 2 reorganize. 3 rehydrate (dried food etc.). ~ reconstitution n.

Reconstruct  v. 1 build again. 2 a form an impression of (past events) by assembling the evidence for them. B re-enact (a crime). 3 reorganize. ~ reconstruction n.

Reconvene  v. (-ning) convene again, esp. After a pause in proceedings.

Reconvert  v. Convert back to a former state. ~ reconversion n.

Recopy  v. (-ies, -ied) copy again.

Record  —n. 1 a piece of evidence or information constituting an (esp. Official) account of something that has occurred, been said, etc. B document etc. Preserving this. 2 state of being set down or preserved in writing etc. 3 (in full gramophone record) disc carrying recorded sound in grooves on each surface, for reproduction by a record-player. 4 official report of the proceedings and judgement in a court of justice. 5 a facts known about a person's past. B list of a person's previous criminal convictions. 6 (often attrib.) Best performance (esp. In sport) or most remarkable event of its kind on record. 7 object serving as a memorial; portrait. —v. 1 set down in writing or some other permanent form for later reference. 2 convert (sound, a broadcast, etc.) Into permanent form for later reproduction. ~ for the record as an official statement etc. Go on record state one's opinion openly, so that it is recorded. Have a record have a recorded criminal conviction or convictions. Off the record unofficially, confidentially. On record officially recorded; publicly known. [latin cor cordis heart]

Record-breaking  attrib. Adj. That breaks a record.

Recorded delivery  n. Post office service in which the dispatch and receipt of an item are recorded.

Recorder  n. 1 apparatus for recording, esp. A video or tape recorder. 2 (also recorder) barrister or solicitor of at least ten years' standing, serving as a part-time judge. 3 wooden or plastic wind instrument with holes covered by the fingers. 4 keeper of records.

Record-holder  n. Person who holds a record.

Recording  n. 1 process by which audio or video signals are recorded for later reproduction. 2 material or a programme recorded.

Recordist  n. Person who records sound.

Record-player  n. Apparatus for reproducing sound from gramophone records.

Recount  v. 1 narrate. 2 tell in detail. [anglo-french reconter: related to +re-, +count1]

Re-count  —v. Count again. —n. Re-counting, esp. Of votes in an election.

Recoup  v. 1 recover or regain (a loss). 2 compensate or reimburse for a loss. ~ recoupment n. [french recouper cut back]

Recourse  n. 1 resort to a possible source of help. 2 person or thing resorted to. ~ have recourse to turn to (a person or thing) for help. [latin: related to +course]

Recover  v. 1 regain possession, use, or control of. 2 return to health, consciousness, or to a normal state or position. 3  obtain or secure by legal process. 4 retrieve or make up for (a loss, setback, etc.). 5 refl. Regain composure, consciousness, or control of one's limbs. 6 retrieve (reusable substances) from waste. ~ recoverable adj. [latin: related to +recuperate]

Re-cover  v. 1 cover again. 2 provide (a chair etc.) With a new cover.

Recovery  n. (pl. -ies) recovering or being recovered. [anglo-french recoverie: related to +recover]

Recreant  literary —adj. Craven, cowardly. —n. Coward. [medieval latin: related to +creed]

Re-create  v. (-ting) create over again, reproduce. ~ re-creation n.

Recreation  n. 1 process or means of refreshing or entertaining oneself. 2 pleasurable activity. ~ recreational adj. [latin: related to +create]

Recreation ground  n. Public land used for sports or games.

Recriminate  v. (-ting) make mutual or counter accusations. ~ recrimination n. Recriminatory adj. [medieval latin: related to +crime]

Recross  v. Cross again.

Recrudesce  v. (-cing) formal (of a disease, problem, etc.) Break out again. ~ recrudescence n. Recrudescent adj. [latin: related to +crude]

Recruit  —n. 1 newly enlisted serviceman or servicewoman. 2 new member of a society etc. 3 beginner. —v. 1 enlist (a person) as a recruit. 2 form (an army etc.) By enlisting recruits. 3 get or seek recruits. 4 replenish or reinvigorate (numbers, strength, etc.). ~ recruitment n. [french dial. Recrute: related to +crew1]

Rectal  adj. Of or by means of the rectum.

Rectangle  n. Plane figure with four straight sides and four right angles, esp. Other than a square. ~ rectangular adj. [french or medieval latin]

Rectify  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 adjust or make right. 2 purify or refine, esp. By repeated distillation. 3 convert (alternating current) to direct current. ~ rectifiable adj. Rectification n. Rectifier n. [latin rectus straight, right]

Rectilinear  adj.  1 bounded or characterized by straight lines. 2 in or forming a straight line. [latin: related to +rectify]

Rectitude  n. 1 moral uprightness, righteousness. 2 correctness. [latin rectus right]

Recto  n. (pl. -s) 1 right-hand page of an open book. 2 front of a printed leaf. [latin, = on the right]

Rector  n. 1 (in the church of england) incumbent of a parish where all tithes formerly passed to the incumbent (cf. +vicar). 2 rc ch. Priest in charge of a church or religious institution. 3 head of some universities and colleges. ~ rectorship n. [latin rego rect- rule]

Rectory  n. (pl. -ies) rector's house. [french or medieval latin: related to +rector]

Rectum  n. (pl. -s) final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus. [latin, = straight]

Recumbent  adj. Lying down; reclining. [latin cumbo lie]

Recuperate  v. (-ting) 1 recover from illness, exhaustion, loss, etc. 2 regain (health, a loss, etc.). ~ recuperation n. Recuperative adj. [latin recupero]

Recur  v. (-rr-) 1 occur again; be repeated. 2 (foll. By to) go back in thought or speech. 3 (as recurring adj.) (of a decimal fraction) with the same figure(s) repeated indefinitely (1.66 recurring). [latin curro run]

Recurrent  adj. Recurring; happening repeatedly. ~ recurrence n.

Recusant  —n. Person who refuses submission to an authority or compliance with a regulation, esp. Hist. One who refused to attend services of the church of england. —adj. Of or being a recusant. ~ recusancy n. [latin recuso refuse]

Recycle  v. (-ling) convert (waste) to reusable material. ~ recyclable adj.

Red  —adj. (redder, reddest) 1 of the colour ranging from that of blood to deep pink or orange. 2 flushed in the face with shame, anger, etc. 3 (of the eyes) bloodshot or red-rimmed. 4 (of the hair) reddish-brown, tawny. 5 having to do with bloodshed, burning, violence, or revolution. 6 colloq. Communist or socialist. 7 (red) hist. Russian, soviet. —n. 1 red colour or pigment. 2 red clothes or material. 3 colloq. Communist or socialist. ~ in the red in debt or deficit. ~ reddish adj. Redness n. [old english]

Red admiral  n. Butterfly with red bands.

Red-blooded  adj. Virile, vigorous.

Redbreast  n. Colloq. Robin.

Redbrick  adj. (of a university) founded in the 19th or early 20th c.

Redcap  n. Member of the military police.

Red card  n. Football card shown by the referee to a player being sent off.

Red carpet  n. Privileged treatment of an eminent visitor.

Red cell  n. (also red corpuscle) erythrocyte.

Redcoat  n. Hist. British soldier.

Red crescent  n. Equivalent of the red cross in muslim countries.

Red cross  n. International organization bringing relief to victims of war or disaster.

Redcurrant  n. 1 small red edible berry. 2 shrub bearing this.

Redden  v. 1 make or become red. 2 blush.

Redecorate  v. (-ting) decorate (a room etc.) Again or differently. ~ redecoration n.

Redeem  v. 1 recover by expenditure of effort or by a stipulated payment. 2 make a single payment to cancel (a regular charge or obligation). 3 convert (tokens or bonds etc.) Into goods or cash. 4 deliver from sin and damnation. 5 make up for; be a compensating factor in (has one redeeming feature). 6 (foll. By from) save from (a defect). 7 refl. Save (oneself) from blame. 8 purchase the freedom of (a person). 9 save (a person's life) by ransom. 10 save or rescue or reclaim. 11 fulfil (a promise). ~ redeemable adj. [latin emo buy]

Redeemer  n. 1 person who redeems. 2 (the redeemer) christ.

Redefine  v. (-ning) define again or differently. ~ redefinition n.

Redemption  n. 1 redeeming or being redeemed. 2 thing that redeems. [latin: related to +redeem]

Redeploy  v. Send (troops, workers, etc.) To a new place or task. ~ redeployment n.

Redesign  v. Design again or differently.

Redevelop  v. Replan or rebuild (esp. An urban area). ~ redevelopment n.

Red flag  n. 1 symbol of socialist revolution. 2 warning of danger.

Red-handed  adv. In the act of committing a crime, doing wrong, etc.

Red hat  n. 1 cardinal's hat. 2 symbol of a cardinal's office.

Redhead  n. Person with red hair.

Red herring  n. Misleading clue; distraction.

Red-hot  adj. 1 heated until red. 2 colloq. Highly exciting. 3 colloq. (of news) fresh; completely new. 4 intensely excited. 5 enraged.

Red-hot poker  n. Cultivated plant with spikes of usu. Red or yellow flowers.

Redial  v. (-ll-; us -l-) dial again.

Rediffusion  n. Relaying of broadcast programmes, esp. By cable from a central receiver.

Red indian  n. Offens. American indian.

Redirect  v. 1 direct again; send in a different direction. 2 readdress (a letter etc.).

Rediscover  v. Discover again. ~ rediscovery n. (pl. -ies).

Redistribute  v. (-ting) distribute again or differently. ~ redistribution n.

Redivide  v. (-ding) divide again or differently.

Red lead  n. Red form of lead oxide used as a pigment.

Red-letter day  n. Day that is pleasantly noteworthy or memorable (orig. A festival marked in red on the calendar).

Red light  n. 1 signal to stop on a road, railway, etc. 2 warning.

Red-light district  n. District where many prostitutes work.

Red meat  n. Meat that is red when raw (e.g. Beef or lamb).

Redneck  n. Us often derog. Politically conservative working-class white in the southern us.

Redo  v. (redoing; 3rd sing. Present redoes; past redid; past part. Redone) 1 do again. 2 redecorate.

Redolent  adj. 1 (foll. By of, with) strongly reminiscent, suggestive, or smelling. 2 fragrant. ~ redolence n. [latin oleo smell]

Redouble  —v. (-ling) 1 make or grow greater or more intense or numerous. 2 bridge double again a bid already doubled by an opponent. —n. Bridge redoubling of a bid.

Redoubt  n. Mil. Outwork or fieldwork without flanking defences. [french redoute: related to +reduce]

Redoubtable  adj. Formidable.

Redound  v. 1 (foll. By to) make a great contribution to (one's credit or advantage etc.). 2 (foll. By upon, on) come back or recoil upon. [latin unda wave]

Red pepper  n. 1 cayenne pepper. 2 ripe red fruit of the capsicum plant.

Redpoll  n. Finch with a red forehead, similar to a linnet.

Redraft  v. Draft (a text) again, usu. Differently.

Red rag  n. Something that excites a person's rage.

Redraw  v. (past redrew; past part. Redrawn) draw again or differently.

Redress  —v. 1 remedy or rectify (a wrong or grievance etc.). 2 readjust, set straight again. —n. 1 reparation for a wrong. 2 (foll. By of) redressing (a grievance etc.). ~ redress the balance restore equality. [french: related to +dress]

Red rose  n. Emblem of lancashire or the lancastrians.

Redshank  n. Sandpiper with bright-red legs.

Redshift  n. Displacement of the spectrum to longer wavelengths in the light coming from receding galaxies etc.

Redskin  n. Colloq. Offens. American indian.

Red squirrel  n. Native british squirrel with reddish fur.

Redstart  n. Red-tailed songbird. [from +red, obsolete steort tail]

Red tape  n. Excessive bureaucracy or formality, esp. In public business.

Reduce  v. (-cing) 1 make or become smaller or less. 2 (foll. By to) bring by force or necessity (to some undesirable state or action) (reduced them to tears; reduced to begging). 3 convert to another (esp. Simpler) form (reduced it to a powder). 4 convert (a fraction) to the form with the lowest terms. 5 (foll. By to) bring, simplify, or adapt by classification or analysis (the dispute may be reduced to three issues). 6 make lower in status or rank. 7 lower the price of. 8 lessen one's weight or size. 9 weaken (is in a very reduced state). 10 impoverish. 11 subdue, bring back to obedience. 12 chem. A (cause to) combine with hydrogen. B (cause to) undergo addition of electrons. 13 a (in surgery) restore (a dislocated etc. Part) to its proper position. B remedy (a dislocation etc.) In this way. ~ reducible adj. [latin duco bring]

Reduced circumstances  n.pl. Poverty after relative prosperity.

Reductio ad absurdum  n. Proof of the falsity of a premiss by showing that its logical consequence is absurd. [latin, = reduction to the absurd]

Reduction  n. 1 reducing or being reduced. 2 amount by which prices etc. Are reduced. 3 smaller copy of a picture etc. ~ reductive adj.

Redundant  adj. 1 superfluous. 2 that can be omitted without any loss of significance. 3 (of a person) no longer needed at work and therefore unemployed. ~ redundancy n. (pl. -ies). [latin: related to +redound]

Reduplicate  v. (-ting) 1 make double. 2 repeat. 3 repeat (a letter or syllable or word) exactly or with a slight change (e.g. Hurly-burly, see-saw). ~ reduplication n.

Redwing  n. Thrush with red underwings.

Redwood  n. Very large californian conifer yielding red wood.

Re-echo  v. (-es, -ed) echo repeatedly; resound.

Reed  n. 1 a water or marsh plant with a firm stem. B tall straight stalk of this. 2 a strip of cane etc. Vibrating to produce the sound in some wind instruments. B (esp. In pl.) Such an instrument. ~ reeded adj. [old english]

Reed-bed  n. Bed or growth of reeds.

Re-educate  v. (-ting) educate again, esp. To change a person's views. ~ re-education n.

Reedy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of reeds. 2 like a reed. 3 (of a voice) like a reed instrument in tone. ~ reediness n.

Reef1  n. 1 ridge of rock or coral etc. At or near the surface of the sea. 2 a lode of ore. B bedrock surrounding this. [old norse rif]

Reef2  —n. Each of several strips across a sail, for taking it in or rolling it up to reduce its surface area in a high wind. —v. Take in a reef or reefs of (a sail). [dutch from old norse]

Reefer  n. 1 slang marijuana cigarette. 2 thick double-breasted jacket. [from +reef2]

Reef-knot  n. Symmetrical double knot.

Reek  —v. (often foll. By of) 1 smell strongly and unpleasantly. 2 have unpleasant or suspicious associations (reeks of corruption). —n. 1 foul or stale smell. 2 esp. Scot. Smoke. 3 vapour, visible exhalation. [old english]

Reel  —n. 1 cylindrical device on which thread, silk, yarn, paper, film, wire, etc., are wound. 2 quantity of thread etc. Wound on a reel. 3 device for winding and unwinding a line as required, esp. In fishing. 4 revolving part in various machines. 5 a lively folk or scottish dance. B music for this. —v. 1 wind (thread, fishing-line, etc.) On a reel. 2 (foll. By in, up) draw (fish etc.) In or up with a reel. 3 stand, walk, or run unsteadily. 4 be shaken mentally or physically. 5 rock from side to side, or swing violently. 6  dance a reel. ~ reel off say or recite very rapidly and without apparent effort. [old english]

Re-elect  v. Elect again, esp. To a further term of office. ~ re-election n.

Re-embark  v. Go or put on board ship again.

Re-emerge  v. (-ging) emerge again; come back out. ~ re-emergence n.

Re-emphasize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) place renewed emphasis on.

Re-employ  v. Employ again. ~ re-employment n.

Re-enact  v. Act out (a past event). ~ re-enactment n.

Re-engage  v. (-ging) engage again.

Re-enlist  v. Enlist again, esp. In the armed services.

Re-enter  v. Enter again; go back in.

Re-entrant  adj. (of an angle) pointing inwards, reflex.

Re-entry  n. (pl. -ies) act of entering again, esp. (of a spacecraft, missile, etc.) Re-entering the earth's atmosphere.

Re-equip  v. (-pp-) provide or be provided with new equipment.

Re-establish  v. Establish again or anew. ~ re-establishment n.

Reeve1  n. Hist. 1 chief magistrate of a town or district. 2 official supervising a landowner's estate. [old english]

Reeve2  v. (past rove or reeved) naut. 1 (usu. Foll. By through) thread (a rope or rod etc.) Through a ring or other aperture. 2 fasten (a rope or block) in this way. [probably dutch reven]

Reeve3  n. Female ruff. [origin unknown]

Re-examine  v. (-ning) examine again or further. ~ re-examination n.

Ref1  n. Colloq. Referee in sports. [abbreviation]

Ref2  n. Commerce reference. [abbreviation]

Reface  v. (-cing) put a new facing on (a building).

Refashion  v. Fashion again or differently.

Refectory  n. (pl. -ies) dining-room, esp. In a monastery or college. [latin reficio renew]

Refectory table  n. Long narrow table.

Refer  v. (-rr-) (usu. Foll. By to) 1 make an appeal or have recourse to (some authority or source of information) (referred to his notes). 2 send on or direct (a person, or a question for decision). 3 (of a person speaking) make an allusion or direct the hearer's or reader's attention (did not refer to our problems). 4 (of a statement etc.) Be relevant; relate (these figures refer to last year). 5  send (a person) to a medical specialist etc. 6 (foll. By back to) a return (a document etc.) To its sender for clarification. B send (a proposal etc.) Back to (a lower body, court, etc.). 7 fail (a candidate in an examination). ~ referable adj. [latin refero relat- carry back]

Referee  —n. 1 umpire, esp. In football or boxing. 2 person referred to for a decision in a dispute etc. 3 person willing to testify to the character of an applicant for employment etc. —v. (-rees, -reed) act as referee (for).

Reference  n. 1 referring of a matter for decision or settlement or consideration to some authority. 2 scope given to this authority. 3 (foll. By to) a relation, respect, or correspondence. B allusion. C direction to a book etc. (or a passage in it) where information may be found. D book or passage so cited. 4 act of looking up a passage etc., or referring to a book or person for information. 5 a written testimonial supporting an applicant for employment etc. B person giving this. ~ with (or in) reference to regarding; as regards; about. ~ referential adj.

Reference book  n. Book intended to be consulted for occasional information rather than to be read continuously.

Referendum  n. (pl. -s or -da) vote on an important political question open to all the electors of a state. [latin: related to +refer]

Referral  n. Referring of a person to a medical specialist etc.

Referred pain  n. Pain felt in a part of the body other than its actual source.

Refill  —v. Fill again. —n. 1 thing that refills, esp. Another drink. 2 act of refilling. ~ refillable adj.

Refine  v. (-ning) 1 free from impurities or defects. 2 make or become more polished, elegant, or cultured.

Refined  adj. Polished, elegant, cultured.

Refinement  n. 1 refining or being refined. 2 fineness of feeling or taste. 3 polish or elegance in behaviour or manner. 4 added development or improvement (car with several refinements). 5 subtle reasoning; fine distinction.

Refiner  n. Person or firm whose business is to refine crude oil, metal, sugar, etc.

Refinery  n. (pl. -ies) place where oil, sugar, etc. Is refined.

Refit  —v. (-tt-) esp. Naut. Make or become serviceable again by repairs, renewals, etc. —n. Refitting.

Reflate  v. (-ting) cause reflation of (a currency or economy etc.). [from +re-, after inflate, deflate]

Reflation  n. Inflation of a financial system to restore its previous condition after deflation. ~ reflationary adj. [from +re-, after inflation, deflation]

Reflect  v. 1 (of a surface or body) throw back (heat, light, sound, etc.). 2  (of a mirror) show an image of; reproduce to the eye or mind. 3 correspond in appearance or effect to (their behaviour reflects their upbringing). 4 a (of an action, result, etc.) Show or bring (credit, discredit, etc.). B (absol.; usu. Foll. By on, upon) bring discredit on. 5 a (often foll. By on, upon) meditate on; think about. B (foll. By that, how, etc.) Consider; remind oneself. [latin flecto flex- bend]

Reflection  n. (also reflexion) 1 reflecting or being reflected. 2 a reflected light, heat, or colour. B reflected image. 3 reconsideration (on reflection). 4 (often foll. By on) discredit or thing bringing discredit. 5 (often foll. By on, upon) idea arising in the mind; comment.

Reflective  adj. 1 (of a surface etc.) Reflecting. 2 (of mental faculties) concerned in reflection or thought. 3 (of a person or mood etc.) Thoughtful; given to meditation. ~ reflectively adv. Reflectiveness n.

Reflector  n. 1 piece of glass or metal etc. For reflecting light in a required direction, e.g. A red one on the back of a motor vehicle or bicycle. 2 a telescope etc. Using a mirror to produce images. B the mirror itself.

Reflex  —adj. 1 (of an action) independent of the will, as an automatic response to the stimulation of a nerve. 2 (of an angle) exceeding 180°. —n. 1 reflex action. 2 sign or secondary manifestation (law is a reflex of public opinion). 3 reflected light or image. [latin: related to +reflect]

Reflex camera  n. Camera in which the viewed image is formed by a mirror, enabling the scene to be correctly composed and focused.

Reflexion  var. Of +reflection.

Reflexive  gram. —adj. 1 (of a word or form, esp. Of a pronoun) referring back to the subject of a sentence (e.g. Myself). 2 (of a verb) having a reflexive pronoun as its object (as in to wash oneself). —n. Reflexive word or form, esp. A pronoun (e.g. Myself).

Reflexology  n. Massage through points on the feet, hands, and head, to relieve tension and treat illness. ~ reflexologist n.

Refloat  v. Set (a stranded ship) afloat again.

Refocus  v. (-s- or -ss-) focus again or anew.

Reforest  v. = +reafforest. ~ reforestation n.

Reforge  v. (-ging) forge again or differently.

Reform  —v. 1 make or become better by the removal of faults and errors. 2 abolish or cure (an abuse or malpractice). —n. 1 removal of faults or abuses, esp. Moral, political, or social. 2 improvement made or suggested. ~ reformative adj.

Re-form  v. Form again. ~ re-formation n.

Reformat  v. (-tt-) format anew.

Reformation  n. 1 reforming or being reformed, esp. A radical change for the better in political, religious, or social affairs. 2 (the reformation) hist. 16th-c. Movement for the reform of abuses in the roman church ending in the establishment of the reformed or protestant churches.

Reformatory  —n. (pl. -ies) us & hist. Institution for the reform of young offenders. —adj. Producing reform.

Reformed church  n. A protestant (esp. Calvinist) church.

Reformer  n. Person who advocates or brings about (esp. Political or social) reform.

Reformism  n. Policy of reform rather than abolition or revolution. ~ reformist n. & adj.

Reformulate  v. (-ting) formulate again or differently. ~ reformulation n.

Refract  v. (of water, air, glass, etc.) Deflect (a ray of light etc.) At a certain angle when it enters obliquely from another medium. ~ refraction n. Refractive adj. [latin refringo -fract- break open]

Refractor  n. 1 refracting medium or lens. 2 telescope using a lens to produce an image.

Refractory  adj. 1 stubborn, unmanageable, rebellious. 2 (of a wound, disease, etc.) Not yielding to treatment. 3 (of a substance) hard to fuse or work. [latin: related to +refract]

Refrain1  v. (foll. By from) avoid doing (an action) (refrain from smoking). [latin frenum bridle]

Refrain2  n. 1 recurring phrase or lines, esp. At the ends of stanzas. 2 music accompanying this. [latin: related to +refract]

Refrangible  adj. That can be refracted. [latin: related to +refract]

Refreeze  v. (-zing; past refroze; past part. Refrozen) freeze again.

Refresh  v. 1 give new spirit or vigour to. 2 revive (the memory), esp. By consulting the source of one's information. ~ refreshing adj. Refreshingly adv. [french: related to +fresh]

Refresher  n. 1 something that refreshes, esp. A drink. 2 law extra fee payable to counsel in a prolonged case.

Refresher course  n. Course reviewing or updating previous studies.

Refreshment  n. 1 refreshing or being refreshed. 2 (usu. In pl.) Food or drink.

Refrigerant  —n. Substance used for refrigeration. —adj. Cooling. [latin: related to +refrigerate]

Refrigerate  v. (-ting) 1 make or become cool or cold. 2 subject (food etc.) To cold in order to freeze or preserve it. ~ refrigeration n. [latin refrigero from frigus cold]

Refrigerator  n. Cabinet or room in which food etc. Is kept cold.

Refroze  past of +refreeze.

Refrozen  past part. Of +refreeze.

Refuel  v. (-ll-; us -l-) replenish a fuel supply; supply with more fuel.

Refuge  n. 1 shelter from pursuit, danger, or trouble. 2 person or place etc. Offering this. [latin refugium from fugio flee]

Refugee  n. Person taking refuge, esp. In a foreign country, from war, persecution, or natural disaster. [french réfugié: related to +refuge]

Refulgent  adj. Literary shining, gloriously bright. ~ refulgence n. [latin refulgeo shine brightly]

Refund  —v. (also absol.) 1 pay back (money or expenses). 2 reimburse (a person). —n. 1 act of refunding. 2 sum refunded. ~ refundable adj. [latin fundo pour]

Refurbish  v. 1 brighten up. 2 restore and redecorate. ~ refurbishment n.

Refurnish  v. Furnish again or differently.

Refusal  n. 1 refusing or being refused. 2 (in full first refusal) right or privilege of deciding to take or leave a thing before it is offered to others.

Refuse1  v. (-sing) 1 withhold acceptance of or consent to (refuse an offer, orders). 2 (often foll. By to + infin.) Indicate unwillingness or inability (i refuse to go; car refuses to start; i refuse!). 3 (often with double object) not grant (a request) made by (a person). 4 (also absol.) (of a horse) be unwilling to jump (a fence etc.). [french refuser]

Refuse2  n. Items rejected as worthless; waste. [french: related to +refuse1]

Refusenik  n. Hist. Soviet jew who has been refused permission to emigrate to israel.

Refute  v. (-ting) 1 prove the falsity or error of (a statement etc. Or the person advancing it). 2 rebut by argument. 3 deny or contradict (without argument). ~ refutation n. [latin refuto]

Usage  the use of refute in sense 3 is considered incorrect by some people. It is often confused in this sense with repudiate.

Reg  n. Colloq. = +registration mark. [abbreviation]

Regain  v. Obtain possession or use of after loss (regain consciousness).

Regal  adj. 1 of or by a monarch or monarchs. 2 fit for a monarch; magnificent. ~ regality n. Regally adv. [latin rex reg- king]

Regale  v. (-ling) 1 entertain lavishly with feasting. 2 (foll. By with) entertain with (talk etc.). [french régaler: related to +gallant]

Regalia  n.pl. 1 insignia of royalty used at coronations. 2 insignia of an order or of civic dignity. [medieval latin: related to +regal]

Regard  —v. 1 gaze on steadily (usu. In a specified way) (regarded them suspiciously). 2 heed; take into account. 3 look upon or think of in a specified way (regard it as an insult). —n. 1 gaze; steady or significant look. 2 (foll. By to, for) attention or care. 3 (foll. By for) esteem; kindly feeling; respectful opinion. 4 respect; point attended to (in this regard). 5 (in pl.) Expression of friendliness in a letter etc.; compliments. ~ as regards about, concerning; in respect of. In (or with) regard to as concerns; in respect of. [french regard(er): related to +guard]

Regardful  adj. (foll. By of) mindful of.

Regarding  prep. About, concerning; in respect of.

Regardless  —adj. (foll. By of) without regard or consideration for. —adv. Without paying attention.

Regatta  n. Event consisting of rowing or yacht races. [italian]

Regency  n. (pl. -ies) 1 office of regent. 2 commission acting as regent. 3 a period of office of a regent or regency commission. B (regency) (in the uk) 1811 to 1820. [medieval latin regentia: related to +regent]

Regenerate  —v. (-ting) 1 bring or come into renewed existence; generate again. 2 improve the moral condition of. 3 impart new, more vigorous, or spiritually higher life or nature to. 4 biol.

Regent  —n. Person appointed to administer a state because the monarch is a minor or is absent or incapacitated. —adj. (after the noun) acting as regent (prince regent). [latin rego rule]

Reggae  n. W. Indian style of music with a strongly accented subsidiary beat. [origin unknown]

Regicide  n. 1 person who kills or helps to kill a king. 2 killing of a king. [latin rex reg- king, +-cide]

Regime  n. (also régime) 1 method or system of government. 2 prevailing order or system of things. 3 regimen. [french: related to +regimen]

Regimen  n. Prescribed course of exercise, way of life, and diet. [latin rego rule]

Regiment  —n. 1 a permanent unit of an army, usu. Commanded by a colonel and divided into several companies, troops, or batteries. B operational unit of artillery etc. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) large or formidable array or number. —v. 1 organize (esp. Oppressively) in groups or according to a system. 2 form into a regiment or regiments. ~ regimentation n. [latin: related to +regimen]

Regimental  —adj. Of a regiment. —n. (in pl.) Military uniform, esp. Of a particular regiment. ~ regimentally adv.

Regina  n. 1 (after the name) reigning queen (elizabeth regina). 2 law the crown (regina v. Jones). [latin, = queen: related to +rex]

Region  n. 1 geographical area or division, having definable boundaries or characteristics (fertile region). 2 administrative area, esp. In scotland. 3 part of the body (lumbar region). 4 sphere or realm (region of metaphysics). ~ in the region of approximately. ~ regional adj. Regionally adv. [latin rego rule]

Register  —n. 1 official list, e.g. Of births, marriages, and deaths, of children in a class, of shipping, of professionally qualified persons, or of qualified voters in a constituency. 2 book in which items are recorded for reference. 3 device recording speed, force, etc. 4 a compass of a voice or instrument. B part of this compass (lower register). 5 adjustable plate for widening or narrowing an opening and regulating a draught, esp. In a fire-grate. 6 a set of organ pipes. B sliding device controlling this. 7 = +cash register. 8 form of a language (colloquial, literary, etc.) Used in particular circumstances. 9 computing a memory location having specific properties and quick access time. —v. 1 set down (a name, fact, complaint, etc.) Formally; record in writing. 2 enter or cause to be entered in a particular register. 3 commit (a letter etc.) To registered post. 4 (of an instrument) record automatically; indicate. 5 a express (an emotion) facially or by gesture (registered surprise). B (of an emotion) show in a person's face or gestures. 6 make an impression on a person's mind. [latin regero -gest- transcribe, record]

Registered nurse  n. Nurse with a state certificate of competence.

Registered post  n. Postal procedure with special precautions for safety and for compensation in case of loss.

Register office  n. State office where civil marriages are conducted.

Usage  register office is the official name, although registry office is often heard in colloquial usage.

Registrar  n. 1 official responsible for keeping a register. 2 chief administrator in a university, college, etc. 3 hospital doctor training as a specialist. [medieval latin: related to +register]

Registration  n. Registering or being registered. [french or medieval latin: related to +register]

Registration mark  n. (also registration number) combination of letters and numbers identifying a vehicle etc.

Registry  n. (pl. -ies) place where registers or records are kept. [medieval latin: related to +register]

Registry office  n. = +register office.

Regius professor  n. Holder of a chair founded by a sovereign (esp. One at oxford or cambridge instituted by henry viii) or filled by crown appointment. [latin regius royal]

Regrade  v. (-ding) grade again or differently.

Regress  —v. 1 move backwards; return to a former, esp. Worse, state. 2 psychol. (cause to) return mentally to a former stage of life. —n. Act of regressing. ~ regression n. Regressive adj. [latin regredior -gress- go back]

Regret  —v. (-tt-) 1 feel or express sorrow, repentance, or distress over (an action or loss etc.). 2 acknowledge with sorrow or remorse (regret to say). —n. Feeling of sorrow, repentance, etc., over an action or loss etc. ~ give (or send) one's regrets formally decline an invitation. [french regretter]

Regretful  adj. Feeling or showing regret. ~ regretfully adv.

Regrettable  adj. (of events or conduct) undesirable, unwelcome; deserving censure. ~ regrettably adv.

Regroup  v. 1 group or arrange again or differently. 2 mil. Prepare for a fresh attack.

Regrow  v. Grow again, esp. After an interval. ~ regrowth n.

Regular  —adj. 1 acting, done, or recurring uniformly or calculably in time or manner; habitual, constant, orderly. 2 conforming to a rule or principle; systematic. 3 harmonious, symmetrical. 4 conforming to a standard of etiquette or procedure. 5 properly constituted or qualified; pursuing an occupation as one's main pursuit (regular soldier). 6 gram. (of a noun, verb, etc.) Following the normal type of inflection. 7 colloq. Thorough, absolute (a regular hero). 8 (before or after the noun) bound by religious rule; belonging to a religious or monastic order (canon regular). 9 (of a person) defecating or menstruating at predictable times. —n. 1 regular soldier. 2 colloq. Regular customer, visitor, etc. 3 one of the regular clergy. ~ regularity n. Regularize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Regularly adv. [latin regula rule]

Regulate  v. (-ting) 1 control by rule. 2 subject to restrictions. 3 adapt to requirements. 4 alter the speed of (a machine or clock) so that it works accurately. ~ regulator n. Regulatory adj. [latin: related to +regular]

Regulation  n. 1 regulating or being regulated. 2 prescribed rule. 3 (attrib.) A in accordance with regulations; of the correct type etc. B colloq. Usual.

Regulo  n. (usu. Foll. By a numeral) each of the numbers of a scale denoting temperature in a gas oven (cook at regulo 6). [regulo, propr. Term for a thermostatic gas oven control]

Regurgitate  v. (-ting) 1 bring (swallowed food) up again to the mouth. 2 reproduce, rehash (information etc.). ~ regurgitation n. [latin gurges -git- whirlpool]

Rehabilitate  v. (-ting) 1 restore to effectiveness or normal life by training etc., esp. After imprisonment or illness. 2 restore to former privileges or reputation or a proper condition. ~ rehabilitation n. [medieval latin: related to +re-, +ability]

Rehang  v. (past and past part. Rehung) hang again or differently.

Rehash  —v. Put (old material) into a new form without significant change or improvement. —n. 1 material rehashed. 2 rehashing.

Rehear  v. (past and past part. Reheard) hear (esp. A judicial case) again.

Rehearsal  n. 1 trial performance or practice of a play, music, etc. 2 process of rehearsing.

Rehearse  v. (-sing) 1 practise (a play, music, etc.) For later public performance. 2 hold a rehearsal. 3 train (a person) by rehearsal. 4 recite or say over. 5 give a list of, enumerate. [anglo-french: related to +hearse]

Reheat  v. Heat again.

Rehouse  v. (-sing) house elsewhere.

Rehung  past and past part. Of +rehang.

Reich  n. The former german state, esp. The third reich. [german, = empire]

Reign  —v. 1 be king or queen. 2 prevail (confusion reigns). 3 (as reigning attrib. Adj.) (of a winner, champion, etc.) Currently holding the title etc. —n. 1 sovereignty, rule. 2 period during which a sovereign rules.

Reimburse  v. (-sing) 1 repay (a person who has expended money). 2 repay (a person's expenses). ~ reimbursement n.

Reimpose  v. (-sing) impose again, esp. After a lapse.

Rein  —n. (in sing. Or pl.) 1 long narrow strap with each end attached to the bit, used to guide or check a horse etc. 2 similar device used to restrain a child. 3 means of control. —v. 1 check or manage with reins. 2 (foll. By up, back) pull up or back with reins. 3 (foll. By in) hold in as with reins. 4 govern, restrain, control. ~ give free rein to allow freedom of action or expression. Keep a tight rein on allow little freedom to. [french rene from latin retinere +retain]

Reincarnation  n. Rebirth of a soul in a new body. ~ reincarnate v. (-ting). Reincarnate adj.

Reindeer  n. (pl. Same or -s) subarctic deer with large antlers. [old norse]

Reinforce  v. (-cing) strengthen or support, esp. With additional personnel or material or by an increase of numbers or quantity or size etc. [french renforcer]

Reinforced concrete  n. Concrete with metal bars or wire etc. Embedded to increase its strength.

Reinforcement  n. 1 reinforcing or being reinforced. 2 thing that reinforces. 3 (in pl.) Reinforcing personnel or equipment etc.

Reinsert  v. Insert again.

Reinstate  v. (-ting) 1 replace in a former position. 2 restore (a person etc.) To former privileges. ~ reinstatement n.

Reinsure  v. (-ring) insure again (esp. Of an insurer transferring risk to another insurer). ~ reinsurance n.

Reinterpret  v. (-t-) interpret again or differently. ~ reinterpretation n.

Reintroduce  v. (-cing) introduce again. ~ reintroduction n.

Reinvest  v. Invest again (esp. Proceeds or interest). ~ reinvestment n.

Reissue  —v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) issue again or in a different form. —n. New issue, esp. Of a previously published book.

Reiterate  v. (-ting) say or do again or repeatedly. ~ reiteration n.

Reject  —v. 1 put aside or send back as not to be used, done, or complied with etc. 2 refuse to accept or believe in. 3 rebuff or withhold affection from (a person). 4 show an immune response to (a transplant) so that it fails. —n. Thing or person rejected as unfit or below standard. ~ rejection n. [latin rejicio -ject- throw back]

Rejig  v. (-gg-) 1 re-equip (a factory etc.) For a new kind of work. 2 rearrange.

Rejoice  v. (-cing) 1 feel great joy. 2 be glad. 3 (foll. By in, at) take delight. [french rejoir: related to +joy]

Rejoin1  v. 1 join together again; reunite. 2 join (a companion etc.) Again.

Rejoin2  v. 1 say in answer, retort. 2 reply to a charge or pleading in a lawsuit. [french rejoindre: related to +join]

Rejoinder  n. What is said in reply; retort. [anglo-french: related to +rejoin2]

Rejuvenate  v. (-ting) make (as if) young again. ~ rejuvenation n. [latin juvenis young]

Rekindle  v. (-ling) kindle again.

Relabel  v. (-ll-; us -l-) label (esp. A commodity) again or differently.

Relapse  —v. (-sing) (usu. Foll. By into) fall back or sink again (into a worse state after improvement). —n. Relapsing, esp. A deterioration in a patient's condition after partial recovery. [latin labor laps- slip]

Relate  v. (-ting) 1 narrate or recount. 2 (usu. Foll. By to, with) connect (two things) in thought or meaning; associate. 3 (foll. By to) have reference to. 4 (foll. By to) feel connected or sympathetic to. [latin: related to +refer]

Related  adj. Connected, esp. By blood or marriage.

Relation  n. 1 a the way in which one person or thing is related or connected to another. B connection, correspondence, contrast, or feeling prevailing between persons or things (bears no relation to the facts; enjoyed good relations for many years). 2 relative. 3 (in pl.) A (foll.

Relationship  n. 1 state or instance of being related. 2 a connection or association (good working relationship). B colloq. Emotional (esp. Sexual) association between two people.

Relative  —adj. 1 considered in relation to something else (relative velocity). 2 (foll. By to) proportioned to (something else) (growth is relative to input). 3 implying comparison or contextual relation (‘heat’ is a relative word). 4 comparative (their relative merits). 5 having mutual relations; corresponding in some way; related to each other. 6 (foll. By to) having reference or relating to (the facts relative to the issue). 7 gram. A (of a word, esp. A pronoun) referring to an expressed or implied antecedent and attaching a subordinate clause to it, e.g. Which, who. B (of a clause) attached to an antecedent by a relative word. —n. 1 person connected by blood or marriage. 2 species related to another by common origin. 3 gram. Relative word, esp. A pronoun. ~ relatively adv. [latin: related to +refer]

Relative atomic mass  n. The ratio of the average mass of one atom of an element to one-twelfth of the mass of an atom of carbon-12.

Relative density  n. The ratio between the mass of a substance and that of the same volume of a substance used as a standard (usu. Water or air).

Relative molecular mass  n. The ratio of the average mass of one molecule of an element or compound to one-twelfth of the mass of an atom of carbon-12.

Relativity  n. 1 being relative. 2 physics a (special theory of relativity) theory based on the principle that all motion is relative and that light has a constant velocity. B (general theory of relativity) theory extending this to gravitation and accelerated motion.

Relax  v. 1 make or become less stiff, rigid, or tense. 2 make or become less formal or strict (rules were relaxed). 3 reduce or abate (one's attention, efforts, etc.). 4 cease work or effort. 5 (as relaxed adj.) At ease; unperturbed. [latin relaxo: related to +lax]

Relaxation  n. 1 relaxing or being relaxed. 2 recreation.

Relay  —n. 1 fresh set of people etc. Substituted for tired ones. 2 supply of material similarly used. 3 = +relay race. 4 device activating an electric circuit etc. In response to changes affecting itself. 5 a device to receive, reinforce, and transmit a message, broadcast, etc. B relayed message or transmission. —v. Receive (a message, broadcast, etc.) And transmit it to others. [french relai from latin laxo: see +lax]

Re-lay  v. (past and past part. Re-laid) lay again or differently.

Relay race  n. Race between teams of which each member in turn covers part of the distance.

Relearn  v. Learn again.

Release  —v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By from) set free; liberate, unfasten. 2 allow to move from a fixed position. 3 a make (information, a recording, etc.) Publicly available. B issue (a film etc.) For general exhibition. —n. 1 liberation from a restriction, duty, or difficulty. 2 handle or catch that releases part of a mechanism. 3 news item etc. Made available for publication (press release). 4 a film or record etc. That is released. B releasing or being released in this way. [french relesser from latin relaxo +relax]

Relegate  v. (-ting) 1 consign or dismiss to an inferior position. 2 transfer (a sports team) to a lower division of a league etc. 3 banish. ~ relegation n. [latin relego send away]

Relent  v. Relax severity, abandon a harsh intention, yield to compassion. [medieval latin lentus flexible]

Relentless  adj. Unrelenting, oppressively constant. ~ relentlessly adv.

Re-let  —v. (-tt-; past and past part. -let) let (a property) for a further period or to a new tenant. —n. Re-let property.

Relevant  adj. (often foll. By to) bearing on or having reference to the matter in hand. ~ relevance n. [latin relevo: related to +relieve]

Reliable  adj. Of consistently good character or quality; dependable. ~ reliability n. Reliably adv.

Reliance  n. (foll. By in, on) trust, confidence. ~ reliant adj.

Relic  n. 1 object that is interesting because of its age or association. 2 part of a dead holy person's body or belongings kept as an object of reverence. 3 surviving custom or belief etc. From a past age. 4 memento or souvenir. 5 (in pl.) What has survived. 6 (in pl.) Dead body or remains of a person. [latin reliquiae remains: related to +relinquish]

Relict  n. Object surviving in its primitive form. [french relicte: related to +relic]

Relief  n. 1 a alleviation of or deliverance from pain, distress, anxiety, etc. B feeling accompanying such deliverance. 2 feature etc. That diversifies monotony or relaxes tension. 3 assistance (esp. Financial) given to those in special need or difficulty. 4 a replacing of a person or persons on duty by another or others. B person or persons replacing others in this way. 5 (usu. Attrib.) Thing supplementing another in some service (relief bus). 6 a method of moulding, carving, or stamping in which the design stands out from the surface. B piece of sculpture etc. In relief. C representation of relief given by an arrangement of line, colour, or shading. 7 vividness, distinctness (brings the facts out in sharp relief). 8 (foll. By of) reinforcement (esp. The raising of a siege) of a place. 9 esp. Law redress of a hardship or grievance. [french and italian: related to +relieve]

Relief map  n. Map indicating hills and valleys by shading etc. Rather than by contour lines alone.

Relief road  n. Road taking traffic around a congested area.

Relieve  v. (-ving) 1 bring or give relief to. 2 mitigate the tedium or monotony of. 3 release (a person) from a duty by acting as or providing a substitute. 4 (foll. By of) take (esp. A burden or duty) away from (a person). ~ relieve one's feelings use strong language or vigorous behaviour when annoyed. Relieve oneself urinate or defecate. ~ relieved adj. [latin relevo raise again, alleviate]

Relievo  n. (pl. -s) = +relief 6. [italian rilievo: related to +relief]

Relight  v. (past and past part. -lit) light (a fire etc.) Again.

Religion  n. 1 belief in a superhuman controlling power, esp. In a personal god or gods entitled to obedience and worship. 2 expression of this in worship. 3 particular system of faith and worship. 4 life under monastic vows. 5 thing that one is devoted to. [latin religio bond]

Religiosity  n. State of being religious or too religious. [latin: related to +religious]

Religious  —adj. 1 devoted to religion; pious, devout. 2 of or concerned with religion. 3 of or belonging to a monastic order. 4 scrupulous, conscientious. —n. (pl. Same) person bound by monastic vows. ~ religiously adv. [latin religiosus: related to +religion]

Reline  v. (-ning) put a new lining in (a garment etc.).

Relinquish  v. 1 surrender or resign (a right or possession). 2 give up or cease from (a habit, plan, belief, etc.). 3 relax hold of. ~ relinquishment n. [latin relinquo -lict- leave behind]

Reliquary  n. (pl. -ies) esp. Relig. Receptacle for a relic or relics. [french reliquaire: related to +relic]

Relish  —n. 1 (often foll. By for) great liking or enjoyment. 2 a appetizing flavour. B attractive quality. 3 condiment eaten with plainer food to add flavour. 4 (foll. By of) distinctive taste or tinge. —v. 1 get pleasure out of; enjoy greatly. 2 anticipate with pleasure.

Relive  v. (-ving) live (an experience etc.) Over again, esp. In the imagination.

Reload  v. (also absol.) Load (esp. A gun) again.

Relocate  v. (-ting) 1 locate in a new place. 2 move to a new place (esp. To live or work). ~ relocation n.

Reluctant  adj. (often foll. By to + infin.) Unwilling or disinclined. ~ reluctance n. Reluctantly adv. [latin luctor struggle]

Rely  v. (-ies, -ied) (foll. By on, upon) 1 depend on with confidence or assurance. 2 be dependent on. [latin religo bind closely]

Rem  abbr. Rapid eye movement.

Remade  past and past part. Of +remake.

Remain  v. 1 be left over after others or other parts have been removed, used, or dealt with. 2 be in the same place or condition during further time; stay (remained at home). 3 (foll. By compl.) Continue to be (remained calm; remains president). [latin remaneo]

Remainder  —n. 1 residue. 2 remaining persons or things. 3 number left after division or subtraction. 4 copies of a book left unsold when demand has almost ceased. —v. Dispose of (a remainder of books) at a reduced price. [anglo-french: related to +remain]

Remains  n.pl. 1 what remains after other parts have been removed or used etc. 2 relics of antiquity, esp. Of buildings. 3 dead body.

Remake  —v. (-king; past and past part. Remade) make again or differently. —n. Thing that has been remade, esp. A cinema film.

Remand  —v. Return (a prisoner) to custody, esp. To allow further inquiry. —n. Recommittal to custody. ~ on remand in custody pending trial. [latin remando]

Remand centre  n. Institution to which accused persons are remanded.

Remark  —v. 1 (often foll. By that) a say by way of comment. B archaic take notice of; regard with attention. 2 (usu. Foll. By on, upon) make a comment. —n. 1 written or spoken comment; anything said. 2 a noticing (worthy of remark). B commenting (let it pass without remark). [french remarquer: related to +mark1]

Remarkable  adj. Worth notice; exceptional; striking. ~ remarkably adv. [french remarquable: related to +remark]

Remarry  v. (-ies, -ied) marry again. ~ remarriage n.

Reme  abbr. Royal electrical and mechanical engineers.

Remeasure  v. (-ring) measure again.

Remedial  adj. 1 affording or intended as a remedy. 2 (of teaching etc.) For slow or disadvantaged pupils. [latin: related to +remedy]

Remedy  —n. (pl. -ies) (often foll. By for, against) 1 medicine or treatment. 2 means of counteracting or removing anything undesirable. 3 redress; legal or other reparation. —v. (-ies, -ied) rectify; make good. ~ remediable adj. [latin remedium from medeor heal]

Remember  v. 1 (often foll. By to + infin. Or that + clause) keep in the memory; not forget. 2 (also absol.) Bring back into one's thoughts. 3 think of or acknowledge (a person), esp. In making a gift etc. 4 (foll. By to) convey greetings from (one person) to (another) (remember me to john). [latin: related to +memory]

Remembrance  n. 1 remembering or being remembered. 2 a memory or recollection. 3 keepsake, souvenir. 4 (in pl.) Greetings conveyed through a third person. [french: related to +remember]

Remembrance day  n. 1 = +remembrance sunday. 2 hist. Armistice day.

Remembrance sunday  n. Sunday nearest 11 nov., when those killed in the wars of 1914–18 and 1939–45 and later conflicts are commemorated.

Remind  v. (usu. Foll. By of or to + infin. Or that + clause) cause (a person) to remember or think of (reminds me of her father; reminded them of the time).

Reminder  n. 1 thing that reminds, esp. A repeat letter or bill. 2 (often foll. By of) memento.

Reminisce  v. (-cing) indulge in reminiscence.

Reminiscence  n. 1 remembering things past. 2 (in pl.) Collection in literary form of incidents and experiences remembered. [latin reminiscor remember]

Reminiscent  adj. 1 (foll. By of) reminding or suggestive of. 2 concerned with reminiscence.

Remiss  adj. Careless of duty; lax, negligent. [latin: related to +remit]

Remission  n. 1 reduction of a prison sentence on account of good behaviour. 2 remitting of a debt or penalty etc. 3 diminution of force, effect, or degree (esp. Of disease or pain). 4 (often foll. By of) forgiveness (of sins etc.). [latin: related to +remit]

Remit  —v. (-tt-) 1 cancel or refrain from exacting or inflicting (a debt, punishment, etc.). 2 abate or slacken; cease partly or entirely. 3 send (money etc.) In payment. 4 a (foll. By to) refer (a matter for decision etc.) To some authority. B send back (a case) to a lower court. 5 postpone or defer. 6 pardon (sins etc.). —n. 1 terms of reference of a committee etc. 2 item remitted for consideration. [latin remitto -miss-]

Remittance  n. 1 money sent, esp. By post. 2 sending of money.

Remittent  adj. (of a fever or disease) abating at intervals.

Remix  —v. Mix again. —n. Remixed recording.

Remnant  n. 1 small remaining quantity. 2 piece of cloth etc. Left when the greater part has been used or sold. [french: related to +remain]

Remodel  v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 model again or differently. 2 reconstruct.

Remold  (brit. Remould) —v. 1 mould again; refashion. 2 re-form the tread of (a tyre). —n. Remoulded tyre.

Remonstrate  v. (-ting) (foll. By with) make a protest; argue forcibly. ~ remonstrance n. Remonstration n. [medieval latin monstro show]

Remorse  n. 1 deep regret for a wrong committed. 2 compunction; compassion, mercy (without remorse). [medieval latin mordeo mors- bite]

Remorseful  adj. Filled with repentance. ~ remorsefully adv.

Remorseless  adj. Without compassion. ~ remorselessly adv.

Remortgage  —v. (-ging) (also absol.) Mortgage again; revise the terms of an existing mortgage on (a property). —n. Different or altered mortgage.

Remote  adj. (remoter, remotest) 1 far away, far apart, distant. 2 isolated; secluded. 3 distantly related (remote ancestor). 4 slight, faint (a remote hope; not the remotest chance). 5 aloof; not friendly. ~ remotely adv. Remoteness n. [latin remotus: related to +remove]

Remote control  n. 1 control of an apparatus from a distance by means of signals transmitted from a radio or electronic device. 2 such a device.

Remould  (us remold) —v. 1 mould again; refashion. 2 re-form the tread of (a tyre). —n. Remoulded tyre.

Removal  n. 1 removing or being removed. 2 transfer of furniture etc. On moving house.

Remove  —v. (-ving) 1 take off or away from the place occupied. 2 a convey to another place; change the situation of. B get rid of; dismiss. 3 cause to be no longer present or available; take away (privileges were removed). 4 (in passive; foll. By from) distant or remote in condition (country is not far removed from anarchy). 5 (as removed adj.) (esp. Of cousins) separated by a specified number of steps of descent (a first cousin twice removed = a grandchild of a first cousin). —n. 1 degree of remoteness; distance. 2 stage in a gradation; degree (several removes from what i expected). 3  form or division in some schools. ~ removable adj.  [latin removeo -mot-]

Remunerate  v. (-ting) 1 reward; pay for services rendered. 2 serve as or provide recompense for (work etc.) Or to (a person). ~ remuneration n. Remunerative adj. [latin munus -ner- gift]

Renaissance  n. 1 revival of art and literature in the 14th–16th c. 2 period of this. 3 (often attrib.) Style of art, architecture, etc. Developed by it. 4 (renaissance) any similar revival. [french naissance birth]

Renaissance man  n. Person with many talents or pursuits, esp. In the humanities.

Renal  adj. Of the kidneys. [latin renes kidneys]

Rename  v. (-ming) name again; give a new name to.

Renascent  adj. Springing up anew; being reborn. ~ renascence n.

Renationalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) nationalize again (an originally nationalized and more recently privatized industry etc.). ~ renationalization n.

Rend  v. (past and past part. Rent) archaic tear or wrench forcibly. [old english]

Render  v. 1 cause to be or become (rendered us helpless). 2 give or pay (money, service, etc.), esp. In return or as a thing due. 3 (often foll. By to) a give (assistance). B show (obedience etc.). C do (a service etc.). 4 submit; send in; present (an account, reason, etc.). 5 a represent or portray. B act (a role). C mus. Perform; execute. 6 translate. 7 (often foll. By down) melt down (fat etc.). 8 cover (stone or brick) with a coat of plaster. ~ rendering n. (esp. In senses 5, 6, and 8). [latin reddo give back]

Rendezvous  —n. (pl. Same) 1 agreed or regular meeting-place. 2 meeting by arrangement. —v. (rendezvouses; rendezvoused; rendezvousing) meet at a rendezvous. [french, = present yourselves]

Rendition  n. Interpretation or rendering of a dramatic role, piece of music, etc. [french: related to +render]

Renegade  n. Person who deserts a party or principles. [medieval latin: related to +renege]

Renege  v. (-ging) (often foll. By on) go back on (one's word etc.). [latin nego deny]

Renegotiate  v. (-ting) (also absol.) Negotiate again or on different terms. ~ renegotiation n.

Renew  v. 1 revive; make new again; restore to the original state. 2 reinforce; resupply; replace. 3 repeat or re-establish, resume after an interruption (renewed our acquaintance). 4 (also absol.) Grant or be granted continuation of (a licence, subscription, lease, etc.). 5 recover (strength etc.). ~ renewable adj. Renewal n.

Rennet  n. 1 curdled milk found in the stomach of an unweaned calf. 2 preparation made from the stomach-membrane of a calf or from certain fungi, used in making cheese. [probably old english: related to +run]

Renounce  v. (-cing) 1 consent formally to abandon (a claim, right, etc.). 2 repudiate; refuse to recognize any longer. 3 decline further association or disclaim relationship with. [latin nuntio announce]

Renovate  v. (-ting) restore to good condition; repair. ~ renovation n. Renovator n. [latin novus new]

Renown  n. Fame, high distinction. [french renomer make famous]

Renowned  adj. Famous, celebrated.

Rent1  —n. 1 tenant's periodical payment to an owner for the use of land or premises. 2 payment for the use of equipment etc. —v. 1 (often foll. By from) take, occupy, or use at a rent. 2 (often foll. By out) let or hire (a thing) for rent. 3 (foll. By at) be let at a specified rate. [french rente: related to +render]

Rent2  n. 1 large tear in a garment etc. 2 opening in clouds etc. [from +rend]

Rent3  past and past part. Of +rend.

Rental  n. 1 amount paid or received as rent. 2 act of renting. [anglo-french or anglo-latin: related to +rent1]

Rent-boy  n. Young male prostitute.

Rentier  n. Person living on income from property, investments, etc. [french]

Renumber  v. Change the number or numbers given or allocated to.

Renunciation  n. 1 renouncing or giving up. 2 self-denial.

Reoccupy  v. (-ies, -ied) occupy again. ~ reoccupation n.

Reoccur  v. (-rr-) occur again or habitually. ~ reoccurrence n.

Reopen  v. Open again.

Reorder  —v. 1 order again. 2 put into a new order. —n. Renewed or repeated order for goods.

Reorganize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) organize differently. ~ reorganization n.

Reorient  v. 1 give a new direction or outlook to (ideas, a person, etc.). 2 help (a person) find his or her bearings again. 3 (refl., often foll. By to) adjust oneself to or come to terms with something.

Reorientate  v. (-ting) = +reorient. ~ reorientation n.

Rep1  n. Colloq. Representative, esp. A commercial traveller. [abbreviation]

Rep2  n. Colloq. 1 repertory. 2 repertory theatre or company. [abbreviation]

Repack  v. Pack again.

Repackage  v. (-ging) 1 package again or differently. 2 present in a new form.

Repaid  past and past part. Of +repay.

Repaint  —v. 1 paint again or differently. 2 restore the paint or colouring of. —n. Act of repainting.

Repair1  —v. 1 restore to good condition after damage or wear. 2 set right or make amends for (a loss, wrong, error, etc.). —n. 1 restoring to sound condition (in need of repair). 2 result of this (the repair hardly shows). 3 good or relative condition for working or using (in bad repair). ~ repairable adj. Repairer n. [latin paro make ready]

Repair2  v. (foll. By to) resort; have recourse; go. [latin: related to +repatriate]

Repaper  v. Paper (a wall etc.) Again.

Reparable  adj. (of a loss etc.) That can be made good. [latin: related to +repair1]

Reparation  n. 1 making amends. 2 (esp. In pl.) Compensation for war damages.

Repartee  n. 1 practice or skill of making witty retorts. 2 conversation characterized by such retorts. [french repartie from repartir reply promptly: related to +part]

Repast  n. Formal 1 meal. 2 food and drink for this. [latin repasco -past- feed]

Repatriate   —v. (-ting) return (a person) to his or her native land. —n. Repatriated person. ~ repatriation n. [latin repatrio go back home, from patria native land]

Repay  v. (past and past part. Repaid) 1 pay back (money). 2 make repayment to (a person). 3 requite, reward (a service, action, etc.) (repaid their kindness; book repays study). ~ repayable adj. Repayment n.

Repeal  —v. Revoke or annul (a law etc.). —n. Repealing. [french: related to +appeal]

Repeat  —v. 1 say or do over again. 2 recite, rehearse, or report (something learnt or heard). 3 recur; appear again. 4 (of food) be tasted after being swallowed due to belching. —n. 1 a repeating. B thing repeated (often attrib.: repeat prescription). 2 repeated broadcast. 3 mus. A passage intended to be repeated. B mark indicating this. 4 pattern repeated in wallpaper etc. ~ repeat itself recur in the same form. Repeat oneself say or do the same thing over again. ~ repeatable adj. Repeatedly adv. [latin peto seek]

Repeater  n. 1 person or thing that repeats. 2 firearm which fires several shots without reloading. 3 watch or clock which repeats its last strike when required. 4 device for the re-transmission of an electrical message.

Repel  v. (-ll-) 1 drive back; ward off (repel an attacker). 2 refuse to accept (repelled offers of help). 3 be repulsive or distasteful to. 4 resist mixing with or admitting (oil and water repel each other; surface repels moisture). 5 (of a magnetic pole) push away from itself (like poles repel). ~ repellent adj. & n. [latin repello -puls-]

Repent  v. 1 (often foll. By of) feel deep sorrow about one's actions etc. 2 (also absol.) Wish one had not done; resolve not to continue (a wrongdoing etc.). ~ repentance n. Repentant adj. [latin paeniteo]

Repercussion  n. 1 indirect effect or reaction following an event or act. 2 recoil after impact. 3 echo. [latin: related to +re-]

Repertoire  n. 1 stock of works that a performer etc. Knows or is prepared to perform. 2 stock of techniques etc. (repertoire of excuses). [latin: related to +repertory]

Repertory  n. (pl. -ies) 1 performance of various plays for short periods by one company. 2 repertory theatres collectively. 3 store or collection, esp. Of information, instances, etc. 4 = +repertoire. [latin reperio find]

Repertory company  n. Theatrical company that performs plays from a repertoire.

Repetition  n. 1 a repeating or being repeated. B thing repeated. 2 copy. ~ repetitious adj. Repetitive adj.

Repetitive strain injury  n. Painful hand or arm condition resulting from prolonged repetitive movements.

Rephrase  v. (-sing) express differently.

Repine  v. (-ning) (often foll. By at, against) fret; be discontented. [from +pine2, after repent]

Replace  v. (-cing) 1 put back in place. 2 take the place of; succeed; be substituted for. 3 find or provide a substitute for. 4 (often foll. By with, by) fill up the place of.

Replacement  n. 1 replacing or being replaced. 2 person or thing that replaces another.

Replant  v. 1 transfer (a plant etc.). 2 plant (ground) again.

Replay  —v. Play (a match, recording, etc.) Again. —n. Replaying of a match, recorded incident in a game, etc.

Replenish  v. 1 (often foll. By with) fill up again. 2 renew (a supply etc.). ~ replenishment n. [french plenir from plein full]

Replete  adj. (often foll. By with) 1 well-fed, gorged. 2 filled or well-supplied. ~ repletion n. [latin pleo fill]

Replica  n. 1 exact copy, esp. A duplicate of a work, made by the original artist. 2 copy or model, esp. On a smaller scale. [italian replicare +reply]

Reply  —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By to) make an answer, respond in word or action. 2 say in answer. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 replying (what did they say in reply?). 2 what is replied; response. [latin replico fold back]

Repoint  v. Point (esp. Brickwork) again.

Repopulate  v. (-ting) populate again or increase the population of.

Report  —v. 1 a bring back or give an account of. B state as fact or news, narrate or describe or repeat, esp. As an eyewitness or hearer etc. C relate as spoken by another. 2 make an official or formal statement about. 3 (often foll. By to) bring (an offender or offence) to the attention of the authorities. 4 (often foll. By to) present oneself to a person as having returned or arrived. 5 (also absol.) Take down word for word, summarize, or write a description of for publication. 6 make or send in a report. 7 (foll. By to) be responsible to (a superior etc.). —n. 1 account given or opinion formally expressed after investigation or consideration. 2 description, summary, or reproduction of a scene, speech, law case, etc., esp. For newspaper publication or broadcast. 3 common talk; rumour. 4 way a person or thing is spoken of (hear a good report of you). 5 periodical statement on (esp. A school pupil's) work, conduct, etc. 6 sound of a gunshot etc. ~ reportedly adv. [latin porto bring]

Reportage  n. 1 reporting of news for the media. 2 typical style of this. 3 factual journalistic material in a book etc. [from +report, after french]

Reported speech  n. Speaker's words with the person, tense, etc. Adapted, e.g. He said that he would go.

Reporter  n. Person employed to report news etc. For the media.

Repose1  —n. 1 cessation of activity, excitement, or toil. 2 sleep. 3 peaceful or quiescent state; tranquillity. —v. (-sing) 1 (also refl.) Lie down in rest. 2 (often foll. By in, on) lie, be lying or laid, esp. In sleep or death. [latin: related to +pause]

Repose2  v. (-sing) (foll. By in) place (trust etc.) In. [from +re-, +pose]

Reposeful  adj. Showing or inducing repose. ~ reposefully adv. [from +repose1]

Reposition  v. 1 move or place in a different position. 2 alter one's position.

Repository  n. (pl. -ies) 1 place where things are stored or may be found, esp. A warehouse or museum. 2 receptacle. 3 (often foll. By of) a book, person, etc. Regarded as a store of information etc. B recipient of secrets etc. [latin: related to +repose2]

Repossess  v. Regain possession of (esp. Goods on which payment is in arrears). ~ repossession n.

Repot  v. (-tt-) move (a plant) to another, esp. Larger, pot.

Reprehend  v. Formal rebuke; find fault with. [latin prehendo seize]

Reprehensible  adj. Blameworthy.

Represent1  v. 1 stand for or correspond to. 2 (often in passive) be a specimen of. 3 embody; symbolize. 4 place a likeness of before the mind or senses. 5 (often foll. By as, to be) describe or depict as; declare. 6 (foll. By that) allege. 7 show, or play the part of, on stage.

Represent2  v. Submit (a cheque etc.) Again for payment.

Representation  n. 1 representing or being represented. 2 thing that represents another. 3 (esp. In pl.) Statement made of allegations or opinions.

Representational  adj. Art depicting a subject as it appears to the eye.

Representative  —adj. 1 typical of a class. 2 containing typical specimens of all or many classes (representative sample). 3 a consisting of elected deputies etc. B based on representation by these (representative government). 4 (foll. By of) serving as a portrayal or symbol of. —n. 1 (foll. By of) sample, specimen, or typical embodiment of. 2 a agent of a person or society. B commercial traveller. 3 delegate; substitute. 4 deputy etc. In a representative assembly. [french or medieval latin: related to +represent1]

Repress  v. 1 a keep under; quell. B suppress; prevent from sounding, rioting, or bursting out. 2 psychol. Actively exclude (an unwelcome thought) from conscious awareness. 3 (usu. As repressed adj.) Subject (a person) to the suppression of his or her thoughts or impulses. ~ repression n. Repressive adj. [latin: related to +press1]

Reprice  v. (-cing) price again or differently.

Reprieve  —v. (-ving) 1 remit or postpone the execution of (a condemned person). 2 give respite to. —n. 1 a reprieving or being reprieved. B warrant for this. 2 respite. [repry from french reprendre -pris take back]

Reprimand  —n. (esp. Official) rebuke. —v. Administer this to. [latin: related to +repress]

Reprint  —v. Print again. —n. 1 reprinting of a book etc. 2 book etc. Reprinted. 3 quantity reprinted.

Reprisal  n. Act of retaliation. [medieval latin: related to +reprehend]

Reprise  n. 1 repeated passage in music. 2 repeated item in a musical programme. [french: related to +reprieve]

Repro  n. (pl. -s) (often attrib.) Colloq. Reproduction or copy. [abbreviation]

Reproach  —v. Express disapproval to (a person or oneself) for a fault. —n. 1 rebuke or censure. 2 (often foll. By to) thing that brings disgrace or discredit. 3 state of disgrace or discredit. ~ above (or beyond) reproach perfect, blameless. [french reprochier]

Reproachful  adj. Full of or expressing reproach. ~ reproachfully adv.

Reprobate  n. Unprincipled or immoral person. [latin: related to +prove]

Reprocess  v. Process again or differently.

Reproduce  v. (-cing) 1 produce a copy or representation of. 2 cause to be seen or heard etc. Again (tried to reproduce the sound exactly). 3 produce further members of the same species by natural means. 4 refl. Produce offspring. ~ reproducible adj.

Reproduction  n. 1 reproducing or being reproduced, esp. The production of further members of the same species. 2 copy of a work of art. 3 (attrib.) (of furniture etc.) Imitating an earlier style. 4 quality of reproduced sound.~ reproductive adj.

Reprogram  v. (also reprogramme) (-mm-; us -m-) program (esp. A computer) again or differently. ~ reprogramable adj. (also reprogrammable).

Reproof  n. Formal 1 blame (glance of reproof). 2 rebuke. [french reprove: related to +reprove]

Reprove  v. (-ving) formal rebuke (a person, conduct, etc.). [latin: related to +reprobate]

Reptile  n. 1 cold-blooded scaly animal of a class including snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, etc. 2 mean, grovelling, or repulsive person. ~ reptilian adj. & n. [latin repo rept- creep]

Republic  n. State in which supreme power is held by the people or their elected representatives or by an elected or nominated president, not by a monarch etc. [latin res concern: related to +public]

Republican  —adj. 1 of or constituted as a republic. 2 characteristic of a republic. 3 advocating or supporting republican government. —n. 1 person advocating or supporting republican government. 2 (republican) a us supporter of the republican party. B ir. Supporter of the ira or sinn féin. ~ republicanism n.

Republish  v. Publish again or in a new edition etc. ~ republication n.

Repudiate  v. (-ting) 1 a disown, disavow, reject. B refuse dealings with. C deny. 2 refuse to recognize or obey (authority or a treaty). 3 refuse to discharge (an obligation or debt). ~ repudiation n. [latin repudium divorce]

Usage  see note at refute.

Repugnance  n. 1 antipathy; aversion. 2 inconsistency or incompatibility of ideas etc. [latin pugno fight]

Repugnant  adj. 1 extremely distasteful. 2 contradictory.

Repulse  —v. (-sing) 1 drive back by force of arms. 2 a rebuff. B refuse. —n. 1 repulsing or being repulsed. 2 rebuff. [latin: related to +repel]

Repulsion  n. 1 aversion, disgust. 2 physics tendency of bodies to repel each other.

Repulsive  adj. Causing aversion or loathing; disgusting. ~ repulsively adv. [french répulsif or +repulse]

Repurchase  —v. (-sing) purchase again. —n. Act of purchasing again.

Reputable  adj. Of good repute; respectable. [french or medieval latin: related to +repute]

Reputation  n. 1 what is generally said or believed about a person's or thing's character (reputation for honesty; reputation of being a crook). 2 state of being well thought of; respectability (lost its reputation). [latin: related to +repute]

Repute  —n. Reputation. —v. (as reputed adj.) 1 be generally considered (is reputed to be the best). 2 passing as, but probably not (his reputed father). ~ reputedly adv. [latin puto think]

Request  —n. 1 act of asking for something (came at his request). 2 thing asked for. —v. 1 ask to be given, allowed, or favoured with. 2 (foll. By to + infin.) Ask (a person) to do something. 3 (foll. By that) ask that. ~ by (or on) request in response to an expressed wish. [latin: related to +require]

Request stop  n. Bus-stop at which a bus stops only if requested.

Requiem  n. 1 (requiem) (also attrib.) Chiefly rc ch. Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead. 2 music for this. [latin, = rest]

Require  v. (-ring) 1 need; depend on for success or fulfilment (the work requires patience). 2 lay down as an imperative (required by law). 3 command; instruct (a person etc.). 4 order; insist on (an action or measure). ~ requirement n. [latin requiro -quisit- seek]

Requisite  —adj. Required by circumstances; necessary to success etc. —n. (often foll. By for) thing needed (for some purpose). [latin: related to +require]

Requisition  —n. 1 official order laying claim to the use of property or materials. 2 formal written demand that some duty should be performed. 3 being called or put into service. —v. Demand the use or supply of, esp. By requisition order. [latin: related to +require]

Requite  v. (-ting) 1 make return for (a service). 2 reward or avenge (a favour or injury). 3 (often foll. By for) make return to (a person). 4 repay with good or evil. ~ requital n. [from +re-, quite = +quit]

Reran  past of +rerun.

Reread  v. (past and past part. Reread) read again.

Rerecord  v. Record again.

Reredos  n. Ornamental screen covering the wall at the back of an altar. [anglo-french: related to +arrears, dos back]

Re-release  —v. (-sing) release (a record, film, etc.) Again. —n. Re-released record, film, etc.

Re-route  v. (-teing) send or carry by a different route.

Rerun  —v. (-nn-; past reran; past part. Rerun) 1 run (a race, film, etc.) Again. 2 repeat (a course of action). —n. 1 act of rerunning. 2 film etc. Shown again. 3 repetition (of events).

Resale  n. Sale of a thing previously bought.

Resat  past and past part. Of +resit.

Reschedule  v. (-ling) alter the schedule of; replan.

Rescind  v. Abrogate, revoke, cancel. ~ rescission n. [latin rescindo -sciss- cut off]

Rescript  n. 1 roman emperor's or pope's written reply to an appeal for a decision. 2 official edict or announcement. [latin rescribo -script- reply in writing]

Rescue  —v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) (often foll. By from) save or set free from danger or harm. —n. Rescuing or being rescued. ~ rescuer n. [romanic: related to +re-, +ex-1, +quash]

Reseal  v. Seal again. ~ resealable adj.

Research  —n. (often attrib.) Systematic investigation and study of materials, sources, etc., in order to establish facts and reach conclusions. —v. Do research into or for. ~ researcher n. [french: related to +search]

Usage  the second pronunciation, with the stress on the first syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.

Research and development  n. Work directed towards the innovation, introduction, and improvement of products and processes.

Resell  v. (past and past part. Resold) sell (an object etc.) After buying it.

Resemblance  n. Likeness or similarity. [anglo-french: related to +resemble]

Resemble  v. (-ling) be like; have a similarity to, or the same appearance as. [french sembler seem]

Resent  v. Feel indignation at; be aggrieved by (a circumstance, action, or person). [latin sentio feel]

Resentful  adj. Feeling resentment. ~ resentfully adv.

Resentment  n. Indignant or bitter feelings. [italian or french: related to +resent]

Reservation  n. 1 reserving or being reserved. 2 thing booked, e.g. A room in a hotel. 3 spoken or unspoken limitation or exception to an agreement etc. 4 (in full central reservation) strip of land between the carriageways of a road. 5 area of land reserved for occupation by american indians etc. [latin: related to +reserve]

Reserve  —v. (-ving) 1 put aside, keep back for a later occasion or special use. 2 order to be specially retained or allocated for a particular person or at a particular time. 3 retain or secure (reserve the right to). —n. 1 thing reserved for future use; extra amount. 2 limitation or exception attached to something. 3 self-restraint; reticence; lack of cordiality. 4 company's profit added to capital. 5 (in sing. Or pl.) Assets kept readily available. 6 (in sing. Or pl.) A troops withheld from action to reinforce or protect others. B forces in addition to the regular army etc., but available in an emergency. 7 member of the military reserve. 8 extra player chosen as a possible substitute in a team. 9 land reserved for special use, esp. As a habitat (nature reserve). ~ in reserve unused and available if required. Reserve judgement postpone giving one's opinion. [latin servo keep]

Reserved  adj. 1 reticent; slow to reveal emotion or opinions; uncommunicative. 2 set apart, destined for a particular use.

Reserve price  n. Lowest acceptable price stipulated for an item sold at auction.

Reservist  n. Member of the military reserve.

Reservoir  n. 1 large natural or artificial lake as a source of water supply. 2 receptacle for fluid. 3 supply of information etc. [french: related to +reserve]

Reset  v. (-tt-; past and past part. Reset) set (a bone, gems, a clock etc.) Again or differently.

Resettle  v. (-ling) settle again or elsewhere. ~ resettlement n.

Reshape  v. (-ping) shape or form again or differently.

Reshuffle  —v. (-ling) 1 shuffle (cards) again. 2 change the posts of (government ministers etc.). —n. Act of reshuffling.

Reside  v. (-ding) 1 have one's home, dwell permanently. 2 (foll. By in) (of power, a right, etc.) Be vested in. 3 (foll. By in) (of a quality) be present or inherent in. [latin sedeo sit]

Residence  n. 1 process of residing or being resident. 2 a place where a person resides. B house, esp. One of pretension. ~ in residence living or working at a specified place, esp. For the performance of duties (artist in residence).

Residency  n. (pl. -ies) 1 = +residence 1, 2a. 2 permanent or regular engagement of a musician, artist, etc., in one place.

Resident  —n. 1 (often foll. By of) a permanent inhabitant. B non-migratory species of bird. 2 guest in a hotel etc. Staying overnight. —adj. 1 residing; in residence. 2 having quarters at one's workplace etc. (resident housekeeper). 3 located in. 4 (of birds etc.) Non-migratory.

Residential  adj. 1 suitable for or occupied by dwellings (residential area). 2 used as a residence (residential hotel). 3 based on or connected with residence (residential course).

Residual  —adj. Left as a residue or residuum. —n. Residual quantity.

Residuary  adj. 1 of the residue of an estate (residuary bequest). 2 residual.

Residue  n. 1 what is left over or remains; remainder. 2 what remains of an estate after the payment of charges, debts, and bequests. [latin residuum: related to +residuum]

Residuum  n. (pl. -dua) 1 substance left after combustion or evaporation. 2 residue. [latin: related to +reside]

Resign  v. 1 (often foll. By from) give up office, one's employment, etc. 2 relinquish, surrender (a right, task, etc.). 3 refl. (usu. Foll. By to) reconcile (oneself etc.) To the inevitable. [latin signo sign]

Re-sign  v. Sign again.

Resignation  n. 1 resigning, esp. From one's job or office. 2 letter etc. Conveying this. 3 reluctant acceptance of the inevitable. [medieval latin: related to +resign]

Resigned  adj. 1 (often foll. By to) having resigned oneself; resolved to endure. 2 indicative of this ~ resignedly adv.

Resilient  adj. 1 resuming its original shape after compression etc. 2 readily recovering from a setback. ~ resilience n. [latin: related to +salient]

Resin  —n. 1 adhesive substance secreted by some plants and trees. 2 (in full synthetic resin) organic compound made by polymerization etc. And used in plastics. —v. (-n-) rub or treat with resin. ~ resinous adj. [latin]

Resist  —v. 1 withstand the action or effect of. 2 stop the course or progress of. 3 abstain from (pleasure, temptation, etc.). 4 strive against; try to impede; refuse to comply with (resist arrest). 5 offer opposition; refuse to comply. —n. Protective coating of a resistant substance. ~ resistible adj. [latin sisto stop]

Resistance  n. 1 resisting; refusal to comply. 2 power of resisting. 3 ability to withstand disease. 4 impeding or stopping effect exerted by one thing on another. 5 physics property of hindering the conduction of electricity, heat, etc. 6 resistor. 7 secret organization resisting a régime, esp. In an occupied country. ~ resistant adj. [latin: related to +resist]

Resistor  n. Device having resistance to the passage of an electric current.

Resit  —v. (-tt-; past and past part. Resat) sit (an examination) again after failing. —n. 1 resitting of an examination. 2 examination specifically for this.

Resold  past and past part. Of +resell.

Resoluble  adj. 1 that can be resolved. 2 (foll. By into) analysable into. [latin: related to +resolve]

Resolute  adj. Determined, decided, firm of purpose. ~ resolutely adv. [latin: related to +resolve]

Resolution  n. 1 resolute temper or character. 2 thing resolved on; intention. 3 formal expression of opinion or intention by a legislative body or public meeting. 4 (usu. Foll. By of) solving of a doubt, problem, or question. 5 separation into components. 6 (foll.

Resolve  —v. (-ving) 1 make up one's mind; decide firmly (resolved to leave, on leaving). 2 cause (a person) to do this (events resolved him to leave). 3 solve, explain, or settle (a doubt, argument, etc.). 4 (foll. By that) (of an assembly or meeting) pass a resolution by vote. 5 (often foll. By into) (cause to) separate into constituent parts; analyse. 6 (foll. By into) reduce by mental analysis into. 7 mus. Convert or be converted into concord. —n. Firm mental decision or intention; determination. [latin: related to +solve]

Resolved  adj. Resolute, determined.

Resonant  adj. 1 (of sound) echoing, resounding; continuing to sound; reinforced or prolonged by reflection or vibration. 2 (of a body, room, etc.) Tending to reinforce or prolong sounds, esp. By vibration. 3 (often foll. By with) (of a place) resounding. ~ resonance n. [latin: related to +resound]

Resonate  v. (-ting) produce or show resonance; resound. ~ resonator n. [latin: related to +resonant]

Resort  —n. 1 place frequented esp. For holidays or for a specified purpose or quality (seaside resort; health resort). 2 a thing to which one has recourse; expedient, measure. B (foll. By to) recourse to; use of (without resort to violence). —v. 1 (foll. By to) turn to as an expedient (resorted to force). 2 (foll. By to) go often or in large numbers to. ~ in the (or as a) last resort when all else has failed. [french sortir go out]

Re-sort  v. Sort again or differently.

Resound  v. 1 (often foll. By with) (of a place) ring or echo. 2 (of a voice, instrument, sound, etc.) Produce echoes; go on sounding; fill a place with sound. 3 a (of a reputation etc.) Be much talked of. B (foll. By through) produce a sensation. 4 (of a place) re-echo (a sound). [latin: related to +sound1]

Resounding  adj. 1 ringing, echoing. 2 notable, emphatic (a resounding success).

Resource  —n. 1 expedient or device. 2 (often in pl.) Means available; stock or supply that can be drawn on; asset. 3 (in pl.) Country's collective wealth. 4 skill in devising expedients (person of great resource). 5 (in pl.) One's inner strength, ingenuity, etc. —v. (-cing) provide with resources. ~ resourceful adj. (in sense 4). Resourcefully adv. Resourcefulness n. [french: related to +source]

Respect  —n. 1 deferential esteem felt or shown towards a person or quality. 2 (foll. By of, for) heed or regard. 3 aspect, detail, etc. (correct in all respects). 4 reference, relation (with respect to). 5 (in pl.) Polite messages or attentions (give her my respects). —v. 1 regard with deference or esteem. 2 a avoid interfering with or harming. B treat with consideration. C refrain from offending (a person, feelings, etc.). ~ in respect of (or with respect to) as concerns. ~ respecter n. [latin respicio -spect- look back at]

Respectable  adj. 1 of acceptable social standing; decent and proper in appearance or behaviour. 2 fairly competent (a respectable try). 3 reasonably good in condition, appearance, number, size, etc. ~ respectability n. Respectably adv.

Respectful  adj. Showing deference. ~ respectfully adv.

Respecting  prep. With regard to; concerning.

Respective  adj. Of or relating to each of several individually (go to your respective seats). [french or medieval latin: related to +respect]

Respectively  adv. For each separately or in turn, and in the order mentioned (she and i gave £10 and £1 respectively).

Respell  v. (past and past part. Respelt or respelled) spell again or differently, esp. Phonetically.

Respiration  n. 1 a breathing. B single breath in or out. 2 biol. (in living organisms) the absorption of oxygen and the release of energy and carbon dioxide. [latin spiro breathe]

Respirator  n. 1 apparatus worn over the face to warm, filter, or purify inhaled air. 2 apparatus for maintaining artificial respiration.

Respire  v. (-ring) 1 (also absol.) Breathe (air etc.); inhale and exhale. 2 (of a plant) carry out respiration. ~ respiratory adj.

Respite  n. 1 interval of rest or relief. 2 delay permitted before the discharge of an obligation or the suffering of a penalty. [latin: related to +respect]

Resplendent  adj. Brilliant, dazzlingly or gloriously bright. ~ resplendence n. [latin resplendeo shine]

Respond  v. 1 answer, reply. 2 act or behave in a corresponding manner. 3 (usu. Foll. By to) show sensitiveness to by behaviour or change (does not respond to kindness). 4 (of a congregation) make set answers to a priest etc. [latin respondeo -spons-]

Respondent  —n. Defendant, esp. In an appeal or divorce case. —adj. In the position of defendant.

Response  n. 1 answer given in a word or act; reply. 2 feeling, movement, or change caused by a stimulus or influence. 3 (often in pl.) Any part of the liturgy said or sung in answer to the priest. [latin: related to +respond]

Responsibility  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a (often foll. By for, of) being responsible. B authority; managerial freedom (job with more responsibility). 2 person or thing for which one is responsible; duty, commitment. 3 capacity for rational conduct (diminished responsibility).

Responsible  adj. 1 (often foll. By to, for) liable to be called to account (to a person or for a thing). 2 morally accountable for one's actions; capable of rational conduct. 3 of good credit, position, or repute; respectable; evidently trustworthy. 4 (often foll. By for) being the primary cause. 5 involving responsibility. ~ responsibly adv.

Responsive  adj. 1 (often foll. By to) responding readily (to some influence). 2 sympathetic. 3 a answering. B by way of answer. ~ responsiveness n.

Respray  —v. Spray again (esp. A vehicle with paint). —n. Act of respraying.

Rest1  —v. 1 cease from exertion, action, etc. 2 be still or asleep, esp. To refresh oneself or recover strength. 3 give relief or repose to; allow to rest. 4 (foll. By on, upon, against) lie on; be supported by. 5 (foll. By on, upon) depend or be based on. 6 (foll. By on, upon) (of a look) alight or be steadily directed on. 7 (foll. By on, upon) place for support or foundation on. 8 (of a problem or subject) be left without further investigation or discussion (let the matter rest). 9 a lie in death. B (foll. By in) lie buried in (a churchyard etc.). 10 (as rested adj.) Refreshed by resting. —n. 1 repose or sleep. 2 cessation of exertion, activity, etc. 3 period of resting. 4 support for holding or steadying something. 5 mus. A interval of silence. B sign denoting this. ~ at rest not moving; not agitated or troubled; dead. Be resting euphem. (of an actor) be out of work. Rest one's case conclude one's argument etc. Rest on one's laurels not seek further success. Rest on one's oars relax one's efforts. Set at rest settle or relieve (a question, a person's mind, etc.). [old english]

Rest2  —n. (prec. By the) the remaining part or parts; the others; the remainder of some quantity or number. —v. 1 remain in a specified state (rest assured). 2 (foll. By with) be left in the hands or charge of (the final arrangements rest with you). ~ for the rest as regards anything else. [french rester remain]

Restart  —v. Start again. —n. Act of restarting.

Restate  v. (-ting) express again or differently, esp. For emphasis. ~ restatement n.

Restaurant  n. Public premises where meals may be bought and eaten. [french from restaurer +restore]

Restaurant car  n. Dining-car.

Restaurateur  n. Restaurant-keeper.

Rest-cure  n. Rest usu. Of some weeks as a medical treatment.

Restful  adj. Giving rest or a feeling of rest; quiet, undisturbed. ~ restfully adv. Restfulness n.

Rest home  n. Place where old or convalescent people are cared for.

Restitution  n. 1 restoring of a thing to its proper owner. 2 reparation for an injury (esp. Make restitution). [latin]

Restive  adj. 1 fidgety; restless. 2 (of a horse) jibbing; refractory. 3 (of a person) resisting control. ~ restively adv. Restiveness n. [french: related to +rest2]

Restless  adj. 1 without rest or sleep. 2 uneasy; agitated. 3 constantly in motion, fidgeting, etc. ~ restlessly adv. Restlessness n. [old english: related to +rest1]

Restock  v. (also absol.) Stock again or differently.

Restoration  n. 1 restoring or being restored. 2 model or representation of the supposed original form of a thing. 3 (restoration) hist. A (prec. By the) re-establishment of the british monarchy in 1660. B (often attrib.) Literary period following this (restoration comedy).

Restorative  —adj. Tending to restore health or strength. —n. Restorative medicine, food, etc.

Restore  v. (-ring) 1 bring back to the original state by rebuilding, repairing, etc. 2 bring back to health etc. 3 give back to the original owner etc. 4 reinstate. 5 replace; put back; bring back to a former condition. 6 make a representation of the supposed original state of (a ruin, extinct animal, etc.). ~ restorer n. [latin restauro]

Restrain  v. 1 (often refl., usu. Foll. By from) check or hold in; keep in check, under control, or within bounds. 2 repress, keep down. 3 confine, imprison. [latin restringo -strict-]

Restraint  n. 1 restraining or being restrained. 2 restraining agency or influence. 3 moderation; self-control. 4 reserve of manner. 5 confinement, esp. Because of insanity.

Restrict  v. 1 confine, limit. 2 withhold from general circulation or disclosure. ~ restriction n. [latin: related to +restrain]

Restrictive  adj. Restricting. [french or medieval latin: related to +restrict]

Restrictive practice  n. Agreement that limits competition or output in industry.

Rest room  n. Esp. Us public lavatory.

Restructure  v. (-ring) give a new structure to; rebuild; rearrange.

Restyle  v. (-ling) reshape; remake in a new style.

Result  —n. 1 consequence, issue, or outcome of something. 2 satisfactory outcome (gets results). 3 end product of calculation. 4 (in pl.) List of scores or winners etc. In examinations or sporting events. —v. 1 (often foll. By from) arise as the actual, or follow as a logical, consequence. 2 (often foll. By in) have a specified end or outcome (resulted in a large profit). [latin resulto spring back]

Resultant  —adj. Resulting, esp. As the total outcome of more or less opposed forces. —n.  Force etc. Equivalent to two or more acting in different directions at the same point.

Resume  v. (-ming) 1 begin again or continue after an interruption. 2 begin to speak, work, or use again; recommence. 3 get back; take back (resume one's seat). [latin sumo sumpt- take]

Résumé  n. Summary. [french: related to +resume]

Resumption  n. Resuming. ~ resumptive adj. [latin: related to +resume]

Resurface  v. (-cing) 1 lay a new surface on (a road etc.). 2 return to the surface. 3 turn up again.

Resurgent  adj. Rising or arising again. ~ resurgence n. [latin resurgo -surrect- rise again]

Resurrect  v. 1 colloq. Revive the practice, use, or memory of. 2 raise or rise from the dead. [back-formation from +resurrection]

Resurrection  n. 1 rising from the dead. 2 (resurrection) christ's rising from the dead. 3 revival after disuse, inactivity, or decay. [latin: related to +resurgent]

Resuscitate  v. (-ting) 1 revive from unconsciousness or apparent death. 2 revive, restore. ~ resuscitation n. [latin suscito raise]

Retail  —n. Sale of goods in small quantities to the public, and usu. Not for resale. —adj. & adv. By retail; at a retail price. —v. 1 sell (goods) by retail. 2 (often foll. By at, of) (of goods) be sold in this way (esp. For a specified price). 3  recount; relate details of. ~ retailer n. [french taillier cut: related to +tally]

Retain  v. 1 a keep possession of; not lose; continue to have. B not abolish, discard, or alter. 2 keep in one's memory. 3 keep in place; hold fixed. 4 secure the services of (a person, esp. A barrister) with a preliminary payment. [latin retineo -tent-]

Retainer  n. 1 fee for securing a person's services. 2 faithful servant (esp. Old retainer). 3 reduced rent paid to retain unoccupied accommodation. 4 person or thing that retains.

Retake  —v. (-king; past retook; past part. Retaken) 1 take (a photograph, exam, etc.) Again. 2 recapture. —n. 1 act of filming a scene or recording music etc. Again. 2 film or recording obtained in this way. 3 act of taking an exam etc. Again.

Retaliate  v. (-ting) repay an injury, insult, etc. In kind; attack in return. ~ retaliation n. Retaliatory adj. [latin talis such]

Retard  v. 1 make slow or late. 2 delay the progress or accomplishment of. ~ retardant adj. & n. Retardation n. [latin tardus slow]

Retarded  adj. Backward in mental or physical development.

Retch  v. Make a motion of vomiting, esp. Involuntarily and without effect. [old english]

Retell  v. (past and past part. Retold) tell again or differently.

Retention  n. 1 retaining or being retained. 2 condition of retaining bodily fluid (esp. Urine) normally evacuated. [latin: related to +retain]

Retentive  adj. 1 tending to retain. 2 (of memory etc.) Not forgetful. [french or medieval latin: related to +retain]

Retexture  v. (-ring) treat (material, a garment, etc.) So as to restore its original texture.

Rethink  —v. (past and past part. Rethought) consider again, esp. With a view to making changes. —n. Reassessment; rethinking.

Reticence  n. 1 avoidance of saying all one knows or feels, or more than is necessary. 2 disposition to silence; taciturnity. ~ reticent adj. [latin reticeo keep silent]

Reticulate  —v. (-ting) divide or be divided in fact or appearance into a network. —adj. Reticulated. ~ reticulation n. [latin reticulum diminutive of rete net]

Retie  v. (retying) tie again.

Retina  n. (pl. -s or -nae) layer at the back of the eyeball sensitive to light. ~ retinal adj. [latin rete net]

Retinue  n. Body of attendants accompanying an important person. [french: related to +retain]

Retire  v. (-ring) 1 a leave office or employment, esp. Because of age. B cause (a person) to retire from work. 2 withdraw, go away, retreat. 3 seek seclusion or shelter. 4 go to bed. 5  withdraw (troops). 6 cricket (of a batsman) voluntarily end or be compelled to suspend one's innings. ~ retire into oneself become uncommunicative or unsociable. [french tirer draw]

Retired  adj. 1 having retired from employment. 2 withdrawn from society or observation; secluded.

Retirement  n. 1 a retiring. B period of one's life as a retired person. 2 seclusion.

Retirement pension  n. Pension paid by the state to retired people above a certain age.

Retiring  adj. Shy; fond of seclusion.

Retold  past and past part. Of +retell.

Retook  past of +retake.

Retort1  —n. Incisive, witty, or angry reply. —v. 1 a say by way of a retort. B make a retort. 2 repay (an insult or attack) in kind. [latin retorqueo -tort- twist]

Retort2  —n. 1 vessel with a long neck turned downwards, used in distilling liquids. 2 vessel for heating coal to generate gas. —v. Purify (mercury) by heating in a retort. [medieval latin: related to +retort1]

Retouch  v. Improve (a picture, photograph, etc.) By minor alterations.

Retrace  v. (-cing) 1 go back over (one's steps etc.). 2 trace back to a source or beginning. 3 recall the course of (a thing) in one's memory.

Retract  v. 1 withdraw (a statement or undertaking). 2 draw or be drawn back or in. ~ retractable adj. Retraction n. [latin retraho -tract- draw back]

Retractile  adj. Capable of being retracted.

Retrain  v. Train again or further, esp. For new work.

Retread  —v. 1 (past retrod; past part. Retrodden) tread (a path etc.) Again. 2 (past, past part. Retreaded) put a fresh tread on (a tyre). —n. Retreaded tyre.

Retreat  —v. 1 (esp. Of military forces) go back, retire; relinquish a position. 2 recede. —n. 1 a act of retreating. B mil. Signal for this. 2 withdrawal into privacy or security. 3 place of shelter or seclusion. 4 period of seclusion for prayer and meditation. 5 mil. Bugle-call at sunset. [latin: related to +retract]

Retrench  v. 1 cut down expenses; introduce economies. 2 reduce the amount of (costs). ~ retrenchment n. [french: related to +trench]

Retrial  n. Second or further (judicial) trial.

Retribution  n. Requital, usu. For evil done; vengeance. ~ retributive adj. [latin: related to +tribute]

Retrieve  —v. (-ving) 1 a regain possession of. B recover by investigation or effort of memory. 2 obtain (information stored in a computer etc.). 3 (of a dog) find and bring in (killed or wounded game etc.). 4 (foll. By from) rescue (esp. From a bad state). 5 restore to a flourishing state; revive. 6 repair or set right (a loss or error etc.) (managed to retrieve the situation). —n. Possibility of recovery (beyond retrieve). ~ retrievable adj. Retrieval n. [french trouver find]

Retriever  n. Dog of a breed used for retrieving game.

Retro  slang —adj. Reviving or harking back to the past. —n. Retro fashion or style.

Retro-  comb. Form 1 denoting action back or in return. 2 anat. & med. Denoting location behind. [latin]

Retroactive  adj. (esp. Of legislation) effective from a past date.

Retrod  past of +retread.

Retrodden  past part. Of +retread.

Retrograde  —adj. 1 directed backwards. 2 reverting, esp. To an inferior state; declining. 3 reversed (retrograde order). —v. 1 move backwards; recede. 2 decline, revert. [latin retrogradior -gress- move backwards]

Retrogress  v. 1 move backwards. 2 deteriorate. ~ retrogression n. Retrogressive adj.

Retrorocket  n. Auxiliary rocket for slowing down a spacecraft etc.

Retrospect  n. ~ in retrospect when looking back. [from +retro-, +prospect]

Retrospection  n. Looking back into the past.

Retrospective  —adj. 1 looking back on or dealing with the past. 2 (of a statute etc.) Applying to the past as well as the future. —n. Exhibition, recital, etc. Showing an artist's development over his or her lifetime. ~ retrospectively adv.

Retroussé  adj. (of the nose) turned up at the tip. [french]

Retroverted  adj. (of the womb) inclined backwards. [latin: related to +retro-, verto turn]

Retrovirus  n. Any of a group of rna viruses which form dna during the replication of their rna, and so transfer genetic material into the dna of host cells. [from the initial letters of reverse transcriptase + +virus]

Retry  v. (-ies, -ied) try (a defendant or lawsuit) a second or further time.

Retsina  n. Greek white wine flavoured with resin. [modern greek]

Retune  v. (-ning) 1 tune (a musical instrument) again or differently. 2 tune (a radio etc.) To a different frequency.

Return  —v. 1 come or go back. 2 bring, put, or send back. 3 pay back or reciprocate; give in response. 4 yield (a profit). 5 say in reply; retort. 6 (in cricket or tennis etc.) Hit or send (the ball) back. 7 state, mention, or describe officially, esp. In answer to a writ or formal demand. 8 (of an electorate) elect as an mp, government, etc. —n. 1 coming or going back. 2 a giving, sending, putting, or paying back. B thing given or sent back. 3 (in full return ticket) ticket for a journey to a place and back to the starting-point. 4 (in sing. Or pl.) A proceeds or profit of an undertaking. B acquisition of these. 5 formal statement compiled or submitted by order (income-tax return). 6 (in full return match or game) second match etc. Between the same opponents. 7 a person's election as an mp etc. B returning officer's announcement of this. ~ by return (of post) by the next available post in the return direction. In return as an exchange or reciprocal action. Many happy returns (of the day) greeting on a birthday. ~ returnable adj. [romanic: related to +turn]

Returnee  n. Person who returns home from abroad, esp. After war service.

Returning officer  n. Official conducting an election in a constituency and announcing the results.

Retying  pres. Part. Of +retie.

Retype  v. (-ping) type again, esp. To correct errors.

Reunify  v. (-ies, -ied) restore (esp. Separated territories) to a political unity. ~ reunification n.

Reunion  n. 1 reuniting or being reunited. 2 social gathering, esp. Of people formerly associated.

Reunite  v. (-ting) (cause to) come together again.

Reupholster  v. Upholster anew.

Reuse  —v. (-sing) use again. —n. Second or further use. ~ reusable adj.

Rev.  Abbr. Reverend.

Rev  colloq. —n. (in pl.) Number of revolutions of an engine per minute. —v. (-vv-) 1 (of an engine) revolve; turn over. 2 (also absol.; often foll. By up) cause (an engine) to run quickly. [abbreviation]

Revalue  v. (-ues, -ued, -uing) give a different, esp. Higher, value to (a currency etc.). ~ revaluation n.

Revamp  v. 1 renovate, revise, improve. 2 patch up.

Revd  abbr. Reverend.

Reveal  v. 1 display or show; allow to appear. 2 (often as revealing adj.) Disclose, divulge, betray (revealing remark). 3 (in refl. Or passive) come to sight or knowledge. [latin velum veil]

Reveille  n. Military waking-signal. [french réveillez wake up]

Revel  —v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 have a good time; be extravagantly festive. 2 (foll. By in) take keen delight in. —n. (in sing. Or pl.) Revelling. ~ reveller n. Revelry n. (pl. -ies). [latin: related to +rebel]

Revelation  n. 1 a revealing, esp. The supposed disclosure of knowledge to man by a divine or supernatural agency. B knowledge disclosed in this way. 2 striking disclosure. 3 (revelation or colloq. Revelations) (in full the revelation of st john the divine) last book of the new testament.

Revenge  —n. 1 retaliation for an offence or injury. 2 act of retaliation. 3 desire for this; vindictive feeling. 4 (in games) win after an earlier defeat. —v. (-ging) 1 (in refl. Or passive; often foll. By on, upon) inflict retaliation for (an offence). 2 avenge (a person). [latin: related to +vindicate]

Revengeful  adj. Eager for revenge. ~ revengefully adv.

Revenue  n. 1 a income, esp. A substantial one. B (in pl.) Items constituting this. 2 state's annual income from which public expenses are met. 3 department of the civil service collecting this. [french revenu from latin revenio return]

Reverberate  v. (-ting) 1 (of sound, light, or heat) be returned, echoed, or reflected repeatedly. 2 return (a sound etc.) In this way. 3 (of an event etc.) Produce a continuing effect, shock, etc. ~ reverberant adj. Reverberation n. Reverberative adj. [latin verbero beat]

Revere  v. (-ring) hold in deep and usu. Affectionate or religious respect. [latin vereor fear]

Reverence  —n. 1 revering or being revered. 2 capacity for revering. —v. (-cing) regard or treat with reverence. [latin: related to +revere]

Reverend  adj. (esp. As the title of a clergyman) deserving reverence. [latin reverendus: related to +revere]

Reverend mother  n. Mother superior of a convent.

Reverent  adj. Feeling or showing reverence. ~ reverently adv. [latin: related to +revere]

Reverential  n. Of the nature of, due to, or characterized by reverence. ~ reverentially adv. [medieval latin: related to +reverence]

Reverie  n. Fit of abstracted musing, day-dream. [french]

Revers  n. (pl. Same) 1 turned-back edge of a garment revealing the undersurface. 2 material on this surface. [french: related to +reverse]

Reverse  —v. (-sing) 1 turn the other way round or up or inside out. 2 change to the opposite character or effect. 3 (cause to) travel backwards. 4 make (an engine etc.) Work in a contrary direction. 5 revoke or annul (a decree, act, etc.). —adj. 1 backwards or upside down. 2 opposite or contrary in character or order; inverted. —n. 1 opposite or contrary (the reverse is the case). 2 contrary of the usual manner (printed in reverse). 3 piece of misfortune; disaster; defeat. 4 reverse gear or motion. 5 reverse side. 6 side of a coin etc. Bearing the secondary design. 7 verso of a printed leaf. ~ reverse arms hold a rifle with the butt upwards. Reverse the charges have the recipient of a telephone call pay for it. ~ reversal n. Reversible adj. [latin verto vers- turn]

Reverse gear  n. Gear used to make a vehicle etc. Go backwards.

Reversing light  n. White light at the rear of a vehicle showing that it is in reverse gear.

Reversion  n. 1 return to a previous state, habit, etc. 2 biol. Return to ancestral type. 3 legal right (esp. Of the original owner, or his or her heirs) to possess or succeed to property on the death of the present possessor. [latin: related to +reverse] 

Revert  v. 1 (foll. By to) return to a former state, practice, opinion, etc. 2 (of property, an office, etc.) Return by reversion. ~ revertible adj. (in sense 2).

Review  —n. 1 general survey or assessment of a subject or thing. 2 survey of the past. 3 revision or reconsideration (is under review). 4 display and formal inspection of troops etc. 5 published criticism of a book, play, etc. 6 periodical with critical articles on current events, the arts, etc. —v. 1 survey or look back on. 2 reconsider or revise. 3 hold a review of (troops etc.). 4 write a review of (a book, play, etc.). ~ reviewer n. [french revoir: related to +view]

Revile  v. (-ling) abuse verbally. [french: related to +vile]

Revise  v. (-sing) 1 examine or re-examine and improve or amend (esp. Written or printed matter). 2 consider and alter (an opinion etc.). 3 (also absol.) Go over (work learnt or done) again, esp. For an examination. ~ revisory adj. [latin reviso from video vis- see]

Revised standard version  n. Revision published in 1946–57 of the american standard version of the bible (itself based on the english rv).

Revised version  n. Revision published in 1881–95 of the authorized version of the bible.

Revision  n. 1 revising or being revised. 2 revised edition or form. [latin: related to +revise]

Revisionism  n. Often derog. Revision or modification of an orthodoxy, esp. Of marxism. ~ revisionist n. & adj.

Revisit  v. (-t-) visit again.

Revitalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) imbue with new life and vitality.

Revival  n. 1 reviving or being revived. 2 new production of an old play etc. 3 revived use of an old practice, style, etc. 4 a reawakening of religious fervour. B campaign to promote this.

Revivalism  n. Promotion of a revival, esp. Of religious fervour. ~ revivalist n. & adj.

Revive  v. (-ving) 1 come or bring back to consciousness, life, or strength. 2 come or bring back to existence, or to use or notice etc. [latin vivo live]

Revivify  v. (-ies, -ied) restore to animation, vigour, or life. ~ revivification n. [latin: related to +vivify]

Revoke  —v. (-king) 1 rescind, withdraw, or cancel. 2 cards fail to follow suit when able to do so. —n. Cards revoking. ~ revocable adj. Revocation n. [latin voco call]

Revolt  —v. 1 rise in rebellion. 2 a affect with strong disgust. B (often foll. By at, against) feel strong disgust. —n. 1 act of rebelling. 2 state of insurrection. 3 sense of disgust. 4 mood of protest or defiance. [italian: related to +revolve]

Revolting  adj. Disgusting, horrible. ~ revoltingly adv.

Revolution  n. 1 forcible overthrow of a government or social order. 2 any fundamental change or reversal of conditions. 3 revolving. 4 a single completion of an orbit or rotation. B time taken for this. 5 cyclic recurrence. [latin: related to +revolve]

Revolutionary  —adj. 1 involving great and often violent change. 2 of or causing political revolution. —n. (pl. -ies) instigator or supporter of political revolution.

Revolutionize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) change fundamentally.

Revolve  v. (-ving) 1 (cause to) turn round, esp. On an axis; rotate. 2 move in a circular orbit. 3 ponder (a problem etc.) In the mind. 4 (foll. By around) have as its chief concern; be centred upon (his life revolves around his job). [latin revolvo -volut-]

Revolver  n. Pistol with revolving chambers enabling several shots to be fired without reloading.

Revolving door  n. Door with usu. Four partitions turning round a central axis.

Revue  n. Entertainment of short usu. Satirical sketches and songs. [french: related to +review]

Revulsion  n. 1 abhorrence. 2 sudden violent change of feeling. [latin vello vuls- pull]

Reward  —n. 1 a return or recompense for service or merit. B requital for good or evil. 2 sum offered for the detection of a criminal, restoration of lost property, etc. —v. Give a reward to (a person) or for (a service etc.). [anglo-french reward(er) +regard]

Rewarding  adj. (of an activity etc.) Worthwhile; satisfying.

Rewind  v. (past and past part. Rewound) wind (a film or tape etc.) Back.

Rewire  v. (-ring) provide with new electrical wiring.

Reword  v. Express in different words.

Rework  v. Revise; refashion; remake. ~ reworking n.

Rewrite  —v. (-ting; past rewrote; past part. Rewritten) write again or differently. —n. 1 rewriting. 2 thing rewritten.

Rex  n. 1 (after the name) reigning king (george rex). 2 law the crown (rex v. Jones). [latin]

Rf  symb. Rutherfordium.

Rfc  abbr. Rugby football club.

Rh  symb. Rhodium.

R.h.  Abbr. Right hand.

Rhapsodize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) talk or write rhapsodies.

Rhapsody  n. (pl. -ies) 1 enthusiastic or extravagant speech or composition. 2 piece of music in one movement, often based on national, folk, or popular melodies. ~ rhapsodic adj. [greek rhapto stitch: related to +ode]

Rhea  n. S. American flightless ostrich-like bird. [greek rhea mother name of zeus]

Rhenium  n. Rare metallic element occurring naturally in molybdenum ores. [latin rhenus rhine]

Rheostat  n. Instrument used to control an electric current by varying the resistance. [greek rheos stream]

Rhesus  n. (in full rhesus monkey) small n. Indian monkey. [rhesus, mythical king of thrace]

Rhesus factor  n. Antigen occurring on the red blood cells of most humans and some other primates.

Rhesus negative  adj. Lacking the rhesus factor.

Rhesus positive  adj. Having the rhesus factor.

Rhetoric  n. 1 art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing. 2 language designed to persuade or impress (esp. Seen as overblown and meaningless). [greek rhetor orator]

Rhetorical  adj. 1 expressed artificially or extravagantly. 2 of the nature or art of rhetoric. ~ rhetorically adv. [greek: related to +rhetoric]

Rhetorical question  n. Question used for effect but not seeking an answer (e.g. Who cares? For nobody cares).

Rheumatic  —adj. Of, suffering from, producing, or produced by rheumatism. —n. Person suffering from rheumatism. ~ rheumatically adv. Rheumaticky adj. Colloq. [greek rheuma stream]

Rheumatic fever  n. Fever with inflammation and pain in the joints.

Rheumatics  n.pl. (treated as sing.; often prec. By the) colloq. Rheumatism.

Rheumatism  n. Disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue, esp. Rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid  adj. Having the character of rheumatism.

Rheumatoid arthritis  n. Chronic progressive disease causing inflammation and stiffening of the joints.

Rhinestone  n. Imitation diamond. [river rhine in germany]

Rhino  n. (pl. Same or -s) colloq. Rhinoceros. [abbreviation]

Rhinoceros  n. (pl. Same or -roses) large thick-skinned mammal with usu. One horn on its nose. [greek rhis rhin- nose, keras horn]

Rhizome  n. Underground rootlike stem bearing both roots and shoots. [greek rhizoma]

Rho  n. Seventeenth letter of the greek alphabet (r, r). [greek]

Rhodium  n.  Hard white metallic element used in making alloys and plating jewellery. [greek rhodon rose]

Rhododendron  n. (pl. -s or -dra) evergreen shrub with large clusters of bell-shaped flowers. [greek rhodon rose, dendron tree]

Rhomboid  —adj. (also rhomboidal) like a rhombus. —n. Quadrilateral of which only the opposite sides and angles are equal. [greek: related to +rhombus]

Rhombus  n. (pl. -buses or -bi) geom. Parallelogram with oblique angles and equal sides. [greek rhombos]

Rhs  abbr. Royal horticultural society.

Rhubarb  n. 1 a plant with long fleshy dark-red leaf-stalks cooked as a dessert. B these stalks. 2 a colloq. Indistinct conversation or noise, from the repeated use of the word ‘rhubarb’ by a crowd. B slang nonsense. [greek rha rhubarb, barbaros foreign]

Rhyme  —n. 1 identity of sound between words or their endings, esp. In verse. 2 (in sing. Or pl.) Verse or a poem having rhymes. 3 use of rhyme. 4 word providing a rhyme. —v. (-ming) 1 a (of words or lines) produce a rhyme. B (foll. By with) act as or treat (a word) as a rhyme (with another). 2 make or write rhymes. 3 put or make (a story etc.) Into rhyme. ~ rhyme or reason sense, logic. [latin: related to +rhythm]

Rhymester  n. Writer of (esp. Simple) rhymes.

Rhyming slang  n. Slang that replaces words by rhyming words or phrases, e.g. Suit by whistle and flute.

Rhythm  n. 1 a periodical accent and the duration of notes in music, esp. As beats in a bar. B type of structure formed by this (samba rhythm). 2 measured regular flow of verse or prose determined by the length of and stress on syllables. 3 physiol. Pattern of successive strong and weak movements. 4 regularly recurring sequence of events. ~ rhythmic adj. Rhythmical adj. Rhythmically adv. [greek rhuthmos]

Rhythm and blues  n. Popular music with blues themes and a strong rhythm.

Rhythm method  n. Abstention from sexual intercourse near the time of ovulation, as a method of birth control.

Rhythm section  n. Piano (or guitar etc.), bass, and drums in a dance or jazz band.

Rib  —n. 1 each of the curved bones joined to the spine in pairs and protecting the chest. 2 joint of meat from this part of an animal. 3 supporting ridge, timber, rod, etc. Across a surface or through a structure. 4 knitting combination of plain and purl stitches producing a ribbed design. —v.

Ribald  adj. Coarsely or disrespectfully humorous; obscene. [french riber be licentious]

Ribaldry  n. Ribald talk or behaviour.

Riband  n. Ribbon. [french riban]

Ribbed  adj. Having ribs or riblike markings.

Ribbing  n. 1 ribs or a riblike structure. 2 colloq. Teasing.

Ribbon  n. 1 a narrow strip or band of fabric, used esp. For trimming or decoration. B material in this form. 2 ribbon worn to indicate some honour or membership of a sports team etc. 3 long narrow strip of anything (typewriter ribbon). 4 (in pl.) Ragged strips (torn to ribbons). [var. Of +riband]

Ribbon development  n. Building of houses one house deep along a road leading out of a town or village.

Ribcage  n. Wall of bones formed by the ribs round the chest.

Riboflavin  n. (also riboflavine) vitamin of the b complex, found in liver, milk, and eggs. [ribose sugar, latin flavus yellow]

Ribonucleic acid  n. Nucleic acid in living cells, involved in protein synthesis. [ribose sugar]

Rib-tickler  n. Something amusing, joke.

Rice  n. 1 swamp grass cultivated in esp. Asian marshes. 2 grains of this, used as food. [french ris ultimately from greek oruza]

Rice-paper  n. Edible paper made from the pith of an oriental tree and used for painting and in cookery.

Rich  adj. 1 having much wealth. 2 splendid, costly, elaborate. 3 valuable (rich offerings). 4 copious, abundant, ample (rich supply of ideas). 5 (often foll. By in, with) (of soil or a region etc.) Fertile; abundant in resources etc. (rich in nutrients). 6 (of food or diet) containing much fat or spice etc. 7 (of the mixture in an internal-combustion engine) containing a high proportion of fuel. 8 (of colour, sound, or smell) mellow and deep, strong and full. 9 highly amusing or ludicrous; outrageous. ~ richness n. [old english and french]

Riches  n.pl. Abundant means; valuable possessions. [french richeise: related to +rich]

Richly  adv. 1 in a rich way. 2 fully, thoroughly (richly deserves success).

Richter scale  n. Scale of 0–10 for representing the strength of an earthquake. [richter, name of a seismologist]

Rick1  n. Stack of hay etc. [old english]

Rick2  (also wrick) —n. Slight sprain or strain. —v. Sprain or strain slightly. [low german wricken]

Rickets  n. (treated as sing. Or pl.) Deficiency disease of children with softening of the bones. [origin uncertain]

Rickety  adj. 1 insecure, shaky. 2 suffering from rickets. ~ ricketiness n.

Rickrack  var. Of +ricrac.

Rickshaw  n. (also ricksha) light two-wheeled hooded vehicle drawn by one or more persons. [abbreviation of jinrickshaw from japanese]

Ricochet  —n. 1 rebounding of esp. A shell or bullet off a surface. 2 hit made after this. —v. (-cheted; -cheting or -chetted; -chetting) (of a projectile) make a ricochet. [french]

Ricotta  n. Soft italian cheese. [latin: related to +re-, coquo cook]

Ricrac  n. (also rickrack) zigzag braided trimming for garments. [from +rack1]

Rid  v. (-dd-; past and past part. Rid) (foll. By of) free (a person or place) of something unwanted. ~ be (or get) rid of be freed or relieved of; dispose of. [old norse]

Riddance  n. Getting rid of something. ~ good riddance expression of relief at getting rid of something.

Ridden  past part. Of +ride.

Riddle1  —n. 1 verbal puzzle or test, often with a trick answer. 2 puzzling fact, thing, or person. —v. (-ling) speak in riddles. [old english: related to +read]

Riddle2  —v. (-ling) (usu. Foll. By with) 1 make many holes in, esp. With gunshot. 2 (in passive) fill; permeate (riddled with errors). 3 pass through a riddle. —n. Coarse sieve. [old english]

Ride  —v. (-ding; past rode; past part. Ridden) 1 (often foll. By on, in) travel or be carried on (a bicycle etc.) Or esp. Us in (a vehicle); be conveyed (rode her bike; rode on her bike; rode the tram). 2 (often foll. By on; also absol.) Be carried by (a horse etc.). 3 be carried or supported by (ship rides the waves). 4 traverse or take part in on horseback etc. (ride 50 miles; rode the prairie). 5 a lie at anchor; float buoyantly. B (of the moon) seem to float.  6 yield to (a blow) so as to reduce its impact. 7 give a ride to; cause to ride (rode me home). 8 (of a rider) cause (a horse etc.) To move forward (rode their horses at the fence). 9 (as ridden adj.) (foll. By by, with, or in comb.) Be dominated by; be infested with (ridden with guilt; rat-ridden cellar). —n. 1 journey or spell of riding in a vehicle, or on a horse, bicycle, person's back, etc. 2 path (esp. Through woods) for riding on. 3 specified kind of ride (bumpy ride). 4 amusement for riding on at a fairground etc. ~ let a thing ride leave it undisturbed. Ride again reappear as strong etc. As ever. Ride high be elated or successful. Ride out come safely through (a storm, danger, etc.). Ride roughshod over see +roughshod. Ride up (of a garment) work upwards out of place. Take for a ride colloq. Hoax or deceive. [old english]

Rider  n. 1 person who rides (esp. A horse). 2 additional remark following a statement, verdict, etc. ~ riderless adj.

Ridge  —n. 1 line of the junction of two surfaces sloping upwards towards each other (ridge of a roof). 2 long narrow hilltop, mountain range, or watershed. 3 any narrow elevation across a surface. 4 elongated region of high barometric pressure. 5 raised strip of esp. Ploughed land. —v. (-ging) mark with ridges. ~ ridgy adj. [old english]

Ridge-pole  n. Horizontal roof pole of a long tent.

Ridgeway  n. Road or track along a ridge.

Ridicule  —n. Derision, mockery. —v. (-ling) make fun of; mock; laugh at. [latin rideo laugh]

Ridiculous  adj. 1 deserving or inviting ridicule. 2 unreasonable. ~ ridiculously adv. Ridiculousness n.

Riding1  n. Sport or pastime of travelling on horseback.

Riding2  n. Hist. Former administrative division (east, north, west riding) of yorkshire. [old english from old norse, = third part]

Riding-light  n. Light shown by a ship at anchor.

Riding-school  n. Establishment teaching horsemanship.

Riesling  n. 1 a kind of grape. 2 white wine made from this. [german]

Rife  predic. Adj. 1 of common occurrence; widespread. 2 (foll. By with) abounding in. [old english, probably from old norse]

Riff  n. Short repeated phrase in jazz etc. [abbreviation of +riffle]

Riffle  —v. (-ling) 1 (often foll. By through) leaf quickly through (pages). 2 a turn (pages) in quick succession. B shuffle (playing-cards), esp. By flexing and combining the two halves of a pack. —n. 1 act of riffling. 2 us a shallow disturbed part of a stream. B patch of waves or ripples. [perhaps var. Of +ruffle]

Riff-raff  n. (often prec. By the) rabble; disreputable people. [french rif et raf]

Rifle1  —n. 1 gun with a long rifled barrel, esp. One fired from the shoulder. 2 (in pl.) Riflemen. —v. (-ling) make spiral grooves in (a gun, its barrel, or its bore) to make a projectile spin. [french]

Rifle2  v. (-ling) (often foll. By through) 1 search and rob. 2 carry off as booty. [french]

Rifleman  n. Soldier armed with a rifle.

Rifle-range  n. Place for rifle-practice.

Rifle-shot  n. 1 shot fired with a rifle. 2 distance coverable by this.

Rifling  n. Arrangement of grooves on the inside of a gun's barrel.

Rift  —n. 1 crack, split; break (in cloud etc.). 2 disagreement; breach. 3 cleft in earth or rock. —v. Tear or burst apart. [scandinavian: related to +riven]

Rift-valley  n. Steep-sided valley formed by subsidence between nearly parallel faults.

Rig1  —v. (-gg-) 1 provide (a ship) with sails, rigging, etc. 2 (often foll. By out, up) fit with clothes or other equipment. 3 (foll. By up) set up hastily or as a makeshift. 4 assemble and adjust the parts of (an aircraft). —n. 1 arrangement of a ship's masts, sails, etc. 2 equipment for a special purpose, e.g. A radio transmitter. 3 = +oil rig. 4  colloq. Style of dress; uniform (in full rig). ~ rigged adj. (also in comb.). [perhaps from scandinavian]

Rig2  —v. (-gg-) manage or fix (a result etc.) Fraudulently (rigged the election). —n. Trick, dodge, or way of swindling. ~ rig the market cause an artificial rise or fall in prices. ~ rigger n. [origin unknown]

Rigger  n. 1 worker on an oil rig. 2 person who rigs or who arranges rigging.

Rigging  n. Ship's spars, ropes, etc.

Right  —adj. 1 (of conduct etc.) Just, morally or socially correct (do the right thing). 2 true, correct (which is the right way?). 3 suitable or preferable (right person for the job). 4 sound or normal; healthy; satisfactory (engine doesn't sound right). 5 on or towards the east side of the human body, or of any object etc., when facing north. 6 (of a side of fabric etc.) Meant for display or use. 7 colloq. Real; complete (made a right mess of it). 8 (also right) polit. Of the right. —n. 1 that which is correct or just; fair treatment (often in pl.: rights and wrongs of the case). 2 justification or fair claim (has no right to speak). 3 legal or moral entitlement; authority to act (human rights; right of reply). 4 right-hand part, region, or direction. 5 boxing a right hand. B blow with this. 6 (often right) a conservative political group or section. B conservatives collectively. 7 side of a stage to the right of a person facing the audience. —v. 1 (often refl.) Restore to a proper, straight, or vertical position. 2 correct or avenge (mistakes, wrongs, etc.); set in order; make reparation. —adv. 1 straight (go right on). 2 colloq. Immediately (do it right now). 3 a (foll. By to, round, through, etc.) All the way (sank right to the bottom). B (foll. By off, out, etc.) Completely (came right off its hinges). 4 exactly, quite (right in the middle). 5 justly, properly, correctly, truly, satisfactorily (not holding it right; if i remember right). 6 on or to the right side. —int. Colloq. Expressing agreement or assent. ~  by right (or rights) if right were done. Do right by act dutifully towards (a person). In one's own right through one's own position or effort etc. In the right having justice or truth on one's side. In one's right mind sane. Of (or as of) right having legal or moral etc. Entitlement. On the right side of colloq. 1 in the favour of (a person etc.). 2 somewhat less than (a specified age). Put (or set) right 1 restore to order, health, etc. 2 correct the mistaken impression etc. Of (a person). Put (or set) to rights make correct or well ordered. Right away (or off) immediately. Right oh! (or ho!) = +righto. Right on! Slang expression of strong approval or encouragement. A right one colloq. Foolish or funny person. Right you are! Colloq. Exclamation of assent. Too right slang expression of agreement. ~ rightness n. [old english]

Right angle  n. Angle of 90°.

Right arm  n. One's most reliable helper.

Right bank  n. Bank of a river on the right facing downstream.

Righten  v. Make right or correct.

Righteous  adj. (of a person or conduct) morally right; virtuous, law-abiding. ~ righteously adv. Righteousness n. [old english]

Rightful  adj. 1 a (of a person) legitimately entitled to (a position etc.) (rightful heir). B (of status or property etc.) That one is entitled to. 2 (of an action etc.) Equitable, fair. ~ rightfully adv. [old english]

Right hand  n. = +right-hand man.

Right-hand  attrib. Adj. 1 on or towards the right side of a person or thing. 2 done with the right hand. 3 (of a screw) = +right-handed 4b.

Right-handed  adj. 1 naturally using the right hand for writing etc. 2 (of a tool etc.) For use by the right hand. 3 (of a blow) struck with the right hand. 4 a turning to the right. B (of a screw) turned clockwise to tighten. ~ right-handedly adv. Right-handedness n.

Right-hander  n. 1 right-handed person. 2 right-handed blow.

Right-hand man  n. Indispensable or chief assistant.

Right honourable  n. Title given to certain high officials, e.g. Privy counsellors.

Rightism  n. Political conservatism. ~ rightist n. & adj.

Rightly  adv. Justly, properly, correctly, justifiably.

Right-minded  adj. (also right-thinking) having sound views and principles.

Rightmost  adj. Furthest to the right.

Righto  int. Colloq. Expressing agreement or assent.

Right of way  n. 1 right established by usage to pass over another's ground. 2 path subject to such a right. 3 right of a vehicle to precedence.

Right reverend  n. Bishop's title.

Right turn  n. Turn of 90 degrees to the right.

Rightward  —adv. (also rightwards) towards the right. —adj. Going towards or facing the right.

Right wing  —n. 1 more conservative section of a political party or system. 2 right side of a football etc. Team on the field. —adj. (right-wing) conservative or reactionary. ~ right-winger n.

Rigid  adj. 1 not flexible; unbendable. 2 (of a person, conduct, etc.) Inflexible, unbending, harsh. ~ rigidity n. Rigidly adv. Rigidness n. [latin rigidus from rigeo be stiff]

Rigmarole  n. 1 lengthy and complicated procedure. 2 rambling or meaningless talk or tale. [originally ragman roll catalogue]

Rigor1  n. Feeling of cold with shivering and a rise in temperature, preceding a fever etc. [latin rigeo be stiff]

Rigor2  n. (brit. Rigour) 1 a severity, strictness, harshness. B (in pl.) Harsh measures or conditions. 2 logical exactitude. 3 strict enforcement of rules etc. (utmost rigour of the law). 4 austerity of life. [latin: related to +rigor1]

Rigor mortis  n. Stiffening of the body after death.

Rigorous  adj. 1 firm; strict, severe. 2 strictly exact or accurate. ~ rigorously adv. Rigorousness n. [related to +rigour]

Rigour  n. (us rigor) 1 a severity, strictness, harshness. B (in pl.) Harsh measures or conditions. 2 logical exactitude. 3 strict enforcement of rules etc. (utmost rigour of the law). 4 austerity of life. [latin: related to +rigor1]

Rig-out  n. Colloq. Outfit of clothes.

Rile  v. (-ling) colloq. Anger, irritate. [french from latin]

Rill  n. Small stream. [probably low german or dutch]

Rim  n. 1 edge or border, esp. Of something circular. 2 outer edge of a wheel, holding the tyre. 3 part of spectacle frames around the lens. ~ rimless adj. Rimmed adj. (also in comb.). [old english]

Rime1  —n. 1 frost. 2 hoar-frost. —v. (-ming) cover with rime. [old english]

Rime2  archaic var. Of +rhyme.

Rind  n. Tough outer layer or covering of fruit and vegetables, cheese, bacon, etc. [old english]

Ring1  —n. 1 circular band, usu. Of metal, worn on a finger. 2 circular band of any material. 3 rim of a cylindrical or circular object, or a line or band round it. 4 mark etc. Resembling a ring (rings round his eyes; smoke rings). 5 ring in the cross-section of a tree, produced by one year's growth. 6 a enclosure for a circus performance, boxing, betting at races, showing of cattle, etc. B (prec. By the) bookmakers collectively. 7 a people or things in a circle.

Ring2  —v. (past rang; past part. Rung) 1 (often foll. By out etc.) Give a clear resonant or vibrating sound of or as of a bell. 2 a make (esp. A bell) ring. B (absol.) Call by ringing a bell (you rang, sir?). 3 (also absol.; often foll. By up)  call by telephone (will ring you). 4 (usu. Foll. By with, to) (of a place) resound with a sound, fame, etc. (theatre rang with applause). 5 (of the ears) be filled with a sensation of ringing. 6  a sound (a peal etc.) On bells. B (of a bell) sound (the hour etc.). 7 (foll. By in, out) usher in or out with bell-ringing (rang out the old year). 8 convey a specified impression (words rang true). —n. 1 ringing sound or tone. 2 act or sound of ringing a bell. 3 colloq. Telephone call (give me a ring). 4 specified feeling conveyed by words etc. (had a melancholy ring). 5 set of esp. Church bells. ~ ring back make a return telephone call to. Ring a bell colloq. Begin to revive a memory. Ring down (or up) the curtain 1 cause the curtain to be lowered or raised. 2 (foll. By on) mark the end or the beginning of (an enterprise etc.). Ring in report or make contact by telephone. Ring off end a telephone call. Ring round telephone several people. Ring up 1  call by telephone. 2 record (an amount etc.) On a cash register. [old english]

Ring-binder  n. Loose-leaf binder with ring-shaped clasps.

Ring-dove  n. Woodpigeon.

Ringer  n. Bell-ringer. ~ be a ringer (or dead ringer) for slang resemble (a person) exactly.

Ring-fence  v. (-cing) protect or guarantee (funds).

Ring finger  n. Third finger, esp. Of the left hand, on which a wedding ring is usu. Worn.

Ringing tone  n. Sound heard after dialling an unengaged number.

Ringleader  n. Leading instigator of a crime, mischief, etc.

Ringlet  n. Curly lock of esp. Long hair. ~ ringleted adj.

Ringmaster  n. Person directing a circus performance.

Ring-pull  attrib. Adj. (of a tin) having a ring for pulling to break its seal.

Ring road  n. Bypass encircling a town.

Ringside  n. Area immediately beside a boxing or circus ring etc. (often attrib.: ringside view).

Ringworm  n. Fungal skin infection causing circular inflamed patches, esp. On the scalp.

Rink  n. 1 area of ice for skating or curling etc. 2 enclosed area for roller-skating. 3 building containing either of these. 4 strip of bowling-green. 5 team in bowls or curling. [apparently from french renc +rank1]

Rinse  —v. (-sing) (often foll. By through, out) 1 wash or treat with clean water etc. 2 wash lightly. 3 put (clothes etc.) Through clean water after washing. 4 (foll. By out, away) clear (impurities) by rinsing. —n. 1 rinsing (give it a rinse). 2 temporary hair tint (blue rinse). [french rincer]

Riot  —n. 1 a violent disturbance by a crowd of people. B (attrib.) Involved in suppressing riots (riot police). 2 loud uncontrolled revelry. 3 (foll. By of) lavish display or sensation (riot of colour and sound). 4 colloq. Very amusing thing or person. —v. Make or engage in a riot. ~ read the riot act act firmly to suppress insubordination; give warning.

Rip  abbr. May he, she, or they rest in peace. [latin requiesca(n)t in pace]

Rip1  —v. (-pp-) 1 tear or cut (a thing) quickly or forcibly away or apart (ripped out the lining). 2 a make (a hole etc.) By ripping. B make a long tear or cut in. 3 come violently apart; split. 4 rush along. —n. 1 long tear or cut. 2 act of ripping. ~ let rip colloq. 1 (allow to) proceed or act without restraint or interference. 2 speak violently. Rip into colloq. Attack (a person) verbally. Rip off colloq. 1 swindle. 2 steal. [origin unknown]

Rip2  n. Stretch of rough water caused by meeting currents. [origin uncertain]

Rip3  n. 1 dissolute person; rascal. 2 worthless horse. [origin uncertain]

Riparian  adj. Of or on a river-bank (riparian rights). [latin ripa bank]

Rip-cord  n. Cord for releasing a parachute from its pack.

Ripe  adj. 1 (of grain, fruit, cheese, etc.) Ready to be reaped, picked, or eaten. 2 mature, fully developed (ripe in judgement). 3 (of a person's age) advanced. 4 (often foll. By for) fit or ready (ripe for development). ~ ripeness n. [old english]

Ripen  v. Make or become ripe.

Rip-off  n. Colloq. Swindle, financial exploitation.

Riposte  —n. 1 quick retort. 2 quick return thrust in fencing. —v. (-ting) deliver a riposte. [italian: related to +respond]

Ripper  n. 1 person or thing that rips. 2 murderer who mutilates the victims' bodies.

Ripple  —n. 1 ruffling of the water's surface, small wave or waves. 2 gentle lively sound, e.g. Of laughter or applause. 3 wavy appearance in hair, material, etc. 4 slight variation in the strength of a current etc. 5 ice-cream with veins of syrup (raspberry ripple). —v. (-ling) 1 (cause to) form or flow in ripples. 2 show or sound like ripples. ~ ripply adj. [origin unknown]

Rip-roaring  adj. 1 wildly noisy or boisterous. 2 excellent, first-rate.

Ripsaw  n. Coarse saw for sawing wood along the grain.

Rise  —v. (-sing; past rose; past part. Risen) 1 come or go up. 2 grow, project, expand, or incline upwards; become higher. 3 appear or be visible above the horizon. 4 get up from lying, sitting, kneeling, or from bed; become erect. 5 (of a meeting etc.) Adjourn. 6 reach a higher position, level, amount, intensity, etc. 7 make progress socially etc. (rose from the ranks). 8 a  come to the surface of liquid. B (of a person) react to provocation (rise to the bait). 9 come to life again. 10 (of dough) swell by the action of yeast etc. 11 (often foll. By up) rebel (rise up against them). 12 originate (river rises in the mountains). 13 (of wind) start to blow. 14 (of a person's spirits) become cheerful. —n. 1 rising. 2 upward slope, hill, or movement (house stood on a rise). 3 a increase in amount, extent, sound, pitch, etc. (rise in unemployment). B increase in salary. 4 increase in status or power; upward progress. 5 movement of fish to the surface. 6 origin. 7 a vertical height of a step, arch, incline, etc. B = +riser 2. ~ get (or take) a rise out of colloq. Provoke a reaction from (a person), esp. By teasing. On the rise on the increase. Rise above be superior to (petty feelings, difficulties, etc.). Rise to develop powers equal to (an occasion). [old english]

Riser  n. 1 person who rises from bed (early riser). 2 vertical section between the treads of a staircase.

Risible  adj. Laughable, ludicrous. [latin rideo ris- laugh]

Rising  —adj. 1 advancing to maturity or high standing (rising young lawyer). 2 approaching a specified age (rising five). 3 (of ground) sloping upwards. —n. Revolt or insurrection.

Rising damp  n. Moisture absorbed from the ground into a wall.

Risk  —n. 1 chance or possibility of danger, loss, injury, etc. (health risk; risk of fire). 2 person or thing causing a risk or regarded in relation to risk (is a poor risk). —v. 1 expose to risk. 2 accept the chance of (risk getting wet). 3 venture on. ~ at risk exposed to danger. At one's (own) risk accepting responsibility, agreeing to make no claims. At the risk of with the possibility of (an adverse consequence). Put at risk expose to danger. Run a (or the) risk (often foll. By of) expose oneself to danger or loss etc. Take a risk (or risks) chance the possibility of danger etc. [french risque(r) from italian]

Risky  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 involving risk. 2 = +risqué. ~ riskily adv. Riskiness n.

Risotto  n. (pl. -s) italian savoury rice dish cooked in stock. [italian]

Risqué  adj. (of a story etc.) Slightly indecent. [french: related to +risk]

Rissole  n. Cake of spiced minced meat, coated in breadcrumbs and fried. [french]

Rit.  Abbr. Mus. Ritardando.

Ritardando  adv. & n. (pl. -s or -di) mus. = +rallentando. [italian]

Rite  n. 1 religious or solemn observance, act, or procedure (burial rites). 2 body of customary observances characteristic of a church etc. (latin rite). [latin ritus]

Rite of passage  n. (often in pl.) Event marking a change or stage in life, e.g. Marriage.

Ritual  —n. 1 a prescribed order of a ceremony etc. B solemn or colourful pageantry etc. 2 procedure regularly followed. —adj. Of or done as a ritual or rite (ritual murder). ~ ritually adv. [latin: related to +rite]

Ritualism  n. Regular or excessive practice of ritual. ~ ritualist n. Ritualistic adj. Ritualistically adv.

Ritzy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. High-class, luxurious, showily smart. [from ritz, name of luxury hotels]

Rival  —n. (often attrib.) 1 person competing with another. 2 person or thing that equals another in quality. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) be, seem, or claim to be the rival of or comparable to. [latin rivus stream]

Rivalry  n. (pl. -ies) being rivals; competition.

Riven  adj. Literary split, torn. [past part. Of rive from old norse]

River  n. 1 copious natural stream of water flowing to the sea or a lake etc. 2 copious flow (rivers of blood). ~ sell down the river colloq. Betray or let down. [latin ripa bank]

Riverside  n. (often attrib.) Ground along a river-bank.

Rivet  —n. Nail or bolt for joining metal plates etc., with the headless end beaten out when in place. —v. (-t-) 1 a join or fasten with rivets. B beat out or press down the end of (a nail or bolt). C fix, make immovable. 2 a (foll. By on, upon) direct intently (one's eyes or attention etc.). B (esp. As riveting adj.) Engross (a person or the attention). [french river fasten]

Riviera  n. Coastal subtropical region, esp. That of se france and nw italy. [italian, = sea-shore]

Rivulet  n. Small stream. [latin rivus stream]

Rm  abbr. Royal marines.

Rm.  Abbr. Room.

Rma  abbr. Royal military academy.

Rn  abbr. Royal navy.

Rn  symb. Radon.

Rna  abbr. Ribonucleic acid.

Rnli  abbr. Royal national lifeboat institution.

Roach  n. (pl. Same or -es) small freshwater fish of the carp family. [french]

Road  n. 1 a way with a prepared surface, for vehicles, pedestrians, etc. B part of this for vehicles only (step out into the road). 2 one's way or route. 3 (usu. In pl.) Piece of water near the shore in which ships can ride at anchor. ~ any road dial. = +anyway 2, 3. Get out of the (or my etc.) Road dial. Stop obstructing a person. In the (or one's) road dial. Forming an obstruction. One for the road colloq. Final (esp. Alcoholic) drink before departure. On the road travelling, esp.

Roadbed  n. 1 foundation structure of a railway. 2 foundation material for a road. 3 us part of a road on which vehicles travel.

Roadblock  n. Barrier set up on a road in order to stop and examine traffic.

Road fund licence  n. Disc displayed on a vehicle certifying payment of road tax.

Road-hog  n. Colloq. Reckless or inconsiderate road-user.

Road-holding  n. Stability of a moving vehicle.

Road-house  n. Inn or club on a major road.

Roadie  n. Colloq. Assistant of a touring band etc., erecting and maintaining equipment.

Road-metal  n. Broken stone used in road-making etc.

Road sense  n. Capacity for safe behaviour in traffic etc.

Roadshow  n. 1 television or radio series broadcasting each programme from a different venue. 2  any touring political or advertising campaign or touring entertainment.

Roadside  n. (often attrib.) Strip of land beside a road.

Road sign  n. Sign giving information or instructions to road users.

Roadstead  n. = +road 3.

Roadster  n. Open car without rear seats.

Road tax  n. Periodic tax payable on road vehicles.

Road test  —n. Test of a vehicle's roadworthiness. —v. (road-test) test (a vehicle) on the road.

Roadway  n. 1 road. 2 part of a road intended for vehicles.

Roadworks  n.pl. Construction, repair, etc. Of roads.

Roadworthy  adj. Fit to be used on the road. ~ roadworthiness n.

Roam  —v. 1 ramble, wander. 2 travel unsystematically over, through, or about. —n. Act of roaming; ramble. ~ roamer n. [origin unknown]

Roan  —adj. (of esp. A horse) having a coat thickly interspersed with hairs of another colour. —n. Roan animal. [french]

Roar  —n. 1 a loud deep hoarse sound, as made by a lion. B similar sound. 2 loud laugh. —v. 1 (often foll. By out) utter loudly or make a roar, roaring laugh, etc. 2 travel in a vehicle at high speed, esp. With the engine roaring. [old english]

Roaring drunk  predic. Adj. Very drunk and noisy.

Roaring forties  n.pl. Stormy ocean tracts between lat. 40° and 50° s.

Roaring success  n. Great success.

Roaring trade  n. (also roaring business) very brisk trade or business.

Roaring twenties  n.pl. Decade of the 1920s.

Roast  —v. 1  a cook (food, esp. Meat) or (of food) be cooked in an oven or by open heat (roast chestnuts). B heat (coffee beans) before grinding. 2 refl. Expose (oneself etc.) To fire or heat. 3 criticize severely, denounce. —attrib. Adj. Roasted (roast beef). —n. 1 a roast meat. B dish of this. C piece of meat for roasting. 2 process of roasting. [french rost(ir) from germanic]

Roaster  n. 1 oven, dish, apparatus, etc. For roasting. 2 fowl, potato, etc. For roasting.

Roasting  —adj. Very hot. —n. Severe criticism or denunciation.

Rob  v. (-bb-) (often foll. By of) 1 (also absol.) Take unlawfully from, esp. By force or threat (robbed the safe; robbed her of her jewels). 2 deprive of what is due or normal (robbed of sleep). ~ robber n. [french rob(b)er from germanic]

Robbery  n. (pl. -ies) 1 act of robbing. 2  colloq. Excessive charge or cost.

Robe  —n. 1 a long loose outer garment. B (often in pl.) This worn as an indication of rank, office, profession, etc. 2 esp. Us dressing-gown. —v. (-bing) clothe in a robe; dress. [french]

Robin  n. 1 (also robin redbreast) small brown red-breasted bird. 2 us red-breasted thrush. [pet form of robert]

Robin hood  n. Person who steals from the rich to give to the poor.

Robinia  n. Any of various n. American trees or shrubs, e.g. A locust tree or false acacia. [robin, name of a french gardener]

Robot  n. 1 machine resembling or functioning like a human. 2 machine automatically completing a mechanical process. 3 person who acts mechanically. ~ robotic adj. Robotize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). [czech]

Robotics  n.pl. (usu. Treated as sing.) Art, science, or study of robot design and operation.

Robust  adj. (-er, -est) 1 strong and sturdy, esp. In physique or construction. 2 (of exercise, discipline, etc.) Vigorous, requiring strength. 3 (of mental attitude, argument, etc.) Straightforward, vigorous. 4 (of a statement, reply, etc.) Bold, firm, unyielding. ~ robustly adv. Robustness n. [latin robur strength]

Roc  n. Gigantic bird of eastern legend. [spanish from arabic]

Rochet  n. Surplice-like vestment of a bishop or abbot. [french from germanic]

Rock1  n. 1 a hard material of the earth's crust, often exposed on the surface. B similar material on other planets. 2 geol. Any natural material, hard or soft (e.g. Clay), consisting of one or more minerals. 3 a projecting rock forming a hill, cliff, reef, etc. B (the rock) gibraltar. 4 large detached stone. 5 us stone of any size. 6 firm and dependable support or protection. 7 hard sweet usu. In the form of a peppermint-flavoured stick. 8 slang precious stone, esp. A diamond. ~ get one's rocks off coarse slang achieve (esp. Sexual) satisfaction. On the rocks colloq. 1 short of money. 2 (of a marriage etc.) Broken down. 3 (of a drink) served neat with ice-cubes. [french roque, roche]

Rock2  —v. 1 move gently to and fro; set, maintain, or be in, such motion. 2 (cause to) sway; shake, oscillate, reel. 3 distress, perturb (rocked by the news). —n. 1 rocking movement. 2 spell of this. 3 a = +rock and roll. B rock and roll-influenced popular music. ~ rock the boat colloq. Disturb a stable situation. [old english]

Rockabilly  n. Rock and roll combined with hill-billy music.

Rock and roll  n. (also rock 'n' roll) popular dance-music originating in the 1950s with a heavy beat and often a blues element.

Rock-bottom  —adj. (of prices etc.) The very lowest. —n. Very lowest level.

Rock-cake  n. Small rough-surfaced spicy currant bun.

Rock-crystal  n. Transparent colourless quartz, usu. In hexagonal prisms.

Rocker  n. 1 curved bar etc. On which something can rock. 2 rocking-chair. 3 devotee of rock music, esp. A leather-clad motor cyclist. 4 a device for rocking. B pivoted switch operating between ‘on’ and ‘off’ positions. ~ off one's rocker slang crazy.

Rockery  n. (pl. -ies) construction of stones with soil between them for growing rock-plants on.

Rocket  —n. 1 cylindrical firework or signal etc. Propelled to a great height after ignition. 2 engine operating on the same principle, providing thrust but not dependent on air intake. 3 rocket-propelled missile, spacecraft, etc. 4 slang severe reprimand. —v. (-t-) 1 a move rapidly upwards or away. B increase rapidly (prices rocketed). 2 bombard with rockets. [french roquette from italian]

Rocketry  n. Science or practice of rocket propulsion.

Rock-face  n. Vertical surface of natural rock.

Rockfall  n. Descent or mass of loose fallen rocks.

Rock-garden  n. = +rockery.

Rocking-chair  n. Chair mounted on rockers or springs for gently rocking in.

Rocking-horse  n. Toy horse on rockers or springs.

Rock-plant  n. Plant growing on or among rocks.

Rock-salmon  n. Any of several fishes, esp. The catfish and dogfish.

Rock-salt  n. Common salt as a solid mineral.

Rocky1  adj. (-ier, -iest) of, like, or full of rock or rocks. ~ rockiness n.

Rocky2  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Unsteady, tottering, unstable. ~ rockiness n.

Rococo  —adj. 1 of a late baroque style of 18th-c. Decoration. 2 (of literature, music, architecture, etc.) Highly ornate. —n. This style. [french]

Rod  n. 1 slender straight cylindrical bar or stick. 2 a cane for flogging. B (prec. By the) use of this. 3 = +fishing-rod. 4 hist. (as a measure) perch or square perch (see +perch1). ~ make a rod for one's own back make trouble for oneself. [old english] 

Rode  past of +ride.

Rodent  n. Mammal with strong incisors and no canine teeth, e.g. The rat, mouse, squirrel, beaver, and porcupine. [latin rodo gnaw]

Rodeo  n. (pl. -s) 1 exhibition of cowboys' skills in handling animals. 2 round-up of cattle on a ranch for branding etc. [spanish]

Rodomontade  n. Boastful talk or behaviour. [french from italian]

Roe1  n. 1 (also hard roe) mass of eggs in a female fish's ovary. 2 (also soft roe) milt of a male fish. [low german or dutch]

Roe2  n. (pl. Same or -s) (also roe-deer) small kind of deer. [old english]

Roebuck  n. Male roe-deer.

Roentgen  n. (also röntgen) unit of ionizing radiation. [röntgen, name of a physicist]

Rogation  n. (usu. In pl.) Litany of the saints chanted on the three days before ascension day. [latin rogo ask]

Rogation days  n.pl. The three days before ascension day.

Roger  int. 1 your message has been received and understood (used in radio communication etc.). 2 slang i agree. [from the name, code for r]

Rogue  n. 1 dishonest or unprincipled person. 2 joc. Mischievous person, esp. A child. 3 (usu. Attrib.) Wild fierce animal driven away or living apart from others (rogue elephant). 4 (often attrib.) Inexplicably aberrant result or phenomenon; inferior or defective specimen. [origin unknown]

Roguery  n. (pl. -ies) conduct or action characteristic of rogues.

Rogues' gallery  n. Colloq. Collection of photographs of known criminals etc., used for identification.

Roguish  adj. 1 playfully mischievous. 2 characteristic of rogues. ~ roguishly adv. Roguishness n.

Roister  v. (esp. As roistering adj.) Revel noisily; be uproarious. ~ roisterer n. [latin: related to +rustic]

Role  n. (also rôle) 1 actor's part in a play, film, etc. 2 person's or thing's function. [french: related to +roll]

Role model  n. Person on whom others model themselves.

Role-playing  n. (also role-play) acting of characters or situations as an aid in psychotherapy, language-teaching, etc. ~ role-play v.

Roll  —v. 1 (cause to) move or go in some direction by turning on an axis (ball rolled under the table; rolled the barrel into the cellar). 2 a make cylindrical or spherical by revolving between two surfaces or over on itself (rolled a newspaper). B make thus (rolled a cigarette). C gather into a mass or shape (rolled the dough into a ball; rolled himself into a ball). 3 (often foll. By along, by, etc.) (cause to) move, advance, or be conveyed on or (of time etc.) As if on wheels etc. (bus rolled past; rolled the tea trolley; years rolled by; rolled by in his car). 4 flatten or form by passing a roller etc. Over or by passing between rollers (roll the lawn; roll pastry). 5 rotate (his eyes rolled; he rolled his eyes). 6 a wallow (dog rolled in the dust). B (of a horse etc.) Lie on its back and kick about. 7 (of a moving ship, aircraft, vehicle, or person) sway to and fro sideways or walk unsteadily (rolled out of the pub). 8 a undulate (rolling hills; rolling mist). B carry or propel with undulations (river rolls its waters to the sea). 9 (cause to) start functioning or moving (cameras rolled). 10 sound or utter with vibrations or a trill (thunder rolled; rolls his rs). —n. 1 rolling motion or gait; undulation (roll of the hills). 2 a spell of rolling (roll in the mud).

Roll-call  n. Calling out a list of names to establish who is present.

Rolled gold  n. Thin coating of gold applied to a base metal by rolling.

Rolled oats  n.pl. Husked and crushed oats.

Roller  n. 1 a revolving cylinder for smoothing, spreading, crushing, stamping, hanging a towel on, etc., used alone or in a machine. B cylinder for diminishing friction when moving a heavy object. 2 small cylinder on which hair is rolled for setting. 3 long swelling wave.

Roller bearing  n. Bearing like a ball-bearing but with small cylinders instead of balls.

Roller blind  n. Blind on a roller.

Roller-coaster  n. 1 switchback at a fair etc. 2 (attrib.) (of emotions etc.) Uncontrollable, unstable.

Roller-skate  —n. Metal frame with small wheels, fitted to shoes for riding on a hard surface. —v. (-ting) move on roller-skates. ~ roller-skater n.

Roller towel  n. Towel with the ends joined, hung on a roller.

Rollicking  adj. Jovial, exuberant. [origin unknown]

Rolling drunk  predic. Adj. Swaying or staggering from drunkenness.

Rolling-mill  n. Machine or factory for rolling metal into shape.

Rolling-pin  n. Cylinder for rolling out pastry, dough, etc.

Rolling-stock  n. 1 locomotives, carriages, etc. Used on a railway. 2 us road vehicles of a company.

Rolling stone  n. Unsettled rootless person.

Rollmop  n. Rolled uncooked pickled herring fillet. [german rollmops]

Roll-neck  adj. (of a garment) having a high loosely turned-over neck.

Roll of honour  n. List of those honoured, esp. The dead in war.

Roll-on  —attrib. Adj. (of deodorant etc.) Applied by means of a rotating ball in the neck of the container. —n. Light elastic corset.

Roll-on roll-off  adj. (of a ship, etc.) In which vehicles are driven directly on and off.

Roll-top desk  n. Desk with a flexible cover sliding in curved grooves.

Roll-up  n. (also roll-your-own) hand-rolled cigarette.

Roly-poly  —n. (pl. -ies) (also roly-poly pudding) pudding made of a rolled strip of suet pastry covered with jam etc. And boiled or baked. —adj. Podgy, plump. [probably +roll]

Rom  n. Computing read-only memory. [abbreviation]

Rom.  Abbr. Roman (type).

Roman  —adj. 1 of ancient rome, its territory, people, etc. 2 of medieval or modern rome. 3 = +roman catholic. 4 (roman) (of type) plain and upright, used in ordinary print. 5 (of the alphabet etc.) Based on the ancient roman system with letters a–z. —n. 1 citizen or soldier of the ancient roman republic or empire. 2 citizen of modern rome. 3 = +roman catholic. 4 (roman) roman type. [latin]

Roman candle  n. Firework discharging flaming coloured balls.

Roman catholic  —adj. Of the part of the christian church acknowledging the pope as its head. —n. Member of this church. ~ roman catholicism n.

Romance  —n. 1 idealized, poetic, or unworldly atmosphere or tendency. 2 a love affair. B mutual attraction in this. C sentimental or idealized love. 3 a literary genre concerning romantic love, stirring action, etc. B work of this genre. 4 medieval, esp. Verse, tale of chivalry, common in the romance languages. 5 a exaggeration, lies. B instance of this. 6 (romance) (often attrib.) Languages descended from latin. 7 mus. Short informal piece. —v. (-cing) 1 exaggerate, distort the truth, fantasize. 2 court, woo. [romanic: related to +romanic]

Usage  the alternative pronunciation given for the noun, with the stress on the first syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.

Roman empire  n. Hist. That established by augustus in 27 bc and divided by theodosius in ad 395.

Romanesque  —n. Style of european architecture c. 900–1200, with massive vaulting and round arches. —adj. Of this style.

Romanian  (also rumanian) —n. 1 a native or national of romania. B person of romanian descent. 2 language of romania. —adj. Of romania, its people, or language.

Romanic  —n. = +romance n. 6. —adj. 1 a of romance. B romance-speaking. 2 descended from, or inheriting the civilization etc. Of, the ancient romans. [latin romanicus: related to +roman]

Romanize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make roman or roman catholic in character. 2 put into the roman alphabet or roman type. ~ romanization n.

Roman law  n. Law-code of ancient rome, forming the basis of many modern codes.

Roman nose  n. Aquiline high-bridged nose.

Roman numeral  n. Any of the roman letters representing numbers: i = 1, v = 5, x = 10, l = 50, c = 100, d = 500, m = 1000.

Romano-  comb. Form roman; roman and (romano-british).

Romantic  —adj. 1 of, characterized by, or suggestive of romance (romantic picture). 2 inclined towards or suggestive of romance in love (romantic evening; romantic words). 3 (of a person) imaginative, visionary, idealistic. 4 a (of style in art, music, etc.) Concerned more with feeling and emotion than with form and aesthetic qualities. B (also romantic) of the 18th–19th-c. Romantic movement or style in the european arts. 5 (of a project etc.) Unpractical, fantastic. —n. 1 romantic person. 2 romanticist. ~ romantically adv. [french: related to +romance]

Romanticism  n. (also romanticism) adherence to a romantic style in art, music, etc.

Romanticist  n. (also romanticist) writer or artist of the romantic school.

Romanticize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make romantic; exaggerate (romanticized account). 2 indulge in romantic thoughts or actions.

Romany  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 gypsy. 2 language of the gypsies. —adj. Of gypsies or the romany language. [romany rom gypsy]

Romeo  n. (pl. -s) passionate male lover or seducer. [name of a character in shakespeare]

Romp  —v. 1 play roughly and energetically. 2 (foll. By along, past, etc.) Colloq. Proceed without effort. —n. Spell of romping. ~ romp in (or home) colloq. Win easily. [perhaps from +ramp]

Rompers  n. Pl. (also romper suit) young child's one-piece garment covering the legs and trunk.

Rondeau  n. (pl. Rondeaux pronunc. Same or) poem of ten or thirteen lines with only two rhymes throughout and with the opening words used twice as a refrain. [french: related to +rondel]

Rondel  n. Rondeau, esp. One of special form. [french: related to +round: cf. +roundel]

Rondo  n. (pl. -s) musical form with a recurring leading theme. [french +rondeau]

Röntgen  var. Of +roentgen.

Rood  n. 1 crucifix, esp. One raised on a rood-screen. 2 quarter of an acre. [old english]

Rood-screen  n. Carved screen separating nave and chancel.

Roof  —n. (pl. -s) 1 a upper covering of a building. B top of a covered vehicle. C top inner surface of an oven, refrigerator, etc. 2 overhead rock in a cave or mine etc. —v. 1 (often foll. By in, over) cover with or as with a roof. 2 be the roof of. ~ go through the roof colloq. (of prices etc.) Rise dramatically. Hit (or go through) the roof colloq. Become very angry. [old english]

Roof-garden  n. Garden on the flat roof of a building.

Roofing  n. Material for a roof.

Roof of the mouth  n. Palate.

Roof-rack  n. Framework for luggage on top of a vehicle.

Rooftop  n. 1 outer surface of a roof. 2 (in pl.) Tops of houses etc. ~ shout it from the rooftops make a thing embarrassingly public.

Roof-tree  n. Ridge-piece of a roof.

Rook1  —n. Black bird of the crow family nesting in colonies. —v. 1 colloq. Charge (a customer) extortionately. 2 win money at cards etc., esp. By swindling. [old english]

Rook2  n. Chess piece with a battlement-shaped top. [french from arabic]

Rookery  n. (pl. -ies) colony of rooks, penguins, or seals.

Rookie  n. Slang new recruit. [corruption of recruit]

Room  —n. 1 space for, or occupied by, something; capacity (takes up too much room; room for improvement). 2 a part of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling. B (in pl.) Apartments or lodgings. C people in a room (room fell silent). —v. Us have room(s); lodge, board. [old english]

Rooming-house  n. Lodging house.

Room-mate  n. Person sharing a room.

Room service  n. Provision of food etc. In a hotel bedroom.

Roomy  adj. (-ier, -iest) having much room, spacious. ~ roominess n.

Roost  —n. Branch or perch for a bird, esp. To sleep. —v. Settle for rest or sleep. ~ come home to roost (of a scheme etc.) Recoil unfavourably. [old english hrost]

Rooster  n. Domestic cock.

Root1  —n. 1 a part of a plant normally below the ground, conveying nourishment from the soil. B (in pl.) Branches or fibres of this. C small plant with a root for transplanting. 2 a plant with an edible root. B such a root. 3 (in pl.) Emotional attachment or family ties to a place or community. 4 a embedded part of a hair, tooth, nail, etc. B part of a thing attaching it to a greater whole. 5 (often attrib.) Basic cause, source, nature, or origin (root of all evil; roots in the distant past; root cause; the root of things). 6 a number that when multiplied by itself a usu. Specified number of times gives a specified number or quantity (cube root of eight is two). B square root. C value of an unknown quantity satisfying a given equation. 7 core of a word, without prefixes, suffixes, etc. —v. 1 (cause to) take root; grow roots (root them firmly). 2 (esp. As rooted adj.) Fix firmly; establish (rooted objection to; reaction rooted in fear). 3 (usu. Foll.

Rootstock  n. 1 rhizome. 2 plant into which a graft is inserted. 3 primary form from which offshoots have arisen.

Rope  —n. 1 a stout cord made by twisting together strands of hemp, wire, etc. B piece of this. 2 (foll. By of) quantity of onions, pearls, etc. Strung together. 3 (prec. By the) a halter for hanging a person. B execution by hanging. —v. (-ping) 1 fasten, secure, or catch with rope. 2 (usu. Foll. By off, in) enclose with rope. 3 mountaineering connect with or attach to a rope. ~ know (or learn or show) the ropes know (or learn or show) how to do a thing properly. Rope in persuade to take part. Rope into persuade to take part in (roped into washing up). [old english]

Rope-ladder  n. Two ropes with crosspieces, used as a ladder.

Ropy  adj. (also ropey) (-ier, -iest) colloq. Poor in quality. ~ ropiness n.

Roquefort  n. Propr. Soft blue cheese made from ewes' milk. [roquefort in france]

Ro-ro  attrib. Adj. Roll-on roll-off. [abbreviation]

Rorqual  n. Whale with a dorsal fin. [french from norwegian]

Rorschach test  n. Personality test based on the subject's interpretation of a standard set of ink-blots. [rorschach, name of a psychiatrist]

Rosaceous  adj.  Of a large plant family including the rose. [latin: related to +rose1]

Rosary  n. (pl. -ies) 1 rc ch. Repeated sequence of prayers. 2 string of beads for keeping count in this. [latin rosarium rose-garden]

Rose1  —n. 1 prickly bush or shrub bearing usu. Fragrant red, pink, yellow, or white flowers. 2 this flower. 3 flowering plant resembling this (christmas rose). 4 a pinkish-red colour. B (usu. In pl.) Rosy complexion (roses in her cheeks). 5 sprinkling-nozzle of a watering-can etc. 6 circular electric light mounting on a ceiling. 7 a representation of a rose in heraldry etc. B rose-shaped design. 8 (in pl.) Used to express luck, ease, success, etc. (roses all the way; everything's roses). —adj. = +rose-coloured 1. [latin rosa]

Rose2  past of +rise.

Rosé  n. Light pink wine. [french]

Rosebowl  n. Bowl for cut roses, esp. As a prize in a competition.

Rosebud  n. 1 bud of a rose. 2 pretty young woman.

Rose-bush  n. Rose plant.

Rose-coloured  adj. 1 pinkish-red. 2 optimistic, cheerful (wears rose-coloured glasses).

Rose-hip  n. = +hip2.

Rosemary  n. Evergreen fragrant shrub used as a herb. [rosmarine from latin ros dew: related to +marine]

Rosette  n. 1 rose-shaped ornament of ribbon etc., esp. As a supporter's badge or as a prize in a competition. 2 rose-shaped carving. [french diminutive: related to +rose1]

Rose-water  n. Perfume made from roses.

Rose-window  n. Circular window with roselike tracery.

Rosewood  n. Any of several fragrant close-grained woods used in making furniture.

Rosin  —n. Resin, esp. In solid form. —v. (-n-) rub (esp. A violin bow etc.) With rosin. [alteration of +resin]

Rospa  abbr. Royal society for the prevention of accidents.

Roster  —n. List or plan of turns of duty etc. —v. Place on a roster. [dutch rooster, literally ‘gridiron’]

Rostrum  n. (pl. Rostra or -s) platform for public speaking, an orchestral conductor, etc. [latin]

Rosy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 pink or red. 2 optimistic, hopeful (rosy future). ~ rosily adv. Rosiness n.

Rot  —v. (-tt-) 1 (of animal or vegetable matter) lose its original form by the chemical action of bacteria, fungi, etc.; decay. 2 gradually perish or waste away (left to rot in prison). 3 cause to rot, make rotten. —n. 1 rotting; decay. 2 slang nonsense (talks rot). 3 decline in standards etc. (rot set in). —int. Expressing incredulity or ridicule. [old english]

Rota  n. List of duties to be done or names of people to do them in turn; roster. [latin, = wheel]

Rotarian  —n. Member of rotary. —adj. Of rotary.

Rotary  —adj. Acting by rotation (rotary drill). —n. (pl. -ies) 1 rotary machine. 2 (rotary) (in full rotary international) worldwide charitable society of businessmen, orig. Entertaining in rotation. [medieval latin: related to +rota]

Rotary club  n. Local branch of rotary.

Rotate  v. (-ting) 1 move round an axis or centre, revolve. 2 take or arrange (esp. Crops) in rotation. 3 act or take place in rotation (chairmanship will rotate). ~ rotatable adj. Rotatory adj. [latin: related to +rota]

Rotation  n. 1 rotating or being rotated. 2 recurrence; recurrent series or period; regular succession. 3 the growing of different crops in regular order to avoid exhausting the soil. ~ rotational adj.

Rotavator  n. (also rotovator) propr. Machine with a rotating blade for breaking up or tilling the soil. [from +rotary, +cultivator]

Rote  n. (usu. Prec. By by; also attrib.) Mechanical or habitual repetition (in order to memorize) (rote learning). [origin unknown]

Rot-gut  n. Slang cheap harmful alcohol.

Rotisserie  n. 1 restaurant etc. Where meat is roasted or barbecued. 2 rotating spit for roasting or barbecuing meat. [french: related to +roast]

Rotor  n. 1 rotary part of a machine. 2 rotary aerofoil on a helicopter, providing lift. [related to +rotate]

Rotovator  var. Of +rotavator.

Rotten  adj. (-er, -est) 1 rotting or rotted; fragile from age or use. 2 morally or politically corrupt. 3 slang a disagreeable, unpleasant, bad (had a rotten time). B worthless (rotten idea). C ill (feel rotten). ~ rottenly adv. Rottenness n. [old norse: related to +rot]

Rotten borough  n. Hist. (before 1832) english borough electing an mp though having very few voters.

Rotter  n. Slang nasty or contemptible person. [from +rot]

Rottweiler  n. Black-and-tan dog noted for ferocity. [rottweil in germany]

Rotund  adj. 1 plump, podgy. 2 (of speech etc.) Sonorous, grandiloquent. ~ rotundity n. [latin rotundus: related to +rota]

Rotunda  n. Circular building, hall, or room, esp. Domed. [italian rotonda: related to +rotund]

Rouble  n. (also ruble) chief monetary unit of russia etc. [french from russian]

Roué  n. (esp. Elderly) debauchee. [french]

Rouge  —n. Red cosmetic for colouring the cheeks. —v. (-ging) 1 colour with or apply rouge. 2 become red, blush. [latin rubeus red]

Rough  —adj. 1 uneven or bumpy, not smooth, level, or polished. 2 shaggy or coarse-haired. 3 boisterous, coarse; violent, not mild, quiet, or gentle (rough fellow; rough play; rough sea). 4 (of wine etc.) Sharp or harsh in taste. 5 harsh, insensitive (rough words; rough treatment). 6 a unpleasant, severe, demanding (had a rough time). B unfortunate; undeserved (had rough luck). C (often foll. By on) hard or unfair (towards). 7 lacking finish etc. 8 incomplete, rudimentary, approximate (rough attempt; rough sketch; rough estimate). 9 (of stationery etc.) Used for rough notes etc. 10 colloq. Unwell; depressed (feeling rough). —adv. In a rough manner (play rough). —n. 1 (usu. Prec. By the) hardship (take the rough with the smooth). 2 rough ground, esp. On a golf-course (ball went into the rough). 3 violent person (bunch of roughs). 4 unfinished or natural state (written it in rough). —v. 1 (foll. By up) ruffle (feathers, hair, etc.), esp. By rubbing. 2 (foll. By out, in) shape, plan, or sketch roughly. ~ rough it colloq. Do without basic comforts. Rough up slang attack violently. ~ roughish adj. Roughness n. [old english]

Roughage  n. Coarse fibrous material in food, stimulating intestinal action.

Rough-and-ready  adj. Crude but effective; not over-particular.

Rough-and-tumble  —adj. Irregular, scrambling, disorderly. —n. Disorderly fight; scuffle.

Roughcast  —n. (often attrib.) Plaster of lime and gravel, used on outside walls. —adj. (of a plan etc.) Roughly formed, preliminary. —v. (past and past part. -cast) 1 coat with roughcast. 2 prepare in outline.

Rough diamond  n. 1  uncut diamond. 2 rough-mannered but honest person.

Rough-dry  v. Dry (clothes) without ironing.

Roughen  v. Make or become rough.

Rough-hewn  adj. Uncouth, unrefined.

Rough house  n. Slang disturbance or row; boisterous play.

Rough justice  n. 1 treatment that is approximately fair. 2 unjust treatment.

Roughly  adv. 1 in a rough manner. 2 approximately (roughly 20 people). ~ roughly speaking approximately.

Roughneck  n. Colloq. 1 worker on an oil rig. 2 rough or rowdy person.

Rough-rider  n. Person who breaks in or rides unbroken horses.

Roughshod  adj. (of a horse) having shoes with nail-heads projecting to prevent slipping. ~ ride roughshod over treat inconsiderately or arrogantly.

Roulade  n. 1 rolled piece of meat, sponge, etc. With a filling. 2 quick succession of notes, usu. Sung to one syllable. [french rouler roll]

Roulette  n. Gambling game in which a ball is dropped on to a revolving numbered wheel. [french, = little wheel]

Round  —adj. 1 shaped like a circle, sphere, or cylinder; convex; circular, curved, not angular. 2 done with or involving circular motion. 3 entire, continuous, complete (round dozen). 4 candid, outspoken. 5 (usu. Attrib.) (of a number) expressed for brevity as a complete number (£297.32, or in round figures £300). 6 (of a voice, style, etc.) Flowing, sonorous. —n. 1 round object or form. 2 a revolving motion or course (yearly round). B recurring series of activities, meetings, etc. (continuous round of pleasure; round of talks). 3 a fixed route for deliveries (milk round). B route etc. For supervision or inspection (watchman's round; doctor's rounds). 4 drink etc. For each member of a group. 5 a one bullet, shell, etc. B act of firing this. 6 a slice from a loaf of bread. B sandwich made from two slices. C joint of beef from the haunch. 7 set, series, or sequence of actions in turn, esp.: a one spell of play in a game etc. B one stage in a competition. 8 golf playing of all the holes in a course once. 9 song for unaccompanied voices overlapping at intervals. 10 rung of a ladder. 11 (foll. By of) circumference or extent of (in all the round of nature). —adv. 1 with circular motion (wheels go round).

Round brackets  n.pl. Brackets of the form ( ).

Round dance  n. Dance in which couples move in circles or dancers form one large circle.

Roundel  n. 1 circular mark, esp. Identifying military aircraft. 2 small disc, esp. A medallion. [french rondel(le): related to +round]

Roundelay  n. Short simple song with a refrain. [alteration of french rondelet diminutive: related to +roundel]

Rounder  n. 1 (in pl.; treated as sing.) Ball game in which players hit the ball and run through a round of bases. 2 complete run as a unit of scoring in rounders.

Roundhead  n. Hist. Member of the parliamentary party in the english civil war.

Roundly  adv. Bluntly, severely (told them roundly).

Round robin  n. 1 petition, esp. With signatures in a circle to conceal the order of writing. 2 us tournament in which each competitor plays every other.

Round-shouldered  adj. Having shoulders bent forward and a rounded back.

Roundsman  n.  Tradesman's employee delivering goods.

Round table  n. 1 international charitable association. 2 (round table) assembly for discussion, esp. At a conference (often attrib.: round-table talks).

Round trip  n. Trip to one or more places and back again.

Round-up  n. 1 systematic rounding up. 2 summary or résumé.

Roundworm  n. Worm with a rounded body.

Rouse  v. (-sing) 1 (cause to) wake. 2 (often foll. By up, often refl.) Stir up, make or become active or excited (was roused to protest). 3 anger (terrible when roused). 4 evoke (feelings). [origin unknown]

Rousing  adj. Exciting, stirring (rousing song).

Roustabout  n. 1 labourer on an oil rig. 2 unskilled or casual labourer. [roust rout out, rouse]

Rout1  —n. 1 disorderly retreat of defeated troops (put them to rout). 2 overthrow, defeat. —v. Put to flight, defeat. [french: related to +route]

Rout2  v. = +root2. [var. Of +root2]

Route  —n. Way or course taken (esp. Regularly) from one place to another. —v. (-teing) send, forward, or direct by a particular route. [french route road, from latin rupta (via)]

Route march  n. Training-march for troops.

Routine  —n. 1 regular course or procedure, unvarying performance of certain acts. 2 set sequence in a dance, comedy act, etc. 3 computing sequence of instructions for a particular task. —adj. 1 performed as part of a routine (routine duties). 2 of a customary or standard kind. ~ routinely adv. [french: related to +route]

Roux  n. (pl. Same) mixture of fat and flour used in sauces etc. [french]

Rove1  v. (-ving) 1 wander without settling; roam, ramble. 2 (of eyes) look about. [probably scandinavian]

Rove2  past of +reeve2.

Rover1  n. Wanderer.

Rover2  n. Pirate. [low german or dutch]

Roving eye  n. Tendency to infidelity.

Row1  n. 1 line of persons or things. 2 line of seats across a theatre etc. 3 street with houses along one or each side. ~ in a row 1 forming a row. 2 colloq. In succession (two days in a row). [old english]

Row2  —v. 1 (often absol.) Propel (a boat) with oars. 2 convey (a passenger) thus. —n. 1 spell of rowing. 2 trip in a rowing-boat. ~ rower n. [old english]

Row3  colloq. —n. 1 loud noise or commotion. 2 fierce quarrel or dispute. 3 severe reprimand. —v. 1 make or engage in a row. 2 reprimand. [origin unknown]

Rowan  n. (in full rowan-tree) 1 scot. & n.engl. Mountain ash. 2 (in full rowan-berry) its scarlet berry. [scandinavian]

Row-boat  n. Us = +rowing-boat.

Rowdy  —adj. (-ier, -iest) noisy and disorderly. —n. (pl. -ies) rowdy person. ~ rowdily adv. Rowdiness n. Rowdyism n. [origin unknown]

Rowel  n. Spiked revolving disc at the end of a spur. [latin rotella diminutive: related to +rota]

Rowing-boat  n. Small boat propelled by oars.

Rowlock  n. Device on a boat's side for holding an oar in place. [oarlock from old english: related to +oar, +lock1]

Royal  —adj. 1 of, suited to, or worthy of a king or queen. 2 in the service or under the patronage of a king or queen. 3 of the family of a king or queen. 4 majestic, splendid. 5 exceptional, first-rate (had a royal time). —n. Colloq. Member of the royal family. ~ royally adv. [latin: related to +regal]

Royal blue  adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) deep vivid blue.

Royal british legion  n. National association of ex-members of the armed forces, founded in 1921.

Royal commission  n. Commission of inquiry appointed by the crown at the request of government.

Royal family  n. Family of a sovereign.

Royal flush  n. Straight poker flush headed by an ace.

Royal icing  n. Hard white icing for cakes.

Royalist  n. Supporter of monarchy, or hist. Of the royal side in the english civil war. ~ royalism n.

Royal jelly  n. Substance secreted by worker bees and fed by them to future queen bees.

Royal marine  n. British marine (see +marine n. 1).

Royal navy  n. British navy.

Royalty  n. (pl. -ies) 1 royal office, dignity, or power; being royal. 2 a royal persons. B member of a royal family. 3 percentage of profit from a book, public performance, patent, etc. Paid to the author etc. 4 a royal right (now esp. Over minerals) granted by the sovereign. B payment made by a producer of minerals etc. To the owner of the site etc. [french: related to +royal]

Royal warrant  n. Warrant authorizing a tradesperson to supply goods to a specified royal person.

Royal ‘we’  n. Use of ‘we’ instead of ‘i’ by a single person.

Rp  abbr. Received pronunciation.

Rpi  abbr. Retail price index.

Rpm  abbr. Revolutions per minute.

Rpo  abbr. Royal philharmonic orchestra.

Rsa  abbr. 1 royal society of arts. 2 royal scottish academy; royal scottish academician.

Rsc  abbr. Royal shakespeare company.

Rsi  abbr. Repetitive strain injury.

Rsj  abbr. Rolled steel joist.

Rsm  abbr. Regimental sergeant-major.

Rspb  abbr. Royal society for the protection of birds.

Rspca  abbr. Royal society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Rsv  abbr. Revised standard version (of the bible).

Rsvp  abbr. (in an invitation etc.) Please answer. [french répondez s'il vous plaît]

Rt.  Abbr. Right.

Rt. Hon.  Abbr. Right honourable.

Rt. Revd.  Abbr. (also rt. Rev.) Right reverend.

Ru  abbr. Rugby union.

Ru  symb. Ruthenium.

Rub  —v. (-bb-) 1 move something, esp. One's hand, with firm pressure over the surface of. 2 (usu. Foll. By against, in, on, over) apply (one's hand etc.) In this way. 3 clean, polish, chafe, or make dry, sore, or bare by rubbing. 4 (foll. By in, into, through, over) apply (polish etc.) By rubbing. 5 (often foll. By together, against, on) move with contact or friction or slide (objects) against each other. 6 (of cloth, skin, etc.) Become frayed, worn, sore, or bare with friction. —n. 1 act or spell of rubbing (give it a rub). 2 impediment or difficulty (there's the rub). ~ rub along colloq. Cope or manage routinely. Rub down dry, smooth, or clean by rubbing. Rub it in (or rub a person's nose in it) emphasize or repeat an embarrassing fact etc. Rub off 1 (usu. Foll. By on) be transferred by contact, be transmitted (his attitudes have rubbed off on me). 2 remove by rubbing. Rub out erase with a rubber. Rub shoulders with associate with. Rub up 1 polish. 2 brush up (a subject or one's memory). Rub up the wrong way irritate. [low german]

Rubato  n. Mus. (pl. -s or -ti) temporary disregarding of strict tempo. [italian, = robbed]

Rubber1  n. 1 tough elastic substance made from the latex of plants or synthetically. 2 piece of this or a similar substance for erasing esp. Pencil marks. 3 colloq. Condom. 4 (in pl.) Us galoshes. ~ rubbery adj. Rubberiness n. [from +rub]

Rubber2  n. Match of esp. Three successive games between the same sides or persons at whist, bridge, cricket, etc. [origin unknown]

Rubber band  n. Loop of rubber for holding papers etc. Together.

Rubberize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) treat or coat with rubber.

Rubberneck  colloq. —n. Inquisitive person, esp. A tourist or sightseer. —v. Behave like a rubberneck.

Rubber plant  n. 1 evergreen tropical plant often cultivated as a house-plant. 2 (also rubber tree) tropical tree yielding latex.

Rubber stamp  —n. 1 device for inking and imprinting on a surface. 2 a person who mechanically copies or endorses others' actions. B indication of such endorsement. —v. (rubber-stamp) approve automatically.

Rubbing  n.  Impression or copy made by rubbing.

Rubbish  —n. 1 waste material; refuse, litter. 2 worthless material; trash. 3 (often as int.) Nonsense. —v. Colloq. Criticize contemptuously. ~ rubbishy adj. [anglo-french rubbous]

Rubble  n. Rough fragments of stone, brick, etc., esp. From a demolished building. [french robe spoils]

Rub-down  n. Rubbing down.

Rubella  n. Formal german measles. [latin rubellus reddish]

Rubicon  n. Boundary; point from which there is no going back. [rubicon, river on ancient frontier of italy]

Rubicund  adj. (of a face, complexion, etc.) Ruddy, high-coloured. [latin rubeo be red]

Rubidium  n. Soft silvery metallic element. [latin rubidus red]

Rubik's cube  n. Cube-shaped puzzle in which composite faces must be restored to single colours by rotation. [rubik, name of its inventor]

Ruble  var. Of +rouble.

Rubric  n. 1 heading or passage in red or special lettering. 2 explanatory words. 3 established custom or rule. 4 direction for the conduct of divine service in a liturgical book. [latin ruber red]

Ruby  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 rare precious stone varying in colour from deep crimson to pale rose. 2 deep red colour. —adj. Of this colour. [latin rubeus red]

Ruby wedding  n. Fortieth wedding anniversary.

Ruc  abbr. Royal ulster constabulary.

Ruche  n. Frill or gathering of lace etc. ~ ruched adj. [french, = beehive]

Ruck1  n. 1 (prec. By the) main body of competitors not likely to overtake the leaders. 2 undistinguished crowd or group. 3 rugby loose scrum. [apparently scandinavian]

Ruck2  —v. (often foll. By up) make or become creased or wrinkled. —n. Crease or wrinkle. [old norse]

Rucksack  n. Bag carried on the back, esp. By hikers. [german]

Ruckus  n. Esp. Us informal row, commotion. [perhaps from +ruction or +rumpus]

Ruction  n. Colloq. 1 disturbance or tumult. 2 (in pl.) Row, heated arguments. [origin unknown]

Rudder  n. Flat piece hinged vertically to the stern of a ship or on the tailplane of an aircraft etc., for steering. ~ rudderless adj. [old english]

Ruddy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 (of a person, complexion, etc.) Freshly or healthily red. 2 reddish. 3 colloq. Bloody, damnable. ~ ruddily adv. Ruddiness n. [old english]

Rude  adj. 1 impolite or offensive. 2 roughly made or done; crude (rude plough). 3 primitive or uneducated (rude simplicity). 4 abrupt, sudden, startling (rude awakening). 5 colloq. Indecent, lewd (rude joke). 6 vigorous or hearty (rude health). ~ rudely adv. Rudeness n. [latin rudis]

Rudiment  n. 1 (in pl.) Elements or first principles of a subject. 2 (in pl.) Imperfect beginning of something undeveloped or yet to develop. 3 vestigial or undeveloped part or organ. ~ rudimentary adj. [latin: related to +rude]

Rue1  v. (rues, rued, rueing or ruing) repent of; wish to be undone or non-existent (esp. Rue the day). [old english]

Rue2  n. Evergreen shrub with bitter strong-scented leaves. [greek rhute]

Rueful  adj. Genuinely or humorously sorrowful. ~ ruefully adv. Ruefulness n. [from +rue1]

Ruff1  n. 1 projecting starched frill worn round the neck, esp. In the 16th c. 2 projecting or coloured ring of feathers or hair round a bird's or animal's neck. 3 domestic pigeon. 4 (fem. Reeve) wading bird with a ruff. [perhaps = +rough]

Ruff2  —v. Trump at cards. —n. Trumping. [french ro(u)ffle]

Ruffian  n. Violent lawless person. [italian ruffiano]

Ruffle  —v. (-ling) 1 a disturb the smoothness or tranquillity of. B undergo this. 2 gather (lace etc.) Into a ruffle. 3 (often foll. By up) (of a bird) erect (its feathers) in anger, display, etc. —n. Frill of lace etc., esp. Round the wrist or neck. [origin unknown]

Rufous  adj. (esp. Of animals) reddish-brown. [latin rufus]

Rug  n. 1 thick floor covering, usu. Smaller than a carpet. 2 thick woollen coverlet or wrap. ~ pull the rug from under deprive of support; weaken, unsettle. [probably scandinavian]

Rugby  n. (in full rugby football) team game played with an oval ball that may be kicked or carried. [rugby school, where it was first played]

Rugby league  n. Partly professional rugby with teams of 13.

Rugby union  n. Amateur rugby with teams of 15.

Rugged  adj. 1 (esp. Of ground) rough, uneven. 2 (of features) wrinkled, furrowed, irregular. 3 a unpolished; lacking refinement (rugged grandeur). B harsh in sound. 4 robust, hardy. ~ ruggedly adv. Ruggedness n. [probably scandinavian]

Rugger  n. Colloq. Rugby.

Ruin  —n. 1 destroyed, wrecked, or spoiled state. 2 downfall or elimination (ruin of my hopes). 3 complete loss of one's property or position (bring to ruin). 4 (in sing. Or pl.) Remains of a building etc. That has suffered ruin. 5 cause of ruin (the ruin of us). —v. 1 a bring to ruin (extravagance has ruined me). B spoil, damage. 2 (esp. As ruined adj.) Reduce to ruins. ~ in ruins completely wrecked (hopes were in ruins). [latin ruo fall]

Ruination  n. 1 bringing to ruin. 2 ruining or being ruined.

Ruinous  adj. 1 bringing ruin, disastrous (ruinous expense). 2 dilapidated. ~ ruinously adv.

Rule  —n. 1 compulsory principle governing action. 2 prevailing custom or standard; normal state of things. 3 government or dominion (under british rule). 4 graduated straight measure; ruler. 5 code of discipline of a religious order. 6 order made by a judge or court with reference to a particular case only. 7 printing thin line or dash. —v. (-ling) 1 dominate; keep under control. 2 (often foll. By over) have sovereign control of (rules over a vast kingdom). 3 (often foll. By that) pronounce authoritatively. 4 a make parallel lines across (paper). B make (a straight line) with a ruler etc. ~ as a rule usually. Rule out exclude; pronounce irrelevant or ineligible. Rule the roost be in control. [latin regula]

Rule of thumb  n. Rule based on experience or practice rather than theory.

Ruler  n. 1 person exercising government or dominion. 2 straight usu. Graduated strip of wood, metal, or plastic used to draw or measure.

Ruling  n. Authoritative pronouncement.

Rum1  n. Spirit distilled from sugar-cane or molasses. [origin unknown]

Rum2  adj. (rummer, rummest) colloq. Odd, strange, queer. [origin unknown]

Rumanian  var. Of +romanian.

Rumba  n. 1 latin american ballroom dance orig. From cuba. 2 music for this. [american spanish]

Rum baba  n. Sponge cake soaked in rum syrup.

Rumble  —v. (-ling) 1 make a continuous deep resonant sound as of distant thunder. 2 (foll. By along, by, past, etc.) (esp. Of a vehicle) move with a rumbling noise. 3 (often absol.) Slang find out the esp. Discreditable truth about. —n. Rumbling sound. [probably dutch rommelen]

Rumbustious  adj. Colloq. Boisterous, noisy, uproarious. [probably var. Of robustious from +robust]

Ruminant  —n. Animal that chews the cud. —adj. 1 of ruminants. 2 meditative. [related to +ruminate]

Ruminate  v. (-ting) 1 meditate, ponder. 2 chew the cud. ~ rumination n. Ruminative adj. [latin rumen throat]

Rummage  —v. (-ging) 1 search, esp. Unsystematically. 2 (foll. By out, up) find among other things. —n. Rummaging. [french arrumage from arrumer stow cargo]

Rummage sale  n. Esp. Us jumble sale.

Rummy  n. Card-game played usu. With two packs. [origin unknown]

Rumor  (brit. Rumour) —n. (often foll. By of or that) general talk, assertion, or hearsay of doubtful accuracy (heard a rumour that you are leaving). —v. (usu. In passive) report by way of rumour (it is rumoured that you are leaving). [latin rumor noise]

Rumour  (us rumor) —n. (often foll. By of or that) general talk, assertion, or hearsay of doubtful accuracy (heard a rumour that you are leaving). —v. (usu. In passive) report by way of rumour (it is rumoured that you are leaving).

Rump  n. 1 hind part of a mammal or bird, esp. The buttocks. 2 remnant of a parliament etc. [probably scandinavian]

Rumple  v. (-ling) crease, ruffle. [dutch rompelen]

Rump steak  n. Cut of beef from the rump.

Rumpus  n. Colloq. Disturbance, brawl, row, or uproar. [origin unknown]

Run  —v. (-nn-; past ran; past part. Run) 1 go with quick steps, never having both or all feet on the ground at once. 2 flee, abscond. 3 go or travel hurriedly or briefly (i'll just run down to the shops). 4 a advance by or as by rolling or on wheels, or smoothly or easily. B (cause to) be in action or operation or go in a specified way (left the engine running; ran the car into a tree). 5 be current or operative (lease runs for 99 years). 6 travel on its route (train is running late). 7 (of a play etc.) Be staged or presented (now running at the apollo). 8 extend; have a course, order, or tendency (road runs by the coast; prices are running high). 9 a (often absol.) Compete in (a race). B finish a race in a specified position. 10 (often foll. By for) seek election (ran for president). 11 flow (with) or be wet; drip (with) (walls running with condensation). 12 a cause (water etc.) To flow. B fill (a bath) thus. 13 spread rapidly (ink ran over the table). 14 traverse (a course, race, or distance). 15 perform (an errand). 16 publish (an article etc.) In a newspaper etc. 17 direct or manage (a business etc.). 18 own and use (a vehicle) regularly. 19 transport in a private vehicle (ran me to the station). 20 enter (a horse etc.) For a race. 21 smuggle (guns etc.). 22 chase or hunt. 23 allow (an account) to accumulate before paying. 24 (of a dyed colour) spread from the dyed parts. 25 a (of a thought, the eye, the memory, etc.) Pass quickly (ideas ran through my mind). B pass (one's eye) quickly (ran my eye down the page). 26 (of tights etc.) Ladder. 27 (of esp. The eyes or nose) exude liquid. —n. 1 running. 2 short excursion. 3 distance travelled. 4 general tendency. 5 regular route. 6 continuous stretch, spell, or course (run of bad luck). 7 (often foll. By on) high general demand (run on the dollar). 8 quantity produced at one time (print run). 9 average type or class (general run of customers). 10 point scored in cricket or baseball. 11 (foll. By of) free use of or access to (run of the house). 12 a animal's regular track. B enclosure for fowls etc. C range of pasture. 13 ladder in tights etc. 14 mus. Rapid scale passage. 15 (in full the runs) colloq. Diarrhoea. ~ on the run fleeing. Run about 1 bustle, hurry. 2 (esp. Of children) play freely. Run across happen to meet or find. Run after 1 pursue at a run. 2 pursue, esp. Sexually. Run along colloq. Depart. Run around 1 take from place to place by car etc. 2 (often foll. By with) slang engage in esp. Promiscuous sexual relations. Run away 1 (often foll. By from) flee, abscond. 2 mentally evade (a problem etc.). Run away with 1 carry off. 2 win easily. 3 deprive of self-control, carry away. 4 consume (money etc.). 5 (of a horse) bolt with (a rider etc.). 6 leave home to have a relationship with (esp. Another person's husband or wife). Run down 1 knock down. 2 reduce the numbers etc. Of. 3 (of an unwound clock etc.) Stop. 4 discover after a search. 5 colloq. Disparage. Run dry 1 cease to flow. 2 = run out 1. Run for it seek safety by fleeing. Run (or good run) for one's money 1 vigorous or close competition. 2 some return for outlay or effort. Run the gauntlet see +gauntlet2. Run high (of feelings) be strong. Run in 1 run (an engine or vehicle) carefully when new. 2 colloq. Arrest. Run in the family (of a trait) be common in a family. Run into 1 collide with. 2 encounter. 3 reach as many as (a usu. High figure). Run into the ground colloq.

Runabout  n. Light car or aircraft.

Run-around  n. (esp. In phr. Give a person the run-around) colloq. Deceit or evasion.

Runaway  n. 1 fugitive. 2 bolting animal, vehicle out of control. 3 (attrib.) That is running away or out of control (runaway slave; runaway inflation).

Run-down  —n. 1 reduction in numbers. 2 detailed analysis. —adj. 1 decayed, dilapidated. 2 exhausted (from overwork, illness, etc.).

Rune  n. 1 letter of the earliest germanic alphabet. 2 similar mark of mysterious or magic significance. ~ runic adj. [old norse]

Rung1  n. 1 step of a ladder. 2 strengthening crosspiece in a chair etc. [old english]

Rung2  past part. Of +ring2.

Run-in  n. 1 approach to an action or event. 2 colloq. Quarrel.

Runnel  n. 1 brook. 2 gutter. [old english]

Runner  n. 1 person, horse, etc. That runs, esp. In a race. 2 creeping rooting plant-stem. 3 rod, groove, roller, or blade on which a thing, e.g. A sledge, slides. 4 sliding ring on a rod etc. 5 messenger. 6 (in full runner bean) twining bean plant with long flat green edible seed pods. 7 long narrow ornamental cloth or rug. ~ do a runner slang leave hastily; flee.

Runner-up  n. (pl. Runners-up or runner-ups) competitor or team taking second place.

Running  —n. 1 action of runners in a race etc. 2 way a race etc. Proceeds. —adj. 1 continuous (running battle). 2 consecutive (three days running). 3 done with a run (running jump). ~ in (or out of) the running (of a competitor) with a good (or poor) chance of success. Make (or take up) the running take the lead; set the pace. Take a running jump (esp. As int.) Slang go away.

Running-board  n. Footboard on either side of a vehicle.

Running commentary  n. Verbal description of an esp. Sporting event.

Running knot  n. Knot that slips along a rope etc. To allow tightening etc.

Running mate  n. Us 1 candidate for vice-president etc. 2 horse intended to set the pace for another horse in a race.

Running repairs  n.pl. Minor or temporary repairs etc.

Running sore  n. Suppurating sore; festering situation etc.

Running water  n. Flowing water, esp. On tap.

Runny  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 tending to run or flow. 2 excessively fluid.

Run-off  n. Additional election, race, etc., after a tie.

Run-of-the-mill  adj. Ordinary, undistinguished.

Run-out  n. Dismissal of a batsman by being run out.

Runt  n. 1 smallest pig etc. In a litter. 2 weakling; undersized person. [origin unknown]

Run-through  n. 1 rehearsal. 2 brief survey.

Run-up  n. (often foll. By to) preparatory period.

Runway  n. Specially prepared surface for aircraft taking off and landing.

Rupee  n. Chief monetary unit of india, pakistan, etc. [hindustani]

Rupiah  n. Chief monetary unit of indonesia. [related to +rupee]

Rupture  —n. 1 breaking; breach. 2 breach in a relationship; disagreement and parting. 3 abdominal hernia. —v. (-ring) 1 burst (a cell or membrane etc.). 2 sever (a connection). 3 affect with or suffer a hernia. [latin rumpo rupt- break]

Rural  adj. In, of, or suggesting the country (rural seclusion). [latin rus rur- the country]

Rural dean  see +dean1.

Rural district  n. Hist. Group of country parishes with an elected council.

Ruse  n. Stratagem, trick. [french]

Rush1  —v. 1 go, move, flow, or act precipitately or with great speed. 2 move or transport with great haste (was rushed to hospital). 3 (foll. By at) a move suddenly towards. B begin or attack impetuously. 4 perform or deal with hurriedly (don't rush your dinner). 5 force or induce (a person) to act hastily. 6 attack or capture by sudden assault. 7 slang overcharge (a customer). —n. 1 a rushing; violent or speedy advance or attack. B sudden flow, flood. 2 period of great activity. 3 (attrib.) Done with great haste or speed (a rush job). 4 sudden migration of large numbers. 5 (foll. By on, for) sudden strong demand for a commodity. 6 (in pl.) Colloq. First uncut prints of a film. [french ruser: related to +ruse]

Rush2  n. 1 marsh plant with slender tapering pith-filled stems, used for making chair-bottoms, baskets, etc. 2 stem of this. ~ rushy adj. [old english]

Rush candle  n. Candle made of rush pith dipped in tallow.

Rush hour  n. (often hyphenated when attrib.) Time(s) each day when traffic is heaviest.

Rushlight  n. Rush candle.

Rusk  n. Slice of bread rebaked as a light biscuit, esp. As baby food. [spanish or portuguese rosca twist]

Russet  —adj. Reddish-brown. —n. 1 russet colour. 2 rough-skinned russet-coloured apple. [latin russus]

Russian  —n. 1 a native or national of russia or (loosely) the former soviet union. B person of russian descent. 2 language of russia. —adj. 1 of russia or (loosely) the former soviet union or its people. 2 of or in russian.

Russian roulette  n. Firing of a revolver, with one chamber loaded, at one's head, after spinning the chamber.

Russian salad  n. Salad of mixed diced vegetables with mayonnaise.

Russo-  comb. Form russian; russian and.

Rust  —n. 1 reddish corrosive coating formed on iron, steel, etc. By oxidation, esp. When wet. 2 fungal plant-disease with rust-coloured spots. 3 impaired state due to disuse or inactivity. 4 reddish-brown. —v. 1 affect or be affected with rust. 2 become impaired through disuse. [old english]

Rustic  —adj. 1 of or like country people or country life. 2 unsophisticated. 3 of rude or rough workmanship. 4 made of untrimmed branches or rough timber (rustic bench). 5 archit. With a roughened or rough-hewn surface. —n. Country person, peasant. ~ rusticity n. [latin rus the country]

Rusticate  v. (-ting) 1 send down (a student) temporarily from university. 2 retire to or live in the country. 3 make rustic. ~ rustication n.

Rustle  —v. (-ling) 1 (cause to) make a gentle sound as of dry blown leaves. 2 (also absol.) Steal (cattle or horses). —n. Rustling sound. ~ rustle up colloq. Produce at short notice. ~ rustler n. (esp. In sense 2 of v.). [imitative]

Rustproof  —adj. Not susceptible to corrosion by rust. —v. Make rustproof.

Rusty  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 rusted or affected by rust. 2 stiff with age or disuse. 3 (of knowledge etc.) Impaired, esp. By neglect (my french is rusty). 4 rust-coloured. 5 (of black clothes) discoloured by age. ~ rustiness n.

Rut1  —n. 1 deep track made by the passage of wheels. 2 established (esp. Tedious) practice or routine (in a rut). —v. (-tt-) mark with ruts. [probably french: related to +route]

Rut2  —n. Periodic sexual excitement of a male deer etc. —v. (-tt-) be affected with rut. [latin rugio roar]

Ruthenium  n. Rare hard white metallic element from platinum ores. [medieval latin ruthenia russia]

Rutherfordium  n. Artificial metallic element. [rutherford, name of a physicist]

Ruthless  adj. Having no pity or compassion. ~ ruthlessly adv. Ruthlessness n. [ruth pity, from +rue1]

Rv  abbr. Revised version (of the bible).

-ry  suffix = +-ery (infantry; rivalry).

Rye  n. 1 a cereal plant. B grain of this used for bread and fodder. 2 (in full rye whisky) whisky distilled from fermented rye. [old english]

Ryegrass  n. Forage or coarse lawn grass. [alteration of ray-grass]

Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter R

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