Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter I

 I

I1  n. (also i) (pl. Is or i's) 1 ninth letter of the alphabet. 2 (as a roman numeral) 1.

I2  pron. (obj. Me; poss. My, mine; pl. We) used by a speaker or writer to refer to himself or herself. [old english]

I3  symb. Iodine.

I4  abbr. (also i.) 1 island(s). 2 isle(s).

Iambic  prosody —adj. Of or using iambuses. —n. (usu. In pl.) Iambic verse.

Iambus  n. (pl. -buses or -bi) metrical foot consisting of one short followed by one long syllable (&iambus.). [greek, = lampoon]

Iba  abbr. Independent broadcasting authority.

Iberian  —adj. Of iberia, the peninsula comprising spain and portugal; of spain and portugal. —n. Native or language of iberia. [latin iberia]

Ibex  n. (pl. -es) wild mountain goat with thick curved ridged horns. [latin]

Ibid.  Abbr. In the same book or passage etc. [latin ibidem in the same place]

Ibis  n. (pl. -es) wading bird with a curved bill, long neck, and long legs. [greek, from egyptian]

-ible  suffix forming adjectives meaning ‘that may or may be’ (forcible; possible). [latin]

Ibo  n. (also igbo) (pl. Same or -s) 1 member of a black people of se nigeria. 2 their language. [native name]

-ic  suffix 1 forming adjectives (arabic; classic; public) and nouns (critic; epic; mechanic; music). 2 combined in higher valence or degree of oxidation (ferric; sulphuric). [latin -icus, greek -ikos]

-ical  suffix forming adjectives corresponding to nouns or adjectives in -ic or -y (classical; historical).

Ice  —n. 1 a frozen water. B sheet of this on water. 2 ice-cream or water-ice (ate an ice). —v. (icing) 1 mix with or cool in ice (iced drinks). 2 (often foll. By over, up) a cover or become covered with ice. B freeze. 3 cover (a cake etc.) With icing. ~ on ice 1 performed by skaters. 2 colloq. In reserve. On thin ice in a risky situation. [old english]

Ice age  n. Glacial period.

Ice-axe  n. Cutting tool used by mountaineers.

Iceberg  n. Large floating mass of ice. ~ the tip of the iceberg small perceptible part of something very large or complex. [dutch]

Iceberg lettuce  n. Crisp type of round lettuce.

Ice blue  adj. & n. (as adj. Often hyphenated) very pale blue.

Icebox  n. 1 compartment in a refrigerator for making or storing ice. 2 us refrigerator.

Ice-breaker  n. 1 ship designed to break through ice. 2 joke, incident, etc. That breaks the ice.

Ice bucket  n. Bucket holding ice, used to chill wine.

Ice cap  n. Permanent covering of ice, esp. In polar regions.

Ice-cream  n. Sweet creamy frozen food, usu. Flavoured.

Ice-cube  n. Small block of ice for drinks etc.

Ice-field  n. Expanse of ice, esp. In polar regions.

Ice hockey  n. Form of hockey played on ice.

Icelander  n. 1 native or national of iceland. 2 person of icelandic descent.

Icelandic  —adj. Of iceland. —n. Language of iceland.

Ice lolly  n. (also iced lolly) flavoured ice on a stick.

Ice-pack  n. 1 = +pack ice. 2 ice applied to the body for medical purposes.

Ice-pick  n. Tool with a spike for splitting up ice.

Ice-plant  n. Plant with speckled leaves.

Ice-rink  n. = +rink n. 1.

Ice-skate  —n. Boot with a blade beneath, for skating on ice. —v. Skate on ice. ~ ice-skater n.

Ichneumon  n. 1 (in full ichneumon fly) small wasp depositing eggs in or on the larva of another as food for its own larva. 2 mongoose noted for destroying crocodile eggs. [greek from ikhnos footstep]

Ichthyology  n. The study of fishes. ~ ichthyological adj. Ichthyologist n. [greek ikhthus fish]

Ichthyosaurus  n. (also ichthyosaur) (pl. -sauruses or -saurs) extinct marine reptile with four flippers and usu. A large tail. [greek ikhthus fish, sauros lizard]

-ician  suffix forming nouns denoting persons skilled in subjects having nouns usu. Ending in -ic or -ics (magician; politician). [french -icien]

Icicle  n. Hanging tapering piece of ice, formed from dripping water. [from +ice, obsolete ickle icicle]

Icing  n. 1 coating of sugar etc. On a cake or biscuit. 2 formation of ice on a ship or aircraft. ~ icing on the cake inessential though attractive addition or enhancement.

Icing sugar  n. Finely powdered sugar.

Icon  n. (also ikon) 1 painting of christ etc., esp. In the eastern church. 2 image or statue. 3 symbol on a vdu screen of a program, option, or window, esp. For selection. ~ iconic adj. [greek eikon image]

Iconoclast  n. 1 person who attacks cherished beliefs. 2 hist. Person destroying religious images. ~ iconoclasm n. Iconoclastic adj. [greek: related to +icon, klao break]

Iconography  n. 1 the illustration of a subject by drawings or figures. 2 the study of portraits, esp. Of an individual, or of artistic images or symbols. [greek: related to +icon]

Iconostasis  n. (pl. -stases) (in the eastern church) screen bearing icons. [greek: related to +icon]

Icosahedron  n. Solid figure with twenty faces. [greek eikosi twenty, hedra base]

-ics  suffix (treated as sing. Or pl.) Forming nouns denoting arts, sciences, etc. (athletics; politics).

Icy  adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 very cold. 2 covered with or abounding in ice. 3 (of a tone or manner) unfriendly, hostile. ~ icily adv. Iciness n.

Id  abbr. Identification, identity (id card).

Id  n. Person's inherited unconscious psychological impulses. [latin, = that]

I'd  contr. 1 i had. 2 i should; i would.

-ide  suffix chem. Forming nouns denoting binary compounds of an element (sodium chloride; lead sulphide; calcium carbide). [extended from +oxide]

Idea  n. 1 plan etc. Formed by mental effort (an idea for a book). 2 a mental impression or concept. B vague belief or fancy (had an idea you were married). 3 intention or purpose (the idea is to make money). 4 archetype or pattern. 5 ambition or aspiration (have ideas; put ideas into a person's head). ~ have no idea colloq. 1 not know at all. 2 be completely incompetent. Not one's idea of colloq. Not what one regards as (not my idea of a holiday). [greek, = form, kind]

Ideal  —adj. 1 answering to one's highest conception; perfect. 2 existing only in idea; visionary. —n. Perfect type, thing, concept, principle, etc., esp. As a standard to emulate. [french: related to +idea]

Idealism  n. 1 forming or pursuing ideals, esp. Unrealistically. 2 representation of things in ideal form. 3 system of thought in which objects are held to be in some way dependent on the mind. ~ idealist n. Idealistic adj. Idealistically adv.

Idealize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) regard or represent as ideal or perfect. ~ idealization n.

Ideally  adv. 1 in ideal circumstances. 2 according to an ideal.

Idée fixe  n. (pl. Idées fixes pronunc. Same) dominating idea; obsession. [french, = fixed idea]

Identical  adj. 1 (often foll. By with) (of different things) absolutely alike. 2 one and the same. 3 (of twins) developed from a single ovum. ~ identically adv. [latin identicus: related to +identity]

Identification  n. 1 identifying. 2 means of identifying (also attrib.: identification card).

Identification parade  n. Group of people from whom a suspect is to be identified.

Identify  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 establish the identity of; recognize. 2 select or discover (identify the best solution). 3 (also refl.; foll. By with) associate inseparably or very closely (with a party, policy, etc.). 4 (often foll. By with) treat as identical. 5 (foll. By with) put oneself in the place of (another person). ~ identifiable adj. [medieval latin identifico: related to +identity]

Identikit  n. (often attrib.) Propr. Picture of esp. A wanted suspect assembled from standard components using witnesses' descriptions. [from +identity, +kit]

Identity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a condition of being a specified person or thing. B individuality, personality (felt he had lost his identity). 2 identification or the result of it (mistaken identity; identity card). 3 absolute sameness (identity of interests). 4 algebra a equality of two expressions for all values of the quantities. B equation expressing this. [latin identitas from idem same]

Ideogram  n. Character symbolizing a thing without indicating the sounds in its name (e.g. A numeral, chinese characters). [greek idea form, +-gram]

Ideograph  n. = +ideogram. ~ ideographic adj. Ideography n.

Ideologue  n. Often derog. Adherent of an ideology. [french: related to +idea]

Ideology  n. (pl. -ies) 1 ideas at the basis of an economic or political theory (marxist ideology). 2 characteristic thinking of a class etc. (bourgeois ideology). ~ ideological adj. Ideologically adv. Ideologist n. [french: related to +idea, +-logy]

Ides  n.pl. Day of the ancient roman month (the 15th day of march, may, july, and october, the 13th of other months). [latin idus]

Idiocy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 foolishness; foolish act. 2 extreme mental imbecility.

Idiom  n. 1 phrase etc. Established by usage and not immediately comprehensible from the words used (e.g. Over the moon, see the light). 2 form of expression peculiar to a language etc. 3 language of a people or country. 4 characteristic mode of expression in art etc. [greek idios own]

Idiomatic  adj. 1 relating or conforming to idiom. 2 characteristic of a particular language. ~ idiomatically adv.

Idiosyncrasy  n. (pl. -ies) attitude, behaviour, or opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individual or eccentric. ~ idiosyncratic adj. Idiosyncratically adv. [greek idios private, sun with, krasis mixture]

Idiot  n. 1 stupid person. 2 mentally deficient person incapable of rational conduct. ~ idiotic adj. Idiotically adv. [greek idiotes, = private citizen, ignorant person]

Idle  —adj. (idler, idlest) 1 lazy, indolent. 2 not in use; not working. 3 (of time etc.) Unoccupied. 4 purposeless; groundless (idle rumour). 5 useless, ineffective (idle protest). —v. (-ling) 1 be idle. 2 run (an engine) or (of an engine) be run slowly without doing any work. 3 (foll. By away) pass (time etc.) In idleness. ~ idleness n. Idler n. Idly adv. [old english]

Idol  n. 1 image of a deity etc. As an object of worship. 2 object of excessive or supreme adulation. [greek eidolon image, phantom]

Idolater  n. 1 worshipper of idols. 2 devoted admirer. ~ idolatrous adj. Idolatry n. [related to +idol, greek latreuo worship]

Idolize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 venerate or love excessively. 2 make an idol of. ~ idolization n.

Idyll  n. 1 short description, esp. In verse, of a peaceful or romantic, esp. Rural, scene or incident. 2 such a scene or incident. [greek eidullion]

Idyllic  adj. 1 blissfully peaceful and happy. 2 of or like an idyll. ~ idyllically adv.

I.e.  Abbr. That is to say. [latin id est]

If  —conj. 1 introducing a conditional clause: a on the condition or supposition that; in the event that (if he comes i will tell him; if you are tired we can rest). B (with past tense) implying that the condition is not fulfilled (if i knew i would say). 2 even though (i'll finish it, if it takes me all day). 3 whenever (if i am not sure i ask). 4 whether (see if you can find it). 5 expressing a wish, surprise, or request (if i could just try!; if it isn't my old hat!; if you wouldn't mind?). —n. Condition, supposition (too many ifs about it). ~ if only 1 even if for no other reason than (i'll come if only to see her). 2 (often ellipt.) Expression of regret; i wish that (if only i had thought of it). [old english]

Iffy  adj. (-ier, -iest) colloq. Uncertain; dubious.

Igbo  var. Of +ibo.

Igloo  n. Eskimo dome-shaped dwelling, esp. Of snow. [eskimo, = house]

Igneous  adj. 1 of fire; fiery. 2 (esp. Of rocks) volcanic. [latin ignis fire]

Ignite  v. (-ting) 1 set fire to. 2 catch fire. 3 provoke or excite (feelings etc.). [latin ignio ignit- set on fire]

Ignition  n. 1 mechanism for, or the action of, starting combustion in an internal-combustion engine. 2 igniting or being ignited.

Ignoble  adj. (-bler, -blest) 1 dishonourable. 2 of low birth, position, or reputation. ~ ignobly adv. [latin: related to +in-1, +noble]

Ignominious  adj. Shameful, humiliating. ~ ignominiously adv. [latin: related to +ignominy]

Ignominy  n. Dishonour, infamy. [latin: related to +in-1, latin (g)nomen name]

Ignoramus  n. (pl. -muses) ignorant person. [latin, = we do not know: related to +ignore]

Ignorance  n. Lack of knowledge. [french from latin: related to +ignore]

Ignorant  adj. 1 (often foll. By of, in) lacking knowledge (esp. Of a fact or subject). 2 colloq. Uncouth. ~ ignorantly adv.

Ignore  v. (-ring) refuse to take notice of; intentionally disregard. [latin ignoro not know]

Iguana  n. Large american, w. Indian, or pacific lizard with a dorsal crest. [spanish from carib iwana]

Iguanodon  n. Large plant-eating dinosaur with small forelimbs. [from +iguana, which it resembles, after mastodon etc.]

Ikebana  n. Art of japanese flower arrangement. [japanese, = living flowers]

Ikon  var. Of +icon.

Il-  prefix assim. Form of +in-1, +in-2 before l.

Ileum  n. (pl. Ilea) third and last portion of the small intestine. [latin ilium]

Ilex  n. (pl. -es) 1 tree or shrub of the genus including the common holly. 2 holm-oak. [latin]

Iliac  adj. Of the lower body (iliac artery). [latin ilia flanks]

Ilk  n. 1 colloq., usu. Derog. Sort, family, class, etc. 2 (in of that ilk) scot. Of the ancestral estate with the same name as the family (guthrie of that ilk). [old english]

Ill  —adj. (attrib. Except in sense 1) 1 (usu. Predic.) Not in good health; unwell. 2 wretched, unfavourable (ill fortune; ill luck). 3 harmful (ill effects). 4 hostile, unkind (ill feeling). 5 faulty, unskilful (ill management). 6 (of manners or conduct) improper. —adv. 1 badly, wrongly, imperfectly (ill-matched; ill-provided). 2 scarcely (can ill afford it). 3 unfavourably (spoke ill of them). —n. 1 injury, harm. 2 evil. ~ ill at ease embarrassed, uneasy. [old norse]

I'll  contr. I shall; i will.

Ill-advised  adj. Foolish; imprudent.

Ill-assorted  adj. Badly matched; mixed.

Ill-bred  adj. Badly brought up; rude.

Ill-defined  adj. Not clearly defined.

Ill-disposed  adj. 1 (often foll. By towards) unfavourably disposed. 2 malevolent.

Illegal  adj. 1 not legal. 2 criminal. ~ illegality n. (pl. -ies). Illegally adv.

Illegible  adj. Not legible. ~ illegibility n. Illegibly adv.

Illegitimate  adj. 1 born of parents not married to each other. 2 unlawful. 3 improper. 4 wrongly inferred. ~ illegitimacy n. Illegitimately adv.

Ill-fated  adj. Destined to or bringing bad fortune.

Ill-favoured  adj. Unattractive.

Ill-founded  adj. (of an idea etc.) Baseless.

Ill-gotten  adj. Gained unlawfully or wickedly.

Ill health  n. Poor physical or mental condition.

Ill humour  n. Irritability.

Illiberal  adj. 1 intolerant, narrow-minded. 2 without liberal culture; vulgar. 3 stingy; mean. ~ illiberality n. Illiberally adv.

Illicit  adj. Unlawful, forbidden. ~ illicitly adv.

Illiterate  —adj. 1 unable to read. 2 uneducated. —n. Illiterate person. ~ illiteracy n. Illiterately adv.

Ill-mannered  adj. Having bad manners; rude.

Ill-natured  adj. Churlish, unkind.

Illness  n. 1 disease. 2 being ill.

Illogical  adj. Devoid of or contrary to logic. ~ illogicality n. (pl. -ies). Illogically adv.

Ill-omened  adj. Doomed.

Ill-tempered  adj. Morose, irritable.

Ill-timed  adj. Done or occurring at an inappropriate time.

Ill-treat  v. Treat badly; abuse.

Illuminate  v. (-ting) 1 light up; make bright. 2 decorate (buildings etc.) With lights. 3 decorate (a manuscript etc.) With gold, colour, etc. 4 help to explain (a subject etc.). 5 enlighten spiritually or intellectually. 6 shed lustre on. ~ illuminating adj. Illumination n. Illuminative adj. [latin lumen light]

Illumine  v. (-ning) literary 1 light up; make bright. 2 enlighten.

Ill-use  v. = +ill-treat.

Illusion  n. 1 false impression or belief. 2 state of being deceived by appearances. 3 figment of the imagination. ~ be under the illusion (foll. By that) believe mistakenly. ~ illusive adj. Illusory adj. [latin illudo mock]

Illusionist  n. Conjuror.

Illustrate  v. (-ting) 1 a provide (a book etc.) With pictures. B elucidate by drawings, pictures, examples, etc. 2 serve as an example of. ~ illustrator n. [latin lustro light up]

Illustration  n. 1 drawing or picture in a book, magazine, etc. 2 explanatory example. 3 illustrating.

Illustrative  adj. (often foll. By of) explanatory; exemplary.

Illustrious  adj. Distinguished, renowned. [latin illustris: related to +illustrate]

Ill will  n. Bad feeling; animosity.

Im-  prefix assim. Form of +in-1, +in-2 before b, m, or p.

I'm  contr. I am.

Image  —n. 1 representation of an object, e.g. A statue. 2 reputation or persona of a person, company, etc. 3 appearance as seen in a mirror or through a lens. 4 mental picture or idea. 5 simile or metaphor. —v. (-ging) 1 make an image of; portray. 2 reflect, mirror. 3 describe or imagine vividly. ~ be the image of be or look exactly like. [latin imago imagin-]

Imagery  n. 1 figurative illustration, esp. In literature. 2 images; statuary, carving. 3 mental images collectively.

Imaginary  adj. 1 existing only in the imagination. 2 math. Being the square root of a negative quantity. [latin: related to +image]

Imagination  n. 1 mental faculty of forming images or concepts of objects or situations not existent or not directly experienced. 2 mental creativity or resourcefulness.

Imaginative  adj. Having or showing imagination. ~ imaginatively adv. Imaginativeness n.

Imagine  v. (-ning) 1 a form a mental image or concept of. B picture to oneself. 2 think of as probable (can't imagine he'd be so stupid). 3 guess (can't imagine what he is doing). 4 suppose (i imagine you'll need help). ~ imaginable adj. [latin imaginor] 

Imago  n. (pl. -s or imagines) fully developed stage of an insect, e.g. A butterfly. [latin: see +image]

Imam  n. 1 leader of prayers in a mosque. 2 title of various muslim leaders. [arabic]

Imbalance  n. 1 lack of balance. 2 disproportion.

Imbecile  —n. 1 colloq. Stupid person. 2 person with a mental age of about five. —adj. Mentally weak; stupid, idiotic. ~ imbecilic adj. Imbecility n. (pl. -ies). [french from latin]

Imbed  var. Of +embed.

Imbibe  v. (-bing) 1 drink (esp. Alcohol). 2 a assimilate (ideas etc.). B absorb (moisture etc.). 3 inhale (air etc.). [latin bibo drink]

Imbroglio  n. (pl. -s) 1 confused or complicated situation. 2 confused heap. [italian: related to +in-2, +broil]

Imbue  v. (-bues, -bued, -buing) (often foll. By with) 1 inspire or permeate (with feelings, opinions, or qualities). 2 saturate. 3 dye. [latin imbuo]

Imf  abbr. International monetary fund.

Imitate  v. (-ting) 1 follow the example of; copy. 2 mimic. 3 make a copy of. 4 be like. ~ imitable adj. Imitator n. [latin imitor -tat-]

Imitation  n. 1 imitating or being imitated. 2 copy. 3 counterfeit (often attrib.: imitation leather).

Imitative  adj. 1 (often foll. By of) imitating; following a model or example. 2 (of a word) reproducing a natural sound (e.g. Fizz), or otherwise suggestive (e.g. Blob).

Immaculate  adj. 1 perfectly clean and tidy. 2 perfect (immaculate timing). 3 innocent, faultless. ~ immaculately adv. Immaculateness n. [latin: related to +in-1, macula spot]

Immaculate conception  n. Rc ch. Doctrine that the virgin mary was without original sin from conception.

Immanent  adj. 1 (often foll. By in) naturally present, inherent. 2 (of god) omnipresent. ~ immanence n. [latin: related to +in-2, maneo remain]

Immaterial  adj. 1 unimportant; irrelevant. 2 not material; incorporeal. ~ immateriality n.

Immature  adj. 1 not mature. 2 undeveloped, esp. Emotionally. 3 unripe. ~ immaturely adv. Immaturity n.

Immeasurable  adj. Not measurable; immense. ~ immeasurably adv.

Immediate  adj. 1 occurring or done at once (immediate reply). 2 nearest, next; direct (immediate vicinity; immediate future; immediate cause of death). 3 most pressing or urgent (our immediate concern). ~ immediacy n. Immediateness n. [latin: related to +in-1, +mediate]

Immediately  —adv. 1 without pause or delay. 2 without intermediary. —conj. As soon as.

Immemorial  adj. Ancient beyond memory or record (from time immemorial).

Immense  adj. 1 extremely large; huge. 2 considerable (immense difference). ~ immenseness n. Immensity n. [latin metior mens- measure]

Immensely  adv. 1 colloq. Very much (enjoyed myself immensely). 2 to an immense degree (immensely rich).

Immerse  v. (-sing) 1 a (often foll. By in) dip, plunge. B submerge (a person). 2 (often refl. Or in passive; often foll. By in) absorb or involve deeply. 3 (often foll. By in) bury, embed. [latin mergo mers- dip]

Immersion  n. 1 immersing or being immersed. 2 baptism by total bodily immersion. 3 mental absorption.

Immersion heater  n. Electric device immersed in a liquid to heat it, esp. In a hot-water tank.

Immigrant  —n. Person who immigrates. —adj. 1 immigrating. 2 of immigrants.

Immigrate  v. Come into a country and settle. ~ immigration n. [related to +in-2, +migrate]

Imminent  adj. Impending; about to happen (war is imminent). ~ imminence n. Imminently adv. [latin immineo be impending]

Immiscible  adj. (often foll. By with) not able to be mixed. ~ immiscibility n.

Immobile  adj. 1 not moving. 2 unable to move or be moved. ~ immobility n.

Immobilize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make or keep immobile. 2 keep (a limb or patient) still for healing purposes. ~ immobilization n.

Immoderate  adj. Excessive; lacking moderation. ~ immoderately adv.

Immodest  adj. 1 lacking modesty; conceited. 2 shameless, indecent. ~ immodestly adv. Immodesty n.

Immolate  v. (-ting) kill or offer as a sacrifice. ~ immolation n. [latin, = sprinkle with meal]

Immoral  adj. 1 not conforming to accepted morality; morally wrong. 2 sexually promiscuous or deviant. ~ immorality n. (pl. -ies). Immorally adv.

Immortal  —adj. 1 a living for ever; not mortal. B divine. 2 unfading. 3 famous for all time. —n. 1 a immortal being. B (in pl.) Gods of antiquity. 2 person, esp. An author, remembered long after death. ~ immortality n. Immortalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Immortally adv.

Immovable  adj. (also immoveable) 1 not able to be moved. 2 steadfast, unyielding. 3 emotionless. 4 not subject to change (immovable law). 5 motionless. 6 (of property) consisting of land, houses, etc. ~ immovability n. Immovably adv.

Immune  adj. 1 a (often foll. By against, from, to) protected against infection through inoculation etc. B relating to immunity (immune system). 2 (foll. By from, to) exempt from or proof against a charge, duty, criticism, etc. [latin immunis exempt]

Immunity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 ability of an organism to resist infection by means of antibodies and white blood cells. 2 (often foll. By from) freedom or exemption.

Immunize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make immune, usu. By inoculation. ~ immunization n.

Immunodeficiency  n. Reduction in normal immune defences.

Immunoglobulin  n. Any of a group of related proteins functioning as antibodies.

Immunology  n. The study of immunity. ~ immunological adj. Immunologist n.

Immunotherapy  n. Prevention or treatment of disease with substances that stimulate the immune response.

Immure  v. (-ring) 1 imprison. 2 refl. Shut oneself away. [latin murus wall]

Immutable  adj. Unchangeable. ~ immutability n. Immutably adv.

Imp  n. 1 mischievous child. 2 small devil or sprite. [old english, = young shoot]

Impact  —n. 1 effect of sudden forcible contact between two solid bodies etc.; collision. 2 strong effect or impression. —v. 1 press or fix firmly. 2 (as impacted adj.) (of a tooth) wedged between another tooth and the jaw. 3 (often foll. By on) have an impact on. ~ impaction n. [latin: related to +impinge]

Impair  v. Damage, weaken. ~ impairment n. [latin, = make worse, from pejor]

Impala  n. (pl. Same or -s) small african antelope. [zulu]

Impale  v. (-ling) transfix or pierce with a sharp stake etc. ~ impalement n. [latin palus +pale2]

Impalpable  adj. 1 not easily grasped by the mind; intangible. 2 imperceptible to the touch. 3 (of powder) very fine. ~ impalpability n. Impalpably adv.

Impanel  var. Of +empanel.

Impart  v. (often foll. By to) 1 communicate (news etc.). 2 give a share of (a thing). [latin: related to +part]

Impartial  adj. Treating all alike; unprejudiced, fair. ~ impartiality n. Impartially adv.

Impassable  adj. Not able to be traversed. ~ impassability n. Impassableness n. Impassably adv.

Impasse  n. Deadlock. [french: related to +pass1]

Impassible  adj. 1 impassive. 2 incapable of feeling, emotion, or injury. ~ impassibility n. Impassibly adv. [latin patior pass- suffer]

Impassioned  adj. Filled with passion; ardent. [italian impassionato: related to +passion]

Impassive  adj. Incapable of or not showing emotion; serene. ~ impassively adv. Impassiveness n. Impassivity n.

Impasto  n. Art technique of laying on paint thickly. [italian]

Impatiens  n. Any of several plants including the busy lizzie. [latin: related to +impatient]

Impatient  adj. 1 lacking or showing a lack of patience or tolerance. 2 restlessly eager. 3 (foll. By of) intolerant of. ~ impatience n. Impatiently adv.

Impeach  v. 1 charge with a crime against the state, esp. Treason. 2 us charge (a public official) with misconduct. 3 call in question, disparage. ~ impeachable adj. Impeachment n. [french empecher from latin pedica fetter]

Impeccable  adj. Faultless, exemplary. ~ impeccability n. Impeccably adv. [related to +in-1, latin pecco sin]

Impecunious  adj. Having little or no money. ~ impecuniosity n. Impecuniousness n. [related to +pecuniary]

Impedance  n. Total effective resistance of an electric circuit etc. To an alternating current. [from +impede]

Usage  impedance is sometimes confused with impediment, which means ‘a hindrance’ or ‘a speech defect’.

Impede  v. (-ding) obstruct; hinder. [latin impedio from pes ped- foot]

Impediment  n. 1 hindrance or obstruction. 2 speech defect, e.g. A stammer. [latin: related to +impede]

Usage  see note at impedance.

Impedimenta  n.pl. 1 encumbrances. 2 baggage, esp. Of an army.

Impel  v. (-ll-) 1 drive, force, or urge. 2 propel. [latin pello drive]

Impend  v. (often foll. By over) 1 (of a danger, event, etc.) Be threatening or imminent. 2 hang. ~ impending adj. [latin pendeo hang]

Impenetrable  adj. 1 not able to be penetrated. 2 inscrutable. 3 inaccessible to ideas, influences, etc. ~ impenetrability n. Impenetrableness n. Impenetrably adv.

Impenitent  adj. Not sorry, unrepentant. ~ impenitence n.

Imperative  —adj. 1 urgent; obligatory. 2 commanding, peremptory. 3 gram. (of a mood) expressing a command (e.g. Come here!). —n. 1 gram. Imperative mood. 2 command. 3 essential or urgent thing. [latin impero command]

Imperceptible  adj. 1 not perceptible. 2 very slight, gradual, or subtle. ~ imperceptibility n. Imperceptibly adv.

Imperfect  —adj. 1 not perfect; faulty, incomplete. 2 gram. (of a tense) denoting action in progress but not completed (e.g. They were singing). —n. Imperfect tense. ~ imperfectly adv.

Imperfection  n. 1 state of being imperfect. 2 fault, blemish.

Imperial  adj. 1 of or characteristic of an empire or similar sovereign state. 2 a of an emperor. B majestic, august; authoritative. 3 (of non-metric weights and measures) statutory in the uk, esp. Formerly (imperial gallon). ~ imperially adv. [latin imperium dominion]

Imperialism  n. 1 imperial rule or system. 2 usu. Derog. Policy of dominating other nations by acquiring dependencies etc. ~ imperialist n. & adj. Imperialistic adj.

Imperil  v. (-ll-; us -l-) endanger.

Imperious  adj. Overbearing, domineering. ~ imperiously adv. Imperiousness n.

Imperishable  adj. Not able to perish, indestructible.

Impermanent  adj. Not permanent. ~ impermanence n. Impermanency n.

Impermeable  adj. Not permeable, not allowing fluids to pass through. ~ impermeability n.

Impermissible  adj. Not allowable.

Impersonal  adj. 1 without personal reference; objective, impartial. 2 without human attributes; cold, unfeeling. 3 gram. A (of a verb) used esp. With it as a subject (e.g. It is snowing). B (of a pronoun) = +indefinite. ~ impersonality n. Impersonally adv.

Impersonate  v. (-ting) 1 pretend to be (another person), esp. As entertainment or fraud. 2 act (a character). ~ impersonation n. Impersonator n. [from +in-2, latin +persona]

Impertinent  adj. 1 insolent, disrespectful. 2 esp. Law irrelevant. ~ impertinence n. Impertinently adv.

Imperturbable  adj. Not excitable; calm. ~ imperturbability n. Imperturbably adv.

Impervious  adj. (usu. Foll. By to) 1 impermeable. 2 not responsive (to argument etc.).

Impetigo  n. Contagious skin infection forming pimples and sores. [latin impeto assail]

Impetuous  adj. 1 acting or done rashly or with sudden energy. 2 moving forcefully or rapidly. ~ impetuosity n. Impetuously adv. Impetuousness n. [latin: related to +impetus]

Impetus  n. 1 force with which a body moves. 2 driving force or impulse. [latin impeto assail]

Impiety  n. (pl. -ies) 1 lack of piety or reverence. 2 act etc. Showing this.

Impinge  v. (-ging) (usu. Foll. By on, upon) 1 make an impact or effect. 2 encroach. ~ impingement n. [latin pango pact- fix]

Impious  adj. 1 not pious. 2 wicked, profane.

Impish  adj. Of or like an imp; mischievous. ~ impishly adv. Impishness n.

Implacable  adj. Unable to be appeased. ~ implacability n. Implacably adv.

Implant  —v. 1 (often foll. By in) insert or fix. 2 (often foll. By in) instil (an idea etc.) In a person's mind. 3 plant. 4 a insert (tissue etc.) In a living body. B (in passive) (of a fertilized ovum) become attached to the wall of the womb. —n. Thing implanted, esp. A piece of tissue. ~ implantation n. [latin: related to +plant]

Implausible  adj. Not plausible. ~ implausibility n. Implausibly adv.

Implement  —n. Tool, instrument, utensil. —v. Put (a decision, plan, contract, etc.) Into effect. ~ implementation n. [latin impleo fulfil]

Implicate  v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By in) show (a person) to be involved (in a crime etc.). 2 imply. [latin plico fold]

Implication  n. 1 thing implied. 2 implicating or implying.

Implicit  adj. 1 implied though not plainly expressed. 2 absolute, unquestioning (implicit belief). ~ implicitly adv. [latin: related to +implicate]

Implode  v. (-ding) (cause to) burst inwards. ~ implosion n. [from +in-2: cf. +explode]

Implore  v. (-ring) 1 (often foll. By to + infin.) Entreat (a person). 2 beg earnestly for. [latin ploro weep]

Imply  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By that) strongly suggest or insinuate without directly stating (what are you implying?). 2 signify, esp. As a consequence (silence implies guilt). [latin: related to +implicate]

Impolite  adj. (impolitest) ill-mannered, uncivil, rude. ~ impolitely adv. Impoliteness n.

Impolitic  adj. Inexpedient, unwise. ~ impoliticly adv.

Imponderable  —adj. 1 not able to be estimated. 2 very light; weightless. —n. (usu. In pl.) Imponderable thing. ~ imponderability n. Imponderably adv.

Import  —v. 1 bring in (esp. Foreign goods or services) to a country. 2 imply, indicate, signify. —n. 1 (esp. In pl.) Imported article or service. 2 importing. 3 what is implied; meaning. 4 importance. ~ importation n. Importer n. [latin importo carry in] 

Important  adj. 1 (often foll. By to) of great effect or consequence; momentous. 2 (of a person) having high rank or authority. 3 pompous. ~ importance n. Importantly adv. [latin importo carry in, signify]

Importunate  adj. Making persistent or pressing requests. ~ importunity n. [latin importunus inconvenient]

Importune  v. (-ning) 1 pester (a person) with requests. 2 solicit as a prostitute.

Impose  v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By on, upon) lay (a tax, duty, charge, or obligation) on. 2 enforce compliance with. 3 also refl. (foll. By on, upon, or absol.) Take advantage of (will not impose on you any longer). 4 (often foll. By on, upon) inflict (a thing) on. [latin impono]

Imposing  adj. Impressive, formidable, esp. In appearance.

Imposition  n. 1 imposing or being imposed. 2 unfair demand or burden. 3 tax, duty.

Impossible  adj. 1 not possible. 2 colloq. Not easy, convenient, or believable. 3 colloq. (esp. Of a person) outrageous, intolerable. ~ impossibility n. (pl. -ies). Impossibly adv.

Impost1  n. Tax, duty, or tribute. [latin impono impost- impose]

Impost2  n. Upper course of a pillar, carrying an arch.

Impostor  n. (also imposter) 1 person who assumes a false character or pretends to be someone else. 2 swindler.

Imposture  n. Fraudulent deception.

Impotent  adj. 1 powerless, ineffective. 2 (of a male) unable to achieve an erection or orgasm. ~ impotence n.

Impound  v. 1 confiscate. 2 take legal possession of. 3 shut up (animals) in a pound.

Impoverish  v. Make poor. ~ impoverishment n. [french: related to +poverty]

Impracticable  adj. Not practicable. ~ impracticability n. Impracticably adv.

Impractical  adj. 1 not practical. 2 esp. Us not practicable. ~ impracticality n.

Imprecation  n. Formal oath, curse. [latin precor pray]

Imprecise  adj. Not precise. ~ imprecisely adv. Impreciseness n. Imprecision n.

Impregnable  adj. Strong enough to be secure against attack. ~ impregnability n. Impregnably adv. [french: related to +in-1, latin prehendo take]

Impregnate  v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By with) fill or saturate. 2 (often foll. By with) imbue (with feelings etc.). 3 a make (a female) pregnant. B fertilize (an ovum). ~ impregnation n. [latin: related to +pregnant]

Impresario  n. (pl. -s) organizer of public entertainment, esp. A theatrical etc. Manager. [italian]

Impress  —v. 1 (often foll. By with) a affect or influence deeply. B affect (a person) favourably (was most impressed). 2 (often foll. By on) emphasize (an idea etc.) (must impress on you the need to be prompt). 3 a (often foll. By on) imprint or make (a mark). B mark (a thing) with a stamp, seal, etc. —n. 1 mark made by a seal, stamp, etc. 2 characteristic mark or quality. ~ impressible adj. [french: related to +press1]

Impression  n. 1 effect (esp. On the mind or feelings). 2 notion or belief (esp. Vague or mistaken). 3 imitation of a person or sound, esp. As entertainment. 4 a impressing. B mark impressed.

Impressionable  adj. Easily influenced. ~ impressionability n. Impressionably adv.

Impressionism  n. 1 style or movement in art concerned with conveying the effect of natural light on objects. 2 style of music or writing seeking to convey esp. Fleeting feelings or experience. ~ impressionist n. Impressionistic adj.

Impressive  adj. Arousing respect, approval, or admiration. ~ impressively adv. Impressiveness n.

Imprimatur  n. 1 rc ch. Licence to print (a religious book etc.). 2 official approval. [latin, = let it be printed]

Usage  imprimatur is sometimes confused with sense 2 of imprint.

Imprint  —v. 1 (often foll. By on) impress firmly, esp. On the mind. 2 a (often foll. By on) make a stamp or impression of (a figure etc.) On a thing. B make an impression on (a thing) with a stamp etc. —n. 1 impression, stamp. 2 printer's or publisher's name etc. Printed in a book.

Usage  see note at imprimatur.

Imprison  v. 1 put in prison. 2 confine. ~ imprisonment n.

Improbable  adj. 1 unlikely. 2 difficult to believe. ~ improbability n. Improbably adv.

Improbity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 wickedness; dishonesty. 2 wicked or dishonest act.

Impromptu  —adj. & adv. Extempore, unrehearsed. —n. (pl. -s) 1 extempore performance or speech. 2 short, usu. Solo, instrumental composition, often improvisatory in style. [french from latin in promptu in readiness]

Improper  adj. 1 unseemly; indecent. 2 inaccurate, wrong. ~ improperly adv.

Improper fraction  n. Fraction in which the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

Impropriety  n. (pl. -ies) 1 lack of propriety; indecency. 2 instance of this. 3 incorrectness.

Improve  v. (-ving) 1 a make or become better. B (foll. By on, upon) produce something better than. 2 (as improving adj.) Giving moral benefit (improving literature). ~ improvable adj. Improvement n. [anglo-french emprower from french prou profit]

Improvident  adj. 1 lacking foresight. 2 profligate; wasteful. 3 incautious. ~ improvidence n. Improvidently adv.

Improvise  v. (-sing) (also absol.) 1 compose or perform (music, verse, etc.) Extempore. 2 provide or construct from materials not intended for the purpose. ~ improvisation n. Improvisational adj. Improvisatory adj. [latin improvisus unforeseen]

Imprudent  adj. Unwise, indiscreet. ~ imprudence n. Imprudently adv.

Impudent  adj. Impertinent. ~ impudence n. Impudently adv. [latin pudeo be ashamed]

Impugn  v. Challenge or call in question. ~ impugnment n. [latin pugno fight]

Impulse  n. 1 sudden urge (felt an impulse to laugh). 2 tendency to follow such urges (man of impulse). 3 impelling; a push. 4 impetus. 5 physics a large temporary force producing a change of momentum (e.g. A hammer-blow). B change of momentum so produced. 6 wave of excitation in a nerve. [latin: related to +pulse1]

Impulse buying  n. Purchasing goods on impulse.

Impulsion  n. 1 impelling. 2 mental impulse. 3 impetus.

Impulsive  adj. 1 tending to act on impulse. 2 done on impulse. 3 tending to impel. ~ impulsively adv. Impulsiveness n.

Impunity  n. Exemption from punishment, bad consequences, etc. ~ with impunity without punishment etc. [latin poena penalty]

Impure  adj. 1 adulterated. 2 dirty. 3 unchaste.

Impurity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being impure. 2 impure thing or part.

Impute  v. (-ting) (foll. By to) attribute (a fault etc.) To. ~ imputation n. [latin puto reckon]

In  symb. Indium.

In  —prep. 1 expressing inclusion or position within limits of space, time, circumstance, etc. (in england; in bed; in 1989; in the rain). 2 a within (a certain time) (finished it in two hours).

In.  Abbr. Inch(es).

In-1  prefix (also il-, im-, ir-) added to: 1 adjectives, meaning ‘not’ (inedible; insane). 2 nouns, meaning ‘without, lacking’ (inaction). [latin]

In-2  prefix (also il-, im-, ir-) in, on, into, towards, within (induce; influx; insight; intrude). [from +in, or from latin in (prep.)]

Inability  n. 1 being unable. 2 lack of power or means.

In absentia  adv. In (his, her, or their) absence. [latin]

Inaccessible  adj. 1 not accessible. 2 (of a person) unapproachable. ~ inaccessibility n.

Inaccurate  adj. Not accurate. ~ inaccuracy n. (pl. -ies). Inaccurately adv.

Inaction  n. Lack of action.

Inactive  adj. 1 not active. 2 not operating. 3 indolent. ~ inactivity n.

Inadequate  adj. 1 not adequate; insufficient. 2 (of a person) incompetent; weak. ~ inadequacy n. (pl. -ies). Inadequately adv.

Inadmissible  adj. That cannot be admitted or allowed. ~ inadmissibility n. Inadmissibly adv.

Inadvertent  adj. 1 unintentional. 2 negligent, inattentive. ~ inadvertence n. Inadvertently adv. [from +in-1, +advert]

Inadvisable  adj. Not advisable. ~ inadvisability n.

Inalienable  adj. That cannot be transferred to another or taken away (inalienable rights).

Inamorato  n. (fem. Inamorata) (pl. -s) literary lover. [italian inamorato: related to +in-2, latin amor love]

Inane  adj. 1 silly, senseless. 2 empty, void. ~ inanely adv. Inanity n. (pl. -ies). [latin inanis]

Inanimate  adj. 1 not endowed with, or deprived of, animal life (an inanimate object). 2 spiritless, dull.

Inapplicable  adj. (often foll. By to) not applicable or relevant. ~ inapplicability n.

Inapposite  adj. Not apposite.

Inappropriate  adj. Not appropriate. ~ inappropriately adv. Inappropriateness n.

Inapt  adj. 1 not apt or suitable. 2 unskilful. ~ inaptitude n.

Inarticulate  adj. 1 unable to express oneself clearly. 2 (of speech) not articulate; indistinct. 3 dumb. 4 esp. Anat. Not jointed. ~ inarticulately adv.

Inasmuch  adv. (foll. By as) 1 since, because. 2 to the extent that. [from in as much]

Inattentive  adj. 1 not paying attention. 2 neglecting to show courtesy. ~ inattention n. Inattentively adv.

Inaudible  adj. Unable to be heard. ~ inaudibly adv.

Inaugural  —adj. Of or for an inauguration. —n. Inaugural speech, lecture, etc. [french from latin auguro take omens: related to +augur]

Inaugurate  v. (-ting) 1 admit formally to office. 2 begin (an undertaking) or initiate the public use of (a building etc.), with a ceremony. 3 begin, introduce. ~ inauguration n. Inaugurator n.

Inauspicious  adj. 1 ill-omened, not favourable. 2 unlucky. ~ inauspiciously adv. Inauspiciousness n.

In-between  attrib. Adj. Colloq. Intermediate.

Inboard  —adv. Within the sides or towards the centre of a ship, aircraft, or vehicle. —adj. Situated inboard.

Inborn  adj. Existing from birth; natural, innate.

Inbred  adj. 1 inborn. 2 produced by inbreeding.

Inbreeding  n. Breeding from closely related animals or persons. ~ inbreed v. (past and past part. -bred).

Inbuilt  adj. Built-in.

Inc.  Abbr. Us incorporated.

Inca  n. Member of a people of peru before the spanish conquest. [quechua, = lord]

Incalculable  adj. 1 too great for calculation. 2 not calculable beforehand. 3 uncertain, unpredictable. ~ incalculability n. Incalculably adv.

Incandesce  v. (-cing) (cause to) glow with heat.

Incandescent  adj. 1 glowing with heat. 2 shining. 3 (of artificial light) produced by a glowing filament etc. ~ incandescence n. [latin candeo be white]

Incantation  n. Magical formula; spell, charm. ~ incantational adj. [latin canto sing]

Incapable  adj. 1 a not capable. B too honest, kind, etc., to do something (incapable of hurting anyone). 2 not capable of rational conduct (drunk and incapable). ~ incapability n. Incapably adv.

Incapacitate  v. (-ting) make incapable or unfit.

Incapacity  n. 1 inability; lack of power. 2 legal disqualification.

Incarcerate  v. (-ting) imprison. ~ incarceration n. [medieval latin carcer prison]

Incarnate  —adj. Embodied in flesh, esp. In human form (is the devil incarnate). —v. (-ting) 1 embody in flesh. 2 put (an idea etc.) Into concrete form. 3 be the living embodiment of (a quality). [latin incarnor be made flesh: related to +carnage]

Incarnation  n. 1 a embodiment in (esp. Human) flesh. B (the incarnation) the embodiment of god in christ. 2 (often foll. By of) living type (of a quality etc.).

Incautious  adj. Heedless, rash. ~ incautiously adv.

Incendiary  —adj. 1 (of a bomb) designed to cause fires. 2 a of arson. B guilty of arson. 3 inflammatory. —n. (pl. -ies) 1 incendiary bomb. 2 arsonist. ~ incendiarism n. [latin incendo -cens- set fire to]

Incense1  n. 1 gum or spice producing a sweet smell when burned. 2 smoke of this, esp. In religious ceremonial. [church latin incensum]

Incense2  v. (-sing) make angry. [latin: related to +incendiary]

Incentive  —n. 1 motive or incitement. 2 payment or concession encouraging effort in work. —attrib. Adj. Serving to motivate or incite (incentive scheme). [latin incentivus that sets the tune]

Inception  n. Beginning. [latin incipio -cept- begin]

Inceptive  adj. 1 a beginning. B initial. 2 (of a verb) denoting the beginning of an action.

Incessant  adj. Unceasing, continual, repeated. ~ incessantly adv. [latin cesso cease]

Incest  n. Sexual intercourse between persons too closely related to marry. [latin castus chaste]

Incestuous  adj. 1 of or guilty of incest. 2 having relationships restricted to a particular group or organization. ~ incestuously adv.

Inch  —n. 1 linear measure of 1/12 of a foot (2.54 cm). 2 (as a unit of rainfall) 1 inch depth of water. 3 (as a unit of map-scale) so many inches representing 1 mile. 4 small amount (usu. With neg.: would not yield an inch). —v. Move gradually. ~ every inch entirely (looked every inch a queen). Within an inch of almost to the point of. [old english from latin uncia +ounce]

Inchoate  adj. 1 just begun. 2 undeveloped. ~ inchoation n. [latin inchoo, incoho begin]

Usage  inchoate is sometimes used incorrectly to mean ‘chaotic’ or ‘incoherent’.

Incidence  n. 1 (often foll. By of) range, scope, extent, or rate of occurrence or influence (of disease, tax, etc.). 2 falling of a line, ray, particles, etc., on a surface. 3 coming into contact with a thing. [latin cado fall]

Incident  —n. 1 occurrence, esp. A minor one. 2 public disturbance (the march took place without incident). 3 clash of armed forces (frontier incident). 4 distinct piece of action in a play, film, etc. —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) apt to occur; naturally attaching. 2 (often foll. By on, upon) (of light etc.) Falling. [latin cado fall]

Incidental  —adj. (often foll. By to) 1 small and relatively unimportant, minor; supplementary. 2 not essential. —n. (usu. In pl.) Minor detail, expense, event, etc.

Incidentally  adv. 1 by the way. 2 in an incidental way.

Incidental music  n. Background music in a film, broadcast, etc.

Incinerate  v. (-ting) burn to ashes. ~ incineration n. [medieval latin cinis ciner- ashes]

Incinerator  n. Furnace or device for incineration.

Incipient  adj. 1 beginning. 2 in an early stage. [latin incipio begin]

Incise  v. (-sing) 1 make a cut in. 2 engrave. [latin caedo cut]

Incision  n. 1 cutting, esp. By a surgeon. 2 cut made in this way.

Incisive  adj. 1 sharp. 2 clear and effective.

Incisor  n. Cutting-tooth, esp. At the front of the mouth.

Incite  v. (-ting) (often foll. By to) urge or stir up. ~ incitement n. [latin cito rouse]

Incivility  n. (pl. -ies) 1 rudeness. 2 impolite act.

Inclement  adj. (of the weather) severe or stormy. ~ inclemency n.

Inclination  n. 1 disposition or propensity. 2 liking, affection. 3 slope, slant. 4 angle between lines. 5 dip of a magnetic needle. 6 slow nod of the head. [latin: related to +incline]

Incline  —v. (-ning) 1 (usu. In passive) a dispose or influence (am inclined to think so; does not incline me to agree; don't feel inclined). B have a specified tendency (the door is inclined to bang). 2 a be disposed (i incline to think so). B (often foll. By to, towards) tend. 3 (cause to) lean, usu. From the vertical; slope. 4 bend forward or downward. —n. Slope. ~ incline one's ear listen favourably. [latin clino bend]

Inclined plane  n. Sloping plane used e.g. To reduce work in raising a load.

Include  v. (-ding) 1 comprise or reckon in as part of a whole. 2 (as including prep.) If we include (six, including me). 3 put in a certain category etc. ~ inclusion n. [latin includo -clus- enclose, from claudo shut]

Inclusive  adj. 1 (often foll. By of) including. 2 including the limits stated (pages 7 to 26 inclusive). 3 including all or much (inclusive terms). ~ inclusively adv. Inclusiveness n.

Incognito  —predic. Adj. & adv. With one's name or identity kept secret. —n. (pl. -s) 1 person who is incognito. 2 pretended identity. [italian, = unknown: related to +in-1, +cognition]

Incognizant  adj. Formal unaware. ~ incognizance n.

Incoherent  adj. 1 unintelligible. 2 lacking logic or consistency; not clear. ~ incoherence n. Incoherently adv.

Incombustible  adj. That cannot be burnt.

Income  n. Money received, esp. Periodically or in a year, from one's work, investments, etc. [from +in, +come]

Income tax  n. Tax levied on income.

Incoming  —adj. 1 coming in (incoming telephone calls). 2 succeeding another (incoming tenant). —n. (usu. In pl.) Revenue, income.

Incommensurable  adj. (often foll. By with) 1 not commensurable. 2 having no common factor, integral or fractional. ~ incommensurability n.

Incommensurate  adj. 1 (often foll. By with, to) out of proportion; inadequate. 2 = +incommensurable.

Incommode  v. (-ding) formal 1 inconvenience. 2 trouble, annoy.

Incommodious  adj. Formal too small for comfort; inconvenient.

Incommunicable  adj. That cannot be communicated.

Incommunicado  adj. 1 without means of communication. 2 (of a prisoner) in solitary confinement. [spanish incomunicado]

Incommunicative  adj. Uncommunicative.

Incomparable  adj. Without an equal; matchless. ~ incomparability n. Incomparably adv.

Incompatible  adj. Not compatible. ~ incompatibility n.

Incompetent  —adj. Lacking the necessary skill. —n. Incompetent person. ~ incompetence n.

Incomplete  adj. Not complete.

Incomprehensible  adj. That cannot be understood.

Incomprehension  n. Failure to understand.

Inconceivable  adj. 1 that cannot be imagined. 2 colloq. Most unlikely. ~ inconceivably adv.

Inconclusive  adj. (of an argument, evidence, or action) not decisive or convincing.

Incongruous  adj. 1 out of place; absurd. 2 (often foll. By with) out of keeping. ~ incongruity n. (pl. -ies). Incongruously adv.

Inconsequent  adj. 1 irrelevant. 2 lacking logical sequence. 3 disconnected. ~ inconsequence n.

Inconsequential  adj. 1 unimportant. 2 = +inconsequent. ~ inconsequentially adv.

Inconsiderable  adj. 1 of small size, value, etc. 2 not worth considering. ~ inconsiderably adv.

Inconsiderate  adj. (of a person or action) lacking regard for others; thoughtless. ~ inconsiderately adv. Inconsiderateness n.

Inconsistent  adj. Not consistent. ~ inconsistency n. (pl. -ies). Inconsistently adv.

Inconsolable  adj. (of a person, grief, etc.) That cannot be consoled. ~ inconsolably adv.

Inconspicuous  adj. Not conspicuous; not easily noticed. ~ inconspicuously adv. Inconspicuousness n.

Inconstant  adj. 1 fickle, changeable. 2 variable, not fixed. ~ inconstancy n. (pl. -ies).

Incontestable  adj. That cannot be disputed. ~ incontestably adv.

Incontinent  adj. 1 unable to control the bowels or bladder. 2 lacking self-restraint (esp. In sexual matters). ~ incontinence n.

Incontrovertible  adj. Indisputable, undeniable. ~ incontrovertibly adv.

Inconvenience  —n. 1 lack of ease or comfort; trouble. 2 cause or instance of this. —v. (-cing) cause inconvenience to.

Inconvenient  adj. Causing trouble, difficulty, or discomfort; awkward. ~ inconveniently adv.

Incorporate  —v. (-ting) 1 include as a part or ingredient (incorporated all the latest features). 2 (often foll. By in, with) unite (in one body). 3 admit as a member of a company etc. 4 (esp. As incorporated adj.) Form into a legal corporation. —adj. Incorporated. ~ incorporation n. [latin corpus body]

Incorporeal  adj. Without physical or material existence. ~ incorporeally adv. Incorporeity n.

Incorrect  adj. 1 not correct or true. 2 improper, unsuitable. ~ incorrectly adv.

Incorrigible  adj. (of a person or habit) that cannot be corrected or improved. ~ incorrigibility n. Incorrigibly adv.

Incorruptible  adj. 1 that cannot be corrupted, esp. By bribery. 2 that cannot decay. ~ incorruptibility n. Incorruptibly adv.

Increase  —v. (-sing) make or become greater or more numerous. —n. 1 growth, enlargement. 2 (of people, animals, or plants) multiplication. 3 amount or extent of an increase. ~ on the increase increasing. [latin cresco grow]

Increasingly  adv. More and more.

Incredible  adj. 1 that cannot be believed. 2 colloq. Amazing, extremely good. ~ incredibility n. Incredibly adv.

Incredulous  adj. Unwilling to believe; showing disbelief. ~ incredulity n. Incredulously adv.

Increment  n. Increase or added amount, esp. On a fixed salary scale. ~ incremental adj. [latin cresco grow]

Incriminate  v. (-ting) 1 make (a person) appear to be guilty. 2 charge with a crime. ~ incrimination n. Incriminatory adj. [latin: related to +crime]

Incrustation  n. 1 encrusting. 2 crust or hard coating. 3 deposit on a surface. [latin: related to +crust]

Incubate  v. (-ting) 1 hatch (eggs) by sitting on them or by artificial heat. 2 cause (micro-organisms) to develop. 3 develop slowly. [latin cubo lie]

Incubation  n. 1 incubating. 2 period between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.

Incubator  n. Apparatus providing artificial warmth for hatching eggs, rearing premature babies, or developing micro-organisms.

Incubus  n. (pl. -buses or -bi) 1 demon formerly believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women. 2 nightmare. 3 oppressive person or thing. [latin: as +incubate]

Inculcate  v. (-ting) (often foll. By upon, in) urge or impress (a habit or idea) persistently. ~ inculcation n. [latin calco tread]

Incumbency  n. (pl. -ies) office or tenure of an incumbent.

Incumbent  —adj. 1 resting as a duty (it is incumbent on you to do it). 2 (often foll. By on) lying, pressing. 3 currently holding office (the incumbent president). —n. Holder of an office or post, esp. A benefice. [latin incumbo lie upon]

Incunabulum  n. (pl. -la) 1 early printed book, esp. From before 1501. 2 (in pl.) Early stages of a thing. [latin, (in pl.) = swaddling-clothes]

Incur  v. (-rr-) bring on oneself (danger, blame, loss, etc.). [latin curro run]

Incurable  —adj. That cannot be cured. —n. Incurable person. ~ incurability n. Incurably adv.

Incurious  adj. Lacking curiosity.

Incursion  n. Invasion or attack, esp. Sudden or brief. ~ incursive adj. [latin: related to +incur]

Incurve  v. (-ving) 1 bend into a curve. 2 (as incurved adj.) Curved inwards. ~ incurvation n.

Indebted  adj. (usu. Foll. By to) owing gratitude or money. ~ indebtedness n. [french endetté: related to +debt]

Indecent  adj. 1 offending against decency. 2 unbecoming; unsuitable (indecent haste). ~ indecency n. (pl. -ies). Indecently adv.

Indecent assault  n. Sexual attack not involving rape.

Indecent exposure  n. Exposing one's genitals in public.

Indecipherable  adj. That cannot be deciphered.

Indecision  n. Inability to decide; hesitation.

Indecisive  adj. 1 (of a person) not decisive; hesitating. 2 not conclusive (an indecisive battle). ~ indecisively adv. Indecisiveness n.

Indeclinable  adj. Gram. That cannot be declined; having no inflections.

Indecorous  adj. 1 improper, undignified. 2 in bad taste. ~ indecorously adv.

Indeed  —adv. 1 in truth; really. 2 admittedly. —int. Expressing irony, incredulity, etc.

Indefatigable  adj. Unwearying, unremitting. ~ indefatigably adv.

Indefeasible  adj. Literary (esp. Of a claim, rights, etc.) That cannot be forfeited or annulled. ~ indefeasibly adv.

Indefensible  adj. That cannot be defended or justified. ~ indefensibility n. Indefensibly adv.

Indefinable  adj. That cannot be defined; mysterious. ~ indefinably adv.

Indefinite  adj. 1 vague, undefined. 2 unlimited. 3 (of adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns) not determining the person etc. Referred to (e.g. Some, someone, anyhow).

Indefinite article  n. Word (e.g. A, an in english) preceding a noun and implying ‘any of several’.

Indefinitely  adv. 1 for an unlimited time (was postponed indefinitely). 2 in an indefinite manner.

Indelible  adj. That cannot be rubbed out or removed. ~ indelibly adv. [latin deleo efface]

Indelicate  adj. 1 coarse, unrefined. 2 tactless. ~ indelicacy n. (pl. -ies). Indelicately adv.

Indemnify  v. (-ies, -ied) 1 (often foll. By from, against) secure (a person) in respect of harm, a loss, etc. 2 (often foll. By for) exempt from a penalty. 3 compensate. ~ indemnification n. [latin indemnis free from loss]

Indemnity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a compensation for damage. B sum exacted by a victor in war. 2 security against loss. 3 exemption from penalties.

Indent  —v. 1 make or impress marks, notches, dents, etc. In. 2 start (a line of print or writing) further from the margin than others. 3 draw up (a legal document) in duplicate. 4 a (often foll. By on, upon a person, for a thing) make a requisition. B order (goods) by requisition. —n. 1 a order (esp. From abroad) for goods. B official requisition for stores. 2 indented line. 3 indentation. 4 indenture. [latin dens dentis tooth]

Indentation  n. 1 indenting or being indented. 2 notch.

Indention  n. 1 indenting, esp. In printing. 2 notch.

Indenture  —n. 1 (usu. In pl.) Sealed agreement or contract. 2 formal list, certificate, etc. —v. (-ring) hist. Bind by indentures, esp. As an apprentice. [anglo-french: related to +indent]

Independent  —adj. 1 a (often foll. By of) not depending on authority or control. B self-governing. 2 a not depending on another person for one's opinions or livelihood. B (of income or resources) making it unnecessary to earn one's living. 3 unwilling to be under an obligation to others. 4 acting independently of any political party. 5 not depending on something else for its validity etc. (independent proof). 6 (of broadcasting, a school, etc.) Not supported by public funds. —n. Person who is politically independent. ~ independence n. Independently adv.

In-depth  adj. Thorough.

Indescribable  adj. 1 too good or bad etc. To be described. 2 that cannot be described. ~ indescribably adv.

Indestructible  adj. That cannot be destroyed. ~ indestructibility n. Indestructibly adv.

Indeterminable  adj. That cannot be ascertained or settled. ~ indeterminably adv.

Indeterminate  adj. 1 not fixed in extent, character, etc. 2 left doubtful; vague. 3 math. Of no fixed value. ~ indeterminacy n.

Indeterminate vowel  n. Vowel heard in ‘a moment ago’.

Index  —n. (pl. Indexes or indices) 1 alphabetical list of subjects etc. With references, usu. At the end of a book. 2 = +card index. 3 measure of prices or wages compared with a previous month, year, etc. (retail price index). 4 math. Exponent of a number. 5 pointer, sign, or indicator. —v. 1 provide (a book etc.) With an index. 2 enter in an index. 3 relate (wages etc.) To a price index. ~ indexation n. (in sense 3 of v.). [latin]

Index finger  n. Forefinger.

Index-linked  adj. Related to the value of a price index.

Indiaman  n. (pl. -men) hist. Ship engaged in trade with india or the east indies.

Indian  —n. 1 a native or national of india. B person of indian descent. 2 (in full american indian) a original inhabitant of america. B any of the languages of the american indians. —adj. 1 of india or the subcontinent comprising india, pakistan, and bangladesh. 2 of the original peoples of america.

Indian corn  n. Maize.

Indian elephant  n. The elephant of india, smaller than the african elephant.

Indian file  n. = +single file.

Indian hemp  see +hemp 1.

Indian ink  n. 1 black pigment. 2 ink made from this.

Indian summer  n. 1 dry warm weather in late autumn. 2 late tranquil period of life.

Indiarubber  n. Rubber for erasing pencil marks etc.

Indicate  v. (-ting) (often foll. By that) 1 point out; make known. 2 be a sign of; show the presence of. 3 call for; require (stronger measures are indicated). 4 state briefly. 5 give as a reading or measurement. 6 point by hand; use a vehicle's indicator (failed to indicate). ~ indication n. [latin dico make known]

Indicative  —adj. 1 (foll. By of) suggestive; serving as an indication. 2 gram. (of a mood) stating a fact. —n. Gram. 1 indicative mood. 2 verb in this mood.

Indicator  n. 1 flashing light on a vehicle showing the direction in which it is about to turn. 2 person or thing that indicates. 3 device indicating the condition of a machine etc. 4 recording instrument. 5 board giving information, esp. Times of trains etc.

Indicatory  adj. (often foll. By of) indicative.

Indices  pl. Of +index.

Indict  v. Accuse formally by legal process. [anglo-french: related to +in-2, +dictate]

Indictable  adj. 1 (of an offence) making the doer liable to be charged with a crime. 2 (of a person) so liable.

Indictment  n. 1 a indicting, accusation. B document containing this. 2 thing that serves to condemn or censure (an indictment of society).

Indie  colloq. —adj. (of a pop group or record label) independent, not belonging to one of the major companies. —n. Such a group or label. [abbreviation of +independent]

Indifference  n. 1 lack of interest or attention. 2 unimportance.

Indifferent  adj. 1 (foll. By to) showing indifference or lack of interest. 2 neither good nor bad. 3 of poor quality or ability. ~ indifferently adv.

Indigenous  adj. (often foll. By to) native or belonging naturally to a place. [latin: from a root gen- be born]

Indigent  adj. Formal needy, poor. ~ indigence n. [latin egeo need]

Indigestible  adj. 1 difficult or impossible to digest. 2 too complex to read or understand. ~ indigestibility n.

Indigestion  n. 1 difficulty in digesting food. 2 pain caused by this.

Indignant  adj. Feeling or showing indignation. ~ indignantly adv. [latin dignus worthy]

Indignation  n. Anger at supposed injustice etc.

Indignity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 humiliating treatment or quality. 2 insult.

Indigo  n. (pl. -s) 1 colour between blue and violet in the spectrum. 2 dye of this colour. [greek indikon indian dye]

Indirect  adj. 1 not going straight to the point. 2 (of a route etc.) Not straight. 3 a not directly sought (indirect result). B not primary (indirect cause). ~ indirectly adv.

Indirect object  n. Gram. Person or thing affected by a verbal action but not primarily acted on (e.g. Him in give him the book).

Indirect question  n. Gram. Question in indirect speech.

Indirect speech  n. = +reported speech.

Indirect tax  n. Tax on goods and services, not on income or profits.

Indiscernible  adj. That cannot be discerned.

Indiscipline  n. Lack of discipline.

Indiscreet  adj. 1 not discreet. 2 injudicious, unwary. ~ indiscreetly adv.

Indiscretion  n. Indiscreet conduct or action.

Indiscriminate  adj. Making no distinctions; done or acting at random (indiscriminate shooting). ~ indiscriminately adv.

Indispensable  adj. That cannot be dispensed with; necessary. ~ indispensability n. Indispensably adv.

Indisposed  adj. 1 slightly unwell. 2 averse or unwilling. ~ indisposition n.

Indisputable  adj. That cannot be disputed. ~ indisputably adv.

Indissoluble  adj. 1 that cannot be dissolved or broken up. 2 firm and lasting. ~ indissolubly adv.

Indistinct  adj. 1 not distinct. 2 confused, obscure. ~ indistinctly adv.

Indistinguishable  adj. (often foll. By from) not distinguishable.

Indite  v. (-ting) formal or joc. 1 put (a speech etc.) Into words. 2 write (a letter etc.). [french: related to +indict]

Indium  n. Soft silvery-white metallic element occurring in zinc ores. [latin indicum +indigo]

Individual  —adj. 1 of, for, or characteristic of, a single person etc. 2 a single (individual words). B particular; not general. 3 having a distinct character. 4 designed for use by one person. —n. 1 single member of a class. 2 single human being. 3 colloq. Person (a tiresome individual). 4 distinctive person. [medieval latin: related to +divide]

Individualism  n. 1 social theory favouring free action by individuals. 2 being independent or different. ~ individualist n. Individualistic adj.

Individuality  n. 1 individual character, esp. When strongly marked. 2 separate existence.

Individualize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 give an individual character to. 2 (esp. As individualized adj.) Personalize (individualized notepaper).

Individually  adv. 1 one by one. 2 personally. 3 distinctively.

Indivisible  adj. Not divisible.

Indo-  comb. Form indian; indian and.

Indoctrinate  v. (-ting) teach to accept a particular belief uncritically. ~ indoctrination n.

Indo-european  —adj. 1 of the family of languages spoken over most of europe and asia as far as n. India. 2 of the hypothetical parent language of this family. —n. 1 indo-european family of languages. 2 hypothetical parent language of these.

Indolent  adj. Lazy; averse to exertion. ~ indolence n. Indolently adv. [latin doleo suffer pain]

Indomitable  adj. 1 unconquerable. 2 unyielding. ~ indomitably adv. [latin: related to +in-1, domito tame]

Indoor  adj. Of, done, or for use in a building or under cover.

Indoors  adv. Into or in a building.

Indorse  var. Of +endorse.

Indrawn  adj. (of breath etc.) Drawn in.

Indubitable  adj. That cannot be doubted. ~ indubitably adv. [latin dubito doubt]

Induce  v. (-cing) 1 prevail on; persuade. 2 bring about. 3 a bring on (labour) artificially. B bring on labour in (a mother). C speed up the birth of (a baby). 4 produce (a current) by induction. 5 infer; deduce. ~ inducible adj. [latin duco duct- lead]

Inducement  n. Attractive offer; incentive; bribe.

Induct  v. (often foll. By to, into) 1 introduce into office, install (into a benefice etc.). 2 archaic lead (to a seat, into a room, etc.); install. [related to +induce]

Inductance  n. Property of an electric circuit generating an electromotive force by virtue of the current flowing through it.

Induction  n. 1 act of inducting or inducing. 2 act of bringing on (esp. Labour) by artificial means. 3 inference of a general law from particular instances. 4 (often attrib.) Formal introduction to a new job etc. (induction course). 5 electr. A production of an electric or magnetic state by the proximity (without contact) of an electrified or magnetized body. B production of an electric current by a change of magnetic field. 6 drawing of the fuel mixture into the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine.

Inductive  adj. 1 (of reasoning etc.) Based on induction. 2 of electric or magnetic induction.

Inductor  n. Component (in an electric circuit) having inductance.

Indue  var. Of +endue.

Indulge  v. (-ging) 1 (often foll. By in) take pleasure freely. 2 yield freely to (a desire etc.). 3 (also refl.) Gratify the wishes of. 4 colloq. Take alcoholic liquor. [latin indulgeo give free rein to]

Indulgence  n. 1 indulging or being indulgent. 2 thing indulged in. 3 rc ch. Remission of punishment still due after absolution. 4 privilege granted.

Indulgent  adj. 1 lenient; ready to overlook faults etc. 2 indulging. ~ indulgently adv.

Industrial  adj. 1 of, engaged in, or for use in or serving the needs of industries. 2 (of a nation etc.) Having developed industries. ~ industrially adv.

Industrial action  n. Strike or other disruptive action by workers as a protest.

Industrial estate  n. Area of land zoned for factories etc.

Industrialism  n. System in which manufacturing industries are prevalent.

Industrialist  n. Owner or manager in industry.

Industrialize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) make (a nation etc.) Industrial. ~ industrialization n.

Industrial relations  n.pl. Relations between management and workers.

Industrious  adj. Hard-working. ~ industriously adv.

Industry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 a branch of production or manufacture; commercial enterprise. B these collectively. 2 concerted activity (a hive of industry). 3 diligence. [latin industria]

-ine  suffix 1 forming adjectives, meaning ‘belonging to, of the nature of’ (alpine; asinine). 2 forming feminine nouns (heroine). [latin -inus]

Inebriate  —v. (-ting) 1 make drunk. 2 excite. —adj. Drunken. —n. Drunkard. ~ inebriation n. Inebriety n. [latin ebrius drunk]

Inedible  adj. Not suitable for eating.

Ineducable  adj. Incapable of being educated.

Ineffable  adj. 1 too great for description in words. 2 that must not be uttered. ~ ineffability n. Ineffably adv. [latin effor speak out]

Ineffective  adj. Not achieving the desired effect or results. ~ ineffectively adv. Ineffectiveness n.

Ineffectual  adj. Ineffective, feeble. ~ ineffectually adv. Ineffectualness n.

Inefficient  adj. 1 not efficient or fully capable. 2 (of a machine etc.) Wasteful. ~ inefficiency n. Inefficiently adv.

Inelegant  adj. 1 ungraceful. 2 unrefined. ~ inelegance n. Inelegantly adv.

Ineligible  adj. Not eligible or qualified. ~ ineligibility n.

Ineluctable  adj. Inescapable, unavoidable. [latin luctor strive]

Inept  adj. 1 unskilful. 2 absurd, silly. 3 out of place. ~ ineptitude n. Ineptly adv. [latin: related to +apt]

Inequable  adj. 1 unfair. 2 not uniform.

Inequality  n. (pl. -ies) 1 lack of equality. 2 variability. 3 unevenness.

Inequitable  adj. Unfair, unjust.

Inequity  n. (pl. -ies) unfairness, injustice.

Ineradicable  adj. That cannot be rooted out.

Inert  adj. 1 without inherent power of action, motion, or resistance. 2 not reacting chemically with other substances (inert gas). 3 sluggish, slow; lifeless. [latin iners -ert-: related to +art]

Inertia  n. 1 physics property of matter by which it continues in its existing state of rest or motion unless an external force is applied. 2 a inertness, lethargy. B tendency to remain unchanged (inertia of the system). ~ inertial adj. [latin: related to +inert]

Inertia reel  n. Reel allowing a seat-belt to unwind freely but locking on impact etc.

Inertia selling  n. Sending of unsolicited goods in the hope of making a sale.

Inescapable  adj. That cannot be escaped or avoided.

Inessential  —adj. Not necessary; dispensable. —n. Inessential thing.

Inestimable  adj. Too great, precious, etc., to be estimated. ~ inestimably adv.

Inevitable  —adj. 1 unavoidable; sure to happen. 2 colloq. Tiresomely familiar. —n. (prec. By the) inevitable fact, event, etc. ~ inevitability n. Inevitably adv. [latin evito avoid]

Inexact  adj. Not exact. ~ inexactitude n. Inexactly adv.

Inexcusable  adj. That cannot be excused or justified. ~ inexcusably adv.

Inexhaustible  adj. That cannot be used up, endless.

Inexorable  adj. Relentless; unstoppable. ~ inexorably adv. [latin exoro entreat]

Inexpedient  adj. Not expedient.

Inexpensive  adj. Not expensive.

Inexperience  n. Lack of experience, knowledge, or skill. ~ inexperienced adj.

Inexpert  adj. Unskilful; lacking expertise.

Inexpiable  adj. That cannot be expiated or appeased.

Inexplicable  adj. That cannot be explained. ~ inexplicably adv.

Inexpressible  adj. That cannot be expressed. ~ inexpressibly adv.

Inextinguishable  adj. That cannot be extinguished or destroyed.

In extremis  adj. 1 at the point of death. 2 in great difficulties; in an emergency. [latin]

Inextricable  adj. 1 inescapable. 2 that cannot be separated, loosened, or solved. ~ inextricably adv.

Inf  abbr. Intermediate-range nuclear forces.

Infallible  adj. 1 incapable of error. 2 unfailing; sure to succeed. 3 (of the pope) incapable of doctrinal error. ~ infallibility n. Infallibly adv.

Infamous  adj. Notoriously bad. ~ infamously adv. Infamy n. (pl. -ies).

Infant  n. 1 a child during the earliest period of its life. B schoolchild below the age of seven years. 2 (esp. Attrib.) Thing in an early stage of its development. 3 law person under 18. ~ infancy n. [latin infans unable to speak]

Infanta  n. Hist. Daughter of a spanish or portuguese king. [spanish and portuguese: related to +infant]

Infanticide  n. 1 killing of an infant, esp. Soon after birth. 2 person who kills an infant.

Infantile  adj. 1 of or like infants. 2 childish, immature. ~ infantilism n.

Infantile paralysis  n. Poliomyelitis.

Infantry  n. (pl. -ies) body of foot-soldiers; foot-soldiers collectively. [italian infante youth, foot-soldier]

Infantryman  n. Soldier of an infantry regiment.

Infarct  n. Small area of dead tissue caused by an inadequate blood supply. ~ infarction n. [latin farcio farct- stuff]

Infatuate  v. (-ting) (usu. As infatuated adj.) 1 inspire with intense usu. Transitory fondness or admiration. 2 affect with extreme folly. ~ infatuation n. [latin: related to +fatuous]

Infect  v. 1 affect or contaminate with a germ, virus, or disease. 2 imbue, taint. [latin inficio -fect- taint]

Infection  n. 1 a infecting or being infected. B instance of this; disease. 2 communication of disease, esp. By air, water, etc.

Infectious  adj. 1 infecting. 2 (of a disease) transmissible by infection. 3 (of emotions etc.) Quickly affecting or spreading to others. ~ infectiously adv. Infectiousness n.

Infelicity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 inapt expression etc. 2 unhappiness. ~ infelicitous adj.

Infer  v. (-rr-) 1 deduce or conclude. 2 imply. ~ inferable adj. [latin fero bring]

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

Inference  n. 1 act of inferring. 2 thing inferred. ~ inferential adj.

Inferior  —adj. 1 (often foll. By to) lower in rank, quality, etc. 2 of poor quality. 3 situated below. 4 written or printed below the line. —n. Person inferior to another, esp. In rank. [latin, comparative of inferus]

Inferiority  n. Being inferior.

Inferiority complex  n. Feeling of inadequacy, sometimes marked by compensating aggressive behaviour.

Infernal  adj. 1 of hell; hellish. 2 colloq. Detestable, tiresome. ~ infernally adv. [latin infernus low]

Inferno  n. (pl. -s) 1 raging fire. 2 scene of horror or distress. 3 hell. [italian: related to +infernal]

Infertile  adj. 1 not fertile. 2 unable to have offspring. ~ infertility n.

Infest  v. (esp. Of vermin) overrun (a place). ~ infestation n. [latin infestus hostile]

Infidel  —n. Unbeliever in esp. The supposed true religion. —adj. 1 of infidels. 2 unbelieving. [latin fides faith]

Infidelity  n. (pl. -ies) unfaithfulness, esp. Adultery. [latin: related to +infidel]

Infield  n. Cricket the part of the ground near the wicket.

Infighting  n. 1 conflict or competitiveness between colleagues. 2 boxing within arm's length.

Infill  —n. 1 material used to fill a hole, gap, etc. 2 filling gaps (esp. In a row of buildings). —v. Fill in (a cavity etc.).

Infilling  n. = +infill n.

Infiltrate  v. (-ting) 1 a enter (a territory, political party, etc.) Gradually and imperceptibly. B cause to do this. 2 permeate by filtration. 3 (often foll. By into, through) introduce (fluid) by filtration. ~ infiltration n. Infiltrator n. [from +in-2, +filtrate]

Infinite  —adj. 1 boundless, endless. 2 very great or many. —n. 1 (the infinite) god. 2 (the infinite) infinite space. ~ infinitely adv. [latin: related to +in-1, +finite]

Infinitesimal  —adj. Infinitely or very small. —n. Infinitesimal amount. ~ infinitesimally adv.

Infinitive  —n. Form of a verb expressing the verbal notion without a particular subject, tense, etc. (e.g. See in we came to see, let him see). —adj. Having this form.

Infinitude  n. Literary = +infinity 1, 2.

Infinity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being infinite; boundlessness. 2 infinite number or extent. 3 infinite distance (gaze into infinity). 4 math. Infinite quantity.

Infirm  adj. Physically weak, esp. Through age.

Infirmary  n. (pl. -ies) 1 hospital. 2 sick-quarters in a school etc.

Infirmity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 being infirm. 2 particular physical weakness.

Infix  v. Fasten or fix in.

In flagrante delicto  adv. In the very act of committing an offence. [latin, = in blazing crime]

Inflame  v. (-ming) 1 provoke to strong feeling, esp. Anger. 2 cause inflammation in; make hot. 3 aggravate. 4 catch or set on fire. 5 light up with or as with flames.

Inflammable  adj. Easily set on fire or excited. ~ inflammability n.

Usage  where there is a danger of inflammable being understood to mean the opposite, i.e. ‘not easily set on fire’, flammable can be used to avoid confusion.

Inflammation  n. 1 inflaming. 2 bodily condition with heat, swelling, redness, and usu. Pain.

Inflammatory  adj. 1 tending to cause anger etc. 2 of inflammation.

Inflatable  —adj. That can be inflated. —n. Inflatable object.

Inflate  v. (-ting) 1 distend with air or gas. 2 (usu. Foll. By with; usu. In passive) puff up (with pride etc.). 3 a cause inflation of (the currency). B raise (prices) artificially. 4 (as inflated adj.) (esp. Of language, opinions, etc.) Bombastic, overblown, exaggerated. [latin inflo -flat-]

Inflation  n. 1 inflating. 2 econ. A general increase in prices. B increase in the supply of money regarded as causing this. ~ inflationary adj.

Inflect  v. 1 change the pitch of (the voice). 2 a change the form of (a word) to express grammatical relation. B undergo such a change. 3 bend, curve. ~ inflective adj. [latin flecto flex- bend]

Inflection  n. (also inflexion) 1 inflecting or being inflected. 2 a inflected word. B suffix etc. Used to inflect. 3 modulation of the voice. ~ inflectional adj. [latin: related to +inflect]

Inflexible  adj. 1 unbendable. 2 unbending. ~ inflexibility n. Inflexibly adv.

Inflexion  var. Of +inflection.

Inflict  v. (usu. Foll. By on) 1 deal (a blow etc.). 2 often joc. Impose (suffering, oneself, etc.) On (shall not inflict myself on you any longer). ~ infliction n. Inflictor n. [latin fligo flict- strike]

Inflight  attrib. Adj. Occurring or provided during a flight.

Inflorescence  n. 1 a complete flower-head of a plant. B arrangement of this. 2 flowering. [latin: related to +in-2, +flourish]

Inflow  n. 1 flowing in. 2 something that flows in.

Influence  —n. 1 (usu. Foll. By on) effect a person or thing has on another. 2 (usu. Foll. By over, with) moral ascendancy or power. 3 thing or person exercising this. —v. (-cing) exert influence on; affect. ~ under the influence colloq. Drunk. [latin influo flow in]

Influential  adj. Having great influence. ~ influentially adv.

Influenza  n. Virus infection causing fever, aches, and catarrh. [italian: related to +influence]

Influx  n. Flowing in, esp. Of people or things into a place. [latin: related to +flux]

Info  n. Colloq. Information. [abbreviation]

Inform  v. 1 tell (informed them of their rights). 2 (usu. Foll. By against, on) give incriminating information about a person to the authorities. [latin: related to +form]

Informal  adj. 1 without formality. 2 not formal. ~ informality n. (pl. -ies). Informally adv.

Informant  n. Giver of information.

Information  n. 1 a something told; knowledge. B items of knowledge; news. 2 charge or complaint lodged with a court etc.

Information retrieval  n. The tracing of information stored in books, computers, etc.

Information technology  n. The study or use of processes (esp. Computers, telecommunications, etc.) For storing, retrieving, and sending information.

Informative  adj. Giving information; instructive.

Informed  adj. 1 knowing the facts. 2 having some knowledge.

Informer  n. Person who informs, esp. Against others.

Infra  adv. Below, further on (in a book etc.). [latin, = below]

Infra-  comb. Form below.

Infraction  n. Infringement. [latin: related to +infringe]

Infra dig  predic. Adj. Colloq. Beneath one's dignity. [latin infra dignitatem]

Infrared  adj. Of or using rays with a wavelength just longer than the red end of the visible spectrum.

Infrastructure  n. 1 a basic structural foundations of a society or enterprise. B roads, bridges, sewers, etc., regarded as a country's economic foundation. 2 permanent installations as a basis for military etc. Operations.

Infrequent  adj. Not frequent. ~ infrequently adv.

Infringe  v. (-ging) 1 break or violate (a law, another's rights, etc.). 2 (usu. Foll. By on) encroach; trespass. ~ infringement n. [latin frango fract- break]

Infuriate  v. Make furious; irritate greatly. ~ infuriating adj. Infuriatingly adv. [medieval latin: related to +fury]

Infuse  v. (-sing) 1 (usu. Foll. By with) fill (with a quality). 2 steep (tea leaves etc.) In liquid to extract the content; be steeped thus. 3 (usu. Foll. By into) instil (life etc.). [latin infundo -fus-: related to +found3]

Infusible  adj. That cannot be melted. ~ infusibility n.

Infusion  n. 1 a infusing. B liquid extract obtained thus. 2 infused element.

-ing1  suffix forming nouns from verbs denoting: 1 verbal action or its result (asking). 2 material associated with a process etc. (piping; washing). 3 occupation or event (banking; wedding). [old english]

-ing2  suffix 1 forming the present participle of verbs (asking; fighting), often as adjectives (charming; strapping). 2 forming adjectives from nouns (hulking) and verbs (balding). [old english]

Ingenious  adj. 1 clever at inventing, organizing, etc. 2 cleverly contrived. ~ ingeniously adv. [latin ingenium cleverness]

Usage  ingenious is sometimes confused with ingenuous.

Ingénue  n. 1 unsophisticated young woman. 2 such a part in a play. [french: related to +ingenuous]

Ingenuity  n. Inventiveness, cleverness.

Ingenuous  adj. 1 artless. 2 frank. ~ ingenuously adv. [latin ingenuus free-born, frank]

Usage  ingenuous is sometimes confused with ingenious.

Ingest  v. 1 take in (food etc.). 2 absorb (knowledge etc.). ~ ingestion n. [latin gero carry]

Inglenook  n. Space within the opening on either side of a large fireplace. [perhaps gaelic aingeal fire, light]

Inglorious  adj. 1 shameful. 2 not famous.

Ingoing  adj. Going in.

Ingot  n. (usu. Oblong) piece of cast metal, esp. Gold. [origin uncertain]

Ingraft  var. Of +engraft.

Ingrained  adj. 1 deeply rooted; inveterate. 2 (of dirt etc.) Deeply embedded.

Ingratiate  v.refl. (-ting) (usu. Foll. By with) bring oneself into favour. ~ ingratiating adj. Ingratiatingly adv. [latin in gratiam into favour]

Ingratitude  n. Lack of due gratitude.

Ingredient  n. Component part in a mixture. [latin ingredior enter into]

Ingress  n. Act or right of going in. [latin ingressus: related to +ingredient]

Ingrowing  adj. (esp. Of a toenail) growing into the flesh. ~ ingrown adj.

Inguinal  adj. Of the groin. [latin inguen groin]

Inhabit  v. (-t-) dwell in; occupy. ~ inhabitable adj. [latin: related to +habit]

Inhabitant  n. Person etc. Who inhabits a place.

Inhalant  n. Medicinal substance for inhaling.

Inhale  v. (-ling) (often absol.) Breathe in (air, gas, smoke, etc.). ~ inhalation n. [latin halo breathe]

Inhaler  n. Device for administering an inhalant, esp. To relieve asthma.

Inhere  v. (-ring) be inherent. [latin haereo haes- stick]

Inherent  adj. (often foll. By in) existing in something as an essential or permanent attribute. ~ inherence n. Inherently adv.

Inherit  v. (-t-) 1 receive (property, rank, title, etc.) By legal succession. 2 derive (a characteristic) from one's ancestors. 3 derive (a situation etc.) From a predecessor. ~ inheritable adj. Inheritor n. [latin heres heir]

Inheritance  n. 1 thing that is inherited. 2 inheriting.

Inheritance tax  n. Tax levied on property acquired by gift or inheritance.

Usage  this tax was introduced in 1986 to replace capital transfer tax.

Inhibit  v. (-t-) 1 hinder, restrain, or prevent (action or progress). 2 (as inhibited adj.) Suffering from inhibition. 3 (usu. Foll. By from + verbal noun) prohibit (a person etc.). ~ inhibitory adj. [latin inhibeo -hibit- hinder]

Inhibition  n. 1 psychol. Restraint on the direct expression of an instinct. 2 colloq. Emotional resistance to a thought, action, etc. 3 inhibiting or being inhibited.

Inhospitable  adj. 1 not hospitable. 2 (of a region etc.) Not affording shelter, favourable conditions, etc. ~ inhospitably adv.

In-house  adj. & adv. Within an institution, company, etc.

Inhuman  adj. Brutal; unfeeling; barbarous. ~ inhumanity n. (pl. -ies). Inhumanly adv.

Inhumane  adj. = +inhuman. ~ inhumanely adv.

Inimical  adj. 1 hostile. 2 harmful. ~ inimically adv. [latin inimicus enemy]

Inimitable  adj. Impossible to imitate. ~ inimitably adv.

Iniquity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 wickedness. 2 gross injustice. ~ iniquitous adj. [french from latin aequus just]

Initial  —adj. Of or at the beginning. —n. Initial letter, esp. (in pl.) Those of a person's names. —v. (-ll-; us -l-) mark or sign with one's initials. ~ initially adv. [latin initium beginning]

Initial letter  n. First letter of a word.

Initiate  —v. (-ting) 1 begin; set going; originate. 2 a admit (a person) into a society, office, etc., esp. With a ritual. B instruct (a person) in a subject. —n. (esp. Newly) initiated person. ~ initiation n. Initiator n. Initiatory adj. [latin initium beginning]

Initiative  n. 1 ability to initiate things; enterprise (lacks initiative). 2 first step. 3 (prec. By the) power or right to begin. ~ have the initiative esp. Mil. Be able to control the enemy's movements. [french: related to +initiate]

Inject  v. 1 a (usu. Foll. By into) drive (a solution, medicine, etc.) By or as if by a syringe. B (usu. Foll. By with) fill (a cavity etc.) By injecting. C administer medicine etc. To (a person) by injection. 2 place (a quality, money, etc.) Into something. ~ injection n. Injector n. [latin injicere -ject- from jacio throw]

Injudicious  adj. Unwise; ill-judged.

Injunction  n. 1 authoritative order. 2 judicial order restraining a person or body from an act, or compelling redress to an injured party. [latin: related to +enjoin]

Injure  v. (-ring) 1 harm or damage. 2 do wrong to. [back-formation from +injury]

Injured  adj. 1 harmed or hurt. 2 offended.

Injurious  adj. 1 hurtful. 2 (of language) insulting. 3 wrongful.

Injury  n. (pl. -ies) 1 physical harm or damage. 2 offence to feelings etc. 3 esp. Law wrongful action or treatment. [latin injuria]

Injury time  n. Extra playing-time at a football etc. Match to compensate for time lost in dealing with injuries.

Injustice  n. 1 lack of fairness. 2 unjust act. ~ do a person an injustice judge a person unfairly. [french from latin: related to +in-1]

Ink  —n. 1 coloured fluid or paste used for writing, printing, etc. 2 black liquid ejected by a cuttlefish etc. —v. 1 (usu. Foll. By in, over, etc.) Mark with ink. 2 cover (type etc.) With ink. [greek egkauston purple ink used by roman emperors]

Inkling  n. (often foll. By of) slight knowledge or suspicion; hint. [origin unknown]

Inkstand  n. Stand for one or more ink bottles.

Ink-well  n. Pot for ink, usu. Housed in a hole in a desk.

Inky  adj. (-ier, -iest) of, as black as, or stained with ink. ~ inkiness n.

Inland  —adj. 1 in the interior of a country. 2 carried on within a country. —adv. In or towards the interior of a country.

Inland revenue  n. Government department assessing and collecting taxes.

In-law  n. (often in pl.) Relative by marriage.

Inlay  —v. (past and past part. Inlaid) 1 embed (a thing in another) so that the surfaces are even. 2 decorate (a thing with inlaid work). —n. 1 inlaid work. 2 material inlaid. 3 filling shaped to fit a tooth-cavity. [from +in-2, +lay1]

Inlet  n. 1 small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river. 2 piece inserted. 3 way of entry. [from +in, +let1]

In loco parentis  adv. (acting) for or instead of a parent. [latin]

Inmate  n. Occupant of a hospital, prison, institution, etc. [probably from +inn, +mate1]

In memoriam  prep. In memory of (a dead person). [latin]

Inmost  adj. Most inward. [old english]

Inn  n. 1 pub, sometimes with accommodation. 2 hist. House providing accommodation, esp. For travellers. [old english: related to +in]

Innards  n.pl. Colloq. Entrails. [special pronunciation of +inward]

Innate  adj. Inborn; natural. ~ innately adv. [latin natus born]

Inner  —adj. (usu. Attrib.) 1 inside; interior. 2 (of thoughts, feelings, etc.) Deeper. —n. Archery 1 division of the target next to the bull's-eye. 2 shot striking this. ~ innermost adj. [old english, comparative of +in]

Inner city  n. Central area of a city, esp. Regarded as having particular problems (also (with hyphen) attrib.: inner-city housing).

Inner man  n. (also inner woman) 1 soul or mind. 2 joc. Stomach.

Inner tube  n. Separate inflatable tube inside a pneumatic tyre.

Innings  n. (pl. Same) 1 esp. Cricket part of a game during which a side is batting. 2 period during which a government, party, person, etc. Is in office or can achieve something. [obsolete in (verb) = go in]

Innkeeper  n. Person who keeps an inn.

Innocent  —adj. 1 free from moral wrong. 2 (usu. Foll. By of) not guilty (of a crime etc.). 3 simple; guileless. 4 harmless. —n. Innocent person, esp. A young child. ~ innocence n. Innocently adv. [latin noceo hurt]

Innocuous  adj. Harmless. [latin innocuus: related to +innocent]

Inn of court  n. Each of the four legal societies admitting people to the english bar.

Innovate  v. (-ting) bring in new methods, ideas, etc.; make changes. ~ innovation n. Innovative adj. Innovator n. Innovatory adj. [latin novus new]

Innuendo  n. (pl. -es or -s) allusive remark or hint, usu. Disparaging or with a double meaning. [latin, = by nodding at: related to +in-2, nuo nod]

Innuit  var. Of +inuit.

Innumerable  adj. Too many to be counted. ~ innumerably adv.

Innumerate  adj. Having no knowledge of basic mathematics. ~ innumeracy n.

Inoculate  v. (-ting) treat (a person or animal) with vaccine or serum to promote immunity against a disease. ~ inoculation n. [latin oculus eye, bud]

Inoffensive  adj. Not objectionable; harmless.

Inoperable  adj. Surgery that cannot successfully be operated on.

Inoperative  adj. Not working or taking effect.

Inopportune  adj. Not appropriate, esp. Not timely.

Inordinate  adj. Excessive. ~ inordinately adv. [latin: related to +ordain]

Inorganic  adj. 1 chem. (of a compound) not organic, usu. Of mineral origin. 2 without organized physical structure. 3 extraneous.

In-patient  n. Patient who lives in hospital while under treatment.

Input  —n. 1 what is put in or taken in. 2 place where energy, information, etc., enters a system. 3 action of putting in or feeding in. 4 contribution of information etc. —v. (inputting; past and past part. Input or inputted) (often foll. By into) 1 put in. 2 supply (data, programs, etc., to a computer etc.).

Inquest  n. 1 law inquiry by a coroner's court into the cause of a death. 2 colloq. Discussion analysing the outcome of a game, election, etc. [romanic: related to +inquire]

Inquietude  n. Uneasiness. [latin: related to +quiet]

Inquire  v. (-ring) 1 seek information formally; make a formal investigation. 2 = +enquire. [latin quaero quisit- seek]

Inquiry  n. (pl. -ies) 1 investigation, esp. An official one. 2 = +enquiry.

Inquisition  n. 1 intensive search or investigation. 2 judicial or official inquiry. 3 (the inquisition) rc ch. Hist. Ecclesiastical tribunal for the violent suppression of heresy, esp. In spain. ~ inquisitional adj. [latin: related to +inquire]

Inquisitive  adj. 1 unduly curious; prying. 2 seeking knowledge. ~ inquisitively adv. Inquisitiveness n.

Inquisitor  n. 1 official investigator. 2 hist. Officer of the inquisition.

Inquisitorial  adj. 1 of or like an inquisitor. 2 prying. ~ inquisitorially adv.

Inquorate  adj. Not constituting a quorum.

In re  prep. = +re1. [latin]

Inri  abbr. Jesus of nazareth, king of the jews. [latin iesus nazarenus rex iudaeorum]

Inroad  n. 1 (often in pl.) Encroachment; using up of resources etc. 2 hostile attack.

Inrush  n. Rapid influx.

Insalubrious  adj. (of a climate or place) unhealthy.

Insane  adj. 1 mad. 2 colloq. Extremely foolish. ~ insanely adv. Insanity n. (pl. -ies).

Insanitary  adj. Not sanitary; dirty.

Insatiable  adj. 1 unable to be satisfied. 2 extremely greedy. ~ insatiability n. Insatiably adv.

Insatiate  adj. Never satisfied.

Inscribe  v. (-bing) 1 a (usu. Foll. By in, on) write or carve (words etc.) On a surface, page, etc. B (usu. Foll. By with) mark (a surface) with characters. 2 (usu. Foll. By to) write an informal dedication in or on (a book etc.). 3 enter the name of (a person) on a list or in a book. 4 geom. Draw (a figure) within another so that points of it lie on the boundary of the other. [latin scribo write]

Inscription  n. 1 words inscribed. 2 inscribing. ~ inscriptional adj. [latin: related to +inscribe]

Inscrutable  adj. Mysterious, impenetrable. ~ inscrutability n. Inscrutably adv. [latin scrutor search]

Insect  n. Small invertebrate of a class characteristically having a head, thorax, abdomen, two antennae, three pairs of thoracic legs, and usu. One or two pairs of thoracic wings. [latin: related to +section]

Insecticide  n. Substance for killing insects.

Insectivore  n. 1 animal that feeds on insects. 2 plant which captures and absorbs insects. ~ insectivorous adj. [from +insect, latin voro devour]

Insecure  adj. 1 a unsafe; not firm. B (of a surface etc.) Liable to give way. 2 uncertain; lacking confidence. ~ insecurity n.

Inseminate  v. (-ting) 1 introduce semen into. 2 sow (seed etc.). ~ insemination n. [latin: related to +semen]

Insensate  adj. 1 without physical sensation. 2 without sensibility. 3 stupid. [latin: related to +sense]

Insensible  adj. 1 unconscious. 2 (usu. Foll. By of, to) unaware (insensible of her needs). 3 callous. 4 too small or gradual to be perceived. ~ insensibility n. Insensibly adv.

Insensitive  adj. (often foll. By to) 1 unfeeling; boorish; crass. 2 not sensitive to physical stimuli. ~ insensitively adv. Insensitiveness n. Insensitivity n.

Insentient  adj. Not sentient; inanimate.

Inseparable  adj. (esp. Of friends) unable or unwilling to be separated. ~ inseparability n. Inseparably adv.

Insert  —v. Place or put (a thing) into another. —n. Something (esp. Pages) inserted. [latin sero sert- join]

Insertion  n. 1 inserting. 2 thing inserted.

In-service  attrib. Adj. (of training) for those actively engaged in the profession or activity concerned.

Inset  —n. 1 a extra section inserted in a book etc. B small map etc. Within the border of a larger one. 2 piece let into a dress etc. —v. (insetting; past and past part. Inset or insetted) 1 put in as an inset. 2 decorate with an inset.

Inshore  adv. & adj. At sea but close to the shore.

Inside  —n. 1 a inner side. B inner part; interior. 2 side away from the road. 3 (usu. In pl.) Colloq. Stomach and bowels. —adj. 1 situated on or in the inside. 2 football & hockey nearer to the centre of the field. —adv. 1 on, in, or to the inside. 2 slang in prison. —prep. 1 on the inner side of; within. 2 in less than (inside an hour). ~ inside out 1 with the inner surface turned outwards. 2 thoroughly (knew his subject inside out).

Inside information  n. Information not normally accessible to outsiders.

Inside job  n. Colloq. Crime committed by a person living or working on the premises burgled etc.

Insider  n. 1 person who is within an organization etc. 2 person privy to a secret.

Insider dealing  n. Stock exch. Illegal practice of trading to one's own advantage through having access to confidential information.

Insidious  adj. 1 proceeding inconspicuously but harmfully. 2 crafty. ~ insidiously adv. Insidiousness n. [latin insidiae ambush]

Insight  n. (usu. Foll. By into) 1 capacity of understanding hidden truths etc. 2 instance of this.

Insignia  n. (treated as sing. Or pl.) Badge. [latin signum sign]

Insignificant  adj. 1 unimportant. 2 meaningless. ~ insignificance n.

Insincere  adj. Not sincere. ~ insincerely adv. Insincerity n. (pl. -ies).

Insinuate  v. (-ting) 1 hint obliquely, esp. Unpleasantly. 2 (often refl.; usu. Foll. By into) a introduce (a person etc.) Into favour etc., by subtle manipulation. B introduce (a thing, oneself, etc.) Deviously into a place. ~ insinuation n. [latin sinuo curve]

Insipid  adj. 1 lacking vigour or character; dull. 2 tasteless. ~ insipidity n. Insipidly adv. [latin sapio have savour]

Insist  v. (usu. Foll. By on or that; also absol.) Maintain or demand assertively (insisted on my going; insisted that he was innocent). [latin sisto stand]

Insistent  adj. 1 (often foll. By on) insisting. 2 forcing itself on the attention. ~ insistence n. Insistently adv.

In situ  adv. In its proper or original place. [latin]

Insobriety  n. Intemperance, esp. In drinking.

Insofar  adv. = in so far (see +far).

Insole  n. Fixed or removable inner sole of a boot or shoe.

Insolent  adj. Impertinently insulting. ~ insolence n. Insolently adv. [latin soleo be accustomed]

Insoluble  adj. 1 incapable of being solved. 2 incapable of being dissolved. ~ insolubility n. Insolubly adv.

Insolvent  —adj. Unable to pay one's debts; bankrupt. —n. Insolvent person. ~ insolvency n.

Insomnia  n. Sleeplessness, esp. Habitual. [latin somnus sleep]

Insomniac  n. Person suffering from insomnia.

Insomuch  adv. 1 (foll. By that) to such an extent. 2 (foll. By as) inasmuch. [originally in so much]

Insouciant  adj. Carefree; unconcerned. ~ insouciance n. [french souci care]

Inspect  v. 1 look closely at. 2 examine officially. ~ inspection n. [latin spicio spect- look]

Inspector  n. 1 person who inspects. 2 official employed to supervise. 3 police officer next above sergeant in rank. ~ inspectorate n.

Inspector of taxes  n. Inland revenue official responsible for assessing taxes.

Inspiration  n. 1 a creative force or influence. B person etc. Stimulating creativity etc. C divine influence, esp. On the writing of scripture etc. 2 sudden brilliant idea. ~ inspirational adj.

Inspire  v. (-ring) 1 stimulate (a person) to esp. Creative activity. 2 a (usu. Foll. By with) animate (a person) with a feeling. B create (a feeling) in a person (inspires confidence). 3 prompt; give rise to (a poem inspired by love). 4 (as inspired adj.) Characterized by inspiration. ~ inspiring adj. [latin spiro breathe]

Inspirit  v. (-t-) 1 put life into; animate. 2 encourage.

Inst.  Abbr. = +instant adj. 4 (the 6th inst.).

Instability  n. 1 lack of stability. 2 unpredictability in behaviour etc.

Install  v. (also instal) (-ll-) 1 place (equipment etc.) In position ready for use. 2 place (a person) in an office or rank with ceremony. 3 establish (oneself, a person, etc.). ~ installation n. [latin: related to +stall1]

Installment  n. (brit. Instalment) 1 any of several usu. Equal payments for something. 2 any of several parts, esp. Of a broadcast or published story. [anglo-french estaler fix]

Instalment  n. (us installment) 1 any of several usu. Equal payments for something. 2 any of several parts, esp. Of a broadcast or published story. [anglo-french estaler fix]

Instance  —n. 1 example or illustration of. 2 particular case (that's not true in this instance). —v. (-cing) cite as an instance. ~ for instance as an example. In the first (or second etc.) Instance in the first (or second etc.) Place; at the first (or second etc.) Stage (of a proceeding). [french from latin instantia contrary example]

Instant  —adj. 1 occurring immediately. 2 (of food etc.) Processed for quick preparation. 3 urgent; pressing. 4 commerce of the current month (the 6th instant). —n. 1 precise moment (come here this instant). 2 short space of time (in an instant). [latin insto be urgent]

Instantaneous  adj. Occurring or done in an instant. ~ instantaneously adv.

Instantly  adv. Immediately; at once.

Instead  adv. 1 (foll. By of) in place of. 2 as an alternative.

Instep  n. 1 inner arch of the foot between the toes and the ankle. 2 part of a shoe etc. Over or under this. [ultimately from +in-2, +step]

Instigate  v. (-ting) 1 bring about by incitement or persuasion. 2 urge on, incite. ~ instigation n. Instigator n. [latin stigo prick]

Instil  v. (us instill) (-ll-) (often foll. By into) 1 introduce (a feeling, idea, etc.) Into a person's mind etc. Gradually. 2 put (a liquid) into something in drops. ~ instillation n. Instilment n. [latin stillo drop]

Instill  v. (brit. Instil) (-ll-) (often foll. By into) 1 introduce (a feeling, idea, etc.) Into a person's mind etc. Gradually. 2 put (a liquid) into something in drops. ~ instillation n. Instilment n. [latin stillo drop]

Instinct  —n. 1 a innate pattern of behaviour, esp. In animals. B innate impulse. 2 intuition. —predic. Adj. (foll. By with) imbued, filled (with life, beauty, etc.). ~ instinctive adj. Instinctively adv. Instinctual adj. [latin stinguo prick]

Institute  —n. 1 society or organization for the promotion of science, education, etc. 2 its premises. —v. (-ting) 1 establish; found. 2 initiate (an inquiry etc.). 3 (usu. Foll. By to, into) appoint (a person) as a cleric in a church etc. [latin statuo set up]

Institution  n. 1 organization or society founded for a particular purpose. 2 established law, practice, or custom. 3 colloq. (of a person etc.) Familiar object. 4 instituting or being instituted.

Institutional  adj. 1 of or like an institution. 2 typical of institutions. ~ institutionally adv.

Institutionalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 (as institutionalized adj.) Made dependent after a long period in an institution. 2 place or keep (a person) in an institution. 3 make institutional.

Instruct  v. 1 teach (a person) a subject etc.; train. 2 (usu. Foll. By to + infin.) Direct; command. 3 law a employ (a lawyer). B inform. ~ instructor n. [latin instruo -struct- build, teach]

Instruction  n. 1 (often in pl.) A order. B direction (as to how a thing works etc.). 2 teaching (course of instruction). ~ instructional adj.

Instructive  adj. Tending to instruct; enlightening.

Instrument  n. 1 tool or implement, esp. For delicate or scientific work. 2 (in full musical instrument) device for producing musical sounds. 3 a thing used in performing an action. B person made use of. 4 measuring-device, esp. In an aeroplane. 5 formal, esp. Legal, document. [latin instrumentum: related to +instruct]

Instrumental  adj. 1 serving as an instrument or means. 2 (of music) performed on instruments. 3 of, or arising from, an instrument (instrumental error).

Instrumentalist  n. Performer on a musical instrument.

Instrumentality  n. Agency or means.

Instrumentation  n. 1 a provision or use of instruments. B instruments collectively. 2 a arrangement of music for instruments. B the particular instruments used in a piece.

Insubordinate  adj. Disobedient; rebellious. ~ insubordination n.

Insubstantial  adj. 1 lacking solidity or substance. 2 not real.

Insufferable  adj. 1 intolerable. 2 unbearably conceited etc. ~ insufferably adv.

Insufficient  adj. Not sufficient; inadequate. ~ insufficiency n. Insufficiently adv.

Insular  adj. 1 a of or like an island. B separated or remote. 2 narrow-minded. ~ insularity n. [latin insula island]

Insulate  v. (-ting) 1 prevent the passage of electricity, heat, or sound from (a thing, room, etc.) By interposing non-conductors. 2 isolate. ~ insulation n. Insulator n. [latin insula island]

Insulin  n. Hormone regulating the amount of glucose in the blood, the lack of which causes diabetes. [latin insula island]

Insult  —v. 1 speak to or treat with scornful abuse. 2 offend the self-respect or modesty of. —n. Insulting remark or action. ~ insulting adj. Insultingly adv. [latin insulto leap on, assail]

Insuperable  adj. 1 (of a barrier) impossible to surmount. 2 (of a difficulty etc.) Impossible to overcome. ~ insuperability n. Insuperably adv. [latin supero overcome]

Insupportable  adj. 1 unable to be endured. 2 unjustifiable.

Insurance  n. 1 insuring. 2 a sum paid for this. B sum paid out as compensation for theft, damage, etc. [french: related to +ensure]

Insure  v. (-ring) (often foll. By against; also absol.) Secure compensation in the event of loss or damage to (property, life, a person, etc.) By advance regular payments. [var. Of +ensure]

Insured  n. (usu. Prec. By the) person etc. Covered by insurance.

Insurer  n. Person or company selling insurance policies.

Insurgent  —adj. In active revolt. —n. Rebel. ~ insurgence n. [latin surgo surrect- rise]

Insurmountable  adj. Unable to be surmounted or overcome.

Insurrection  n. Rebellion. ~ insurrectionist n. [latin: related to +insurgent]

Insusceptible  adj. Not susceptible.

Intact  adj. 1 undamaged; entire. 2 untouched. ~ intactness n. [latin tango tact- touch]

Intaglio  n. (pl. -s) 1 gem with an incised design. 2 engraved design. [italian: related to +in-2, +tail2]

Intake  n. 1 action of taking in. 2 a number (of people etc.), or amount, taken in or received. B such people etc. (this year's intake). 3 place where water is taken into a pipe, or fuel or air enters an engine etc.

Intangible  —adj. 1 unable to be touched. 2 unable to be grasped mentally. —n. Thing that cannot be precisely assessed or defined. ~ intangibility n. Intangibly adv. [latin: related to +intact]

Integer  n. Whole number. [latin, = untouched, whole]

Integral  —adj. Also 1 a of or necessary to a whole. B forming a whole. C complete. 2 of or denoted by an integer. —n. Math. Quantity of which a given function is the derivative. ~ integrally adv. [latin: related to +integer]

Usage  the alternative pronunciation given for the adjective, stressed on the second syllable, is considered incorrect by some people.

Integral calculus  n. Mathematics concerned with finding integrals, their properties and application, etc.

Integrate  v. (-ting) 1 a combine (parts) into a whole. B complete by the addition of parts. 2 bring or come into equal membership of society, a school, etc. 3 desegregate, esp. Racially (a school etc.). 4 math. Find the integral of. ~ integration n.

Integrated circuit  n. Electronics small chip etc. Of material replacing several separate components in a conventional electronic circuit.

Integrity  n. 1 moral excellence; honesty. 2 wholeness; soundness. [latin: related to +integer]

Integument  n. Natural outer covering, as a skin, husk, rind, etc. [latin tego cover]

Intellect  n. 1 a faculty of reasoning, knowing, and thinking. B understanding. 2 clever or knowledgeable person. [latin: related to +intelligent]

Intellectual  —adj. 1 of or appealing to the intellect. 2 possessing a highly developed intellect. 3 requiring the intellect. —n. Intellectual person. ~ intellectuality n. Intellectualize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Intellectually adv.

Intelligence  n. 1 a intellect; understanding. B quickness of understanding. 2 a the collecting of information, esp. Of military or political value. B information so collected. C people employed in this.

Intelligence quotient  n. Number denoting the ratio of a person's intelligence to the average.

Intelligent  adj. 1 having or showing intelligence, esp. Of a high level. 2 clever. ~ intelligently adv. [latin intelligo -lect- understand]

Intelligentsia  n. Class of intellectuals regarded as possessing culture and political initiative. [russian intelligentsiya]

Intelligible  adj. Able to be understood. ~ intelligibility n. Intelligibly adv.

Intemperate  adj. 1 immoderate. 2 a given to excessive drinking of alcohol. B excessively indulgent in one's appetites. ~ intemperance n.

Intend  v. 1 have as one's purpose (we intend to go; we intend going). 2 (usu. Foll. By for, as) design or destine (a person or a thing) (i intend him to go; i intend it as a warning). [latin tendo stretch]

Intended  —adj. Done on purpose. —n. Colloq. One's fiancé or fiancée.

Intense  adj. (intenser, intensest) 1 existing in a high degree; violent; forceful; extreme (intense joy; intense cold). 2 very emotional. ~ intensely adv. Intenseness n. [latin intensus stretched]

Usage  intense is sometimes confused with intensive, and wrongly used to describe a course of study etc.

Intensifier  n. 1 thing that makes something more intense. 2 word or prefix used to give force or emphasis, e.g. Thundering in a thundering nuisance.

Intensify  v. (-ies, -ied) make or become intense or more intense. ~ intensification n.

Intensity  n. (pl. -ies) 1 intenseness. 2 amount of some quality, e.g. Force, brightness, etc.

Intensive  adj. 1 thorough, vigorous; directed to a single point, area, or subject (intensive study; intensive bombardment). 2 of or relating to intensity. 3 serving to increase production in relation to costs (intensive farming). 4 (usu. In comb.) Econ. Making much use of (labour-intensive). 5 (of an adjective, adverb, etc.) Expressing intensity, e.g. Really in my feet are really cold. ~ intensively adv. Intensiveness n.

Usage  see note at intense.

Intensive care  n. 1 constant monitoring etc. Of a seriously ill patient. 2 part of a hospital devoted to this.

Intent  —n. Intention; purpose (with intent to defraud). —adj. 1 (usu. Foll. By on) a resolved, determined. B attentively occupied. 2 (esp. Of a look) earnest; eager. ~ to all intents and purposes practically; virtually. ~ intently adv. Intentness n. [latin intentus]

Intention  n. 1 thing intended; aim, purpose. 2 intending (done without intention).

Intentional  adj. Done on purpose. ~ intentionally adv.

Inter  v. (-rr-) bury (a corpse etc.). [latin terra earth]

Inter-  comb. Form 1 between, among (intercontinental). 2 mutually, reciprocally (interbreed). [latin inter between, among]

Interact  v. Act on each other. ~ interaction n.

Interactive  adj. 1 reciprocally active. 2 (of a computer or other electronic device) allowing a two-way flow of information between it and a user. ~ interactively adv.

Inter alia  adv. Among other things. [latin]

Interbreed  v. (past and past part. -bred) 1 (cause to) breed with members of a different race or species to produce a hybrid. 2 breed within one family etc.

Intercalary  attrib. Adj. 1 a (of a day or a month) inserted in the calendar to harmonize it with the solar year. B (of a year) having such an addition. 2 interpolated. [latin calo proclaim]

Intercede  v. (-ding) (usu. Foll. By with) intervene on behalf of another; plead. [latin: related to +cede]

Intercept  v. 1 seize, catch, or stop (a person or thing) going from one place to another. 2 (usu. Foll. By from) cut off (light etc.). ~ interception n. Interceptive adj. Interceptor n. [latin intercipio -cept- from capio take]

Intercession  n. Interceding. ~ intercessor n. [latin: related to +intercede]

Interchange  —v. (-ging) 1 (of two people) exchange (things) with each other. 2 put each of (two things) in the other's place; alternate. —n. 1 (often foll. By of) exchange between two people etc. 2 alternation. 3 road junction where traffic streams do not cross.

Interchangeable  adj. That can be interchanged, esp. Without affecting the way a thing works. ~ interchangeably adv.

Inter-city  adj. Existing or travelling between cities.

Intercom  n. Colloq. 1 system of intercommunication by radio or telephone. 2 instrument used in this. [abbreviation]

Intercommunicate  v. (-ting) 1 communicate reciprocally. 2 (of rooms etc.) Open into each other. ~ intercommunication n.

Intercommunion  n. 1 mutual communion. 2 mutual action or relationship, esp. Between christian denominations.

Interconnect  v. Connect with each other. ~ interconnection n.

Intercontinental  adj. Connecting or travelling between continents.

Intercourse  n. 1 communication or dealings between individuals, nations, etc. 2 = +sexual intercourse. [latin: related to +course]

Interdenominational  adj. Concerning more than one (religious) denomination.

Interdepartmental  adj. Concerning more than one department.

Interdependent  adj. Dependent on each other. ~ interdependence n.

Interdict  —n. 1 authoritative prohibition. 2 rc ch. Sentence debarring a person, or esp. A place, from ecclesiastical functions and privileges. —v. 1 prohibit (an action). 2 forbid the use of. 3 (usu. Foll. By from + verbal noun) restrain (a person). 4 (usu. Foll. By to) forbid (a thing) to a person. ~ interdiction n. Interdictory adj. [latin dico say]

Interdisciplinary  adj. Of or between more than one branch of learning.

Interest  —n. 1 a concern; curiosity (have no interest in fishing). B quality exciting curiosity etc. (this book lacks interest). 2 subject, hobby, etc., in which one is concerned. 3 advantage or profit (it is in my interest to go). 4 money paid for the use of money lent. 5 a thing in which one has a stake or concern (business interests). B financial stake (in an undertaking etc.). C legal concern, title, or right (in property). 6 a party or group with a common interest (the brewing interest). B principle or cause with which this is concerned. —v. 1 excite the curiosity or attention of. 2 (usu. Foll. By in) cause (a person) to take a personal interest. 3 (as interested adj.) Having a private interest; not impartial or disinterested. [latin, = it matters]

Interesting  adj. Causing curiosity; holding the attention. ~ interestingly adv.

Interface  —n. 1 surface forming a boundary between two regions. 2 means or place of interaction between two systems etc.; interaction (the interface between psychology and education). 3 esp. Computing apparatus for connecting two pieces of equipment so that they can be operated jointly. —v. (-cing) (often foll. By with) 1 connect with (another piece of equipment etc.) By an interface. 2 interact.

Usage  the use of the noun and verb in sense 2 is deplored by some people.

Interfacing  n. Stiffish material between two layers of fabric in collars etc.

Interfere  v. (-ring) 1 (usu. Foll. By with) a (of a person) meddle; obstruct a process etc. B (of a thing) be a hindrance. 2 (usu. Foll. By in) intervene, esp. Without invitation or necessity. 3 (foll. By with) euphem. Molest or assault sexually. 4 (of light or other waves) combine so as to cause interference. [latin ferio strike]

Interference  n. 1 act of interfering. 2 fading or disturbance of received radio signals. 3 physics combination of two or more wave motions to form a resultant wave in which the displacement is reinforced or cancelled.

Interferon  n. Any of various proteins inhibiting the development of a virus in a cell etc.

Interfuse  v. (-sing) 1 a (usu. Foll. By with) mix (a thing) with; intersperse. B blend (things). 2 (of two things) blend with each other. ~ interfusion n. [latin: related to +fuse1]

Intergalactic  adj. Of or situated between galaxies.

Interim  —n. Intervening time. —adj. Provisional, temporary. [latin, = in the interim]

Interior  —adj. 1 inner. 2 inland. 3 internal; domestic. 4 (usu. Foll. By to) situated further in or within. 5 existing in the mind. 6 coming from inside. —n. 1 interior part; inside. 2 interior part of a region. 3 home affairs of a country (minister of the interior). 4 representation of the inside of a room etc. [latin]

Interior decoration  n. Decoration of the interior of a building etc. ~ interior decorator n.

Interior design  n. Design of the interior of a building. ~ interior designer n.

Interject  v. 1 utter (words) abruptly or parenthetically. 2 interrupt. [latin jacio throw]

Interjection  n. Exclamation, esp. As a part of speech (e.g. Ah!, dear me!).

Interlace  v. (-cing) 1 bind intricately together; interweave. 2 cross each other intricately. ~ interlacement n.

Interlard  v. (usu. Foll. By with) mix (writing or speech) with unusual words or phrases. [french]

Interleave  v. (-ving) insert (usu. Blank) leaves between the leaves of (a book etc.).

Interline  v. (-ning) put an extra layer of material between the fabric of (a garment) and its lining.

Interlink  v. Link or be linked together.

Interlock  —v. 1 engage with each other by overlapping. 2 lock or clasp within each other. —n. 1 machine-knitted fabric with fine stitches. 2 mechanism for preventing a set of operations from being performed in any but the prescribed sequence.

Interlocutor  n. Formal person who takes part in a conversation. [latin loquor speak]

Interlocutory  adj. Formal 1 of dialogue. 2 (of a decree etc.) Given provisionally in a legal action.

Interloper  n. 1 intruder. 2 person who interferes in others' affairs, esp. For profit. [after landloper vagabond, from dutch loopen run]

Interlude  n. 1 a pause between the acts of a play. B something performed during this pause. 2 contrasting event, time, etc. In the middle of something (comic interlude). 3 piece of music played between other pieces etc. [medieval latin ludus play]

Intermarry  v. (-ies, -ied) (foll. By with) (of races, castes, families, etc.) Become connected by marriage. ~ intermarriage n.

Intermediary  —n. (pl. -ies) intermediate person or thing, esp. A mediator. —adj. Acting as mediator; intermediate.

Intermediate  —adj. Coming between two things in time, place, order, character, etc. —n. 1 intermediate thing. 2 chemical compound formed by one reaction and then used in another. [latin intermedius]

Interment  n. Burial.

Usage  interment is sometimes confused with internment, which means ‘confinement’.

Intermezzo  n. (pl. -mezzi or -s) 1 a short connecting instrumental movement in a musical work. B similar independent piece. 2 short light dramatic or other performance inserted between the acts of a play. [italian]

Interminable  adj. 1 endless. 2 tediously long. ~ interminably adv.

Intermingle  v. (-ling) mix together; mingle.

Intermission  n. 1 pause or cessation. 2 interval in a cinema etc. [latin: related to +intermittent]

Intermittent  adj. Occurring at intervals; not continuous. ~ intermittently adv. [latin mitto miss- let go]

Intermix  v. Mix together.

Intern  —n. (also interne) esp. Us = +houseman. —v. Oblige (a prisoner, alien, etc.) To reside within prescribed limits. ~ internment n. [french: related to +internal]

Usage  internment is sometimes confused with interment, which means ‘burial’.

Internal  adj. 1 of or situated in the inside or invisible part. 2 of the inside of the body (internal injuries). 3 of a nation's domestic affairs. 4 (of a student) attending a university etc. As well as taking its examinations. 5 used or applying within an organization. 6 a intrinsic. B of the mind or soul. ~ internality n. Internally adv. [medieval latin internus internal]

Internal-combustion engine  n. Engine with its motive power generated by the explosion of gases or vapour with air in a cylinder.

Internal evidence  n. Evidence derived from the contents of the thing discussed.

Internalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) psychol. Make (attitudes, behaviour, etc.) Part of one's nature by learning or unconscious assimilation. ~ internalization n.

International  —adj. 1 existing or carried on between nations. 2 agreed on or used by all or many nations. —n. 1 a contest, esp. In sport, between teams representing different countries. B member of such a team. 2 (international) any of four successive associations for socialist or communist action. ~ internationality n. Internationally adv.

Internationalism  n. Advocacy of a community of interests among nations. ~ internationalist n.

Internationalize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) 1 make international. 2 bring under the protection or control of two or more nations.

Interne  var. Of +intern n.

Internecine  adj. Mutually destructive. [latin internecinus deadly]

Internee  n. Person interned.

Interpenetrate  v. (-ting) 1 penetrate each other. 2 pervade. ~ interpenetration n.

Interpersonal  adj. Between persons, social (interpersonal skills).

Interplanetary  adj. 1 between planets. 2 of travel between planets.

Interplay  n. Reciprocal action.

Interpol  n. International criminal police organization. [abbreviation]

Interpolate  v. (-ting) 1 a insert (words) in a book etc., esp. Misleadingly. B make such insertions in (a book etc.). 2 interject (a remark) in a conversation. 3 estimate (values) between known ones in the same range. ~ interpolation n. Interpolator n. [latin interpolo furbish]

Interpose  v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By between) insert (a thing) between others. 2 say (words) as an interruption; interrupt. 3 exercise or advance (a veto or objection) so as to interfere. 4 (foll. By between) intervene (between parties). ~ interposition n. [latin pono put]

Interpret  v. (-t-) 1 explain the meaning of (words, a dream, etc.). 2 make out or bring out the meaning of (creative work). 3 act as an interpreter. 4 explain or understand (behaviour etc.) In a specified manner. ~ interpretation n. Interpretative adj. Interpretive adj. [latin interpres -pretis explainer]

Interpreter  n. Person who interprets, esp. One who translates foreign speech orally.

Interracial  adj. Between or affecting different races.

Interregnum  n. (pl. -s) 1 interval when the normal government or leadership is suspended, esp. Between successive reigns or regimes. 2 interval, pause. [latin regnum reign]

Interrelate  v. (-ting) 1 relate (two or more things) to each other. 2 (of two or more things) relate to each other. ~ interrelation n. Interrelationship n.

Interrogate  v. (-ting) question (a person), esp. Closely or formally. ~ interrogation n. Interrogator n. [latin rogo ask]

Interrogative  —adj. Of, like, or used in a question. —n. Interrogative word (e.g. What?).

Interrogatory  —adj. Questioning (interrogatory tone). —n. (pl. -ies) formal set of questions.

Interrupt  v. 1 break the continuous progress of (an action, speech, person speaking, etc.). 2 obstruct (a person's view etc.). ~ interruption n. [latin: related to +rupture]

Interrupter  n. (also interruptor) 1 person or thing that interrupts. 2 device for interrupting, esp. An electric circuit.

Intersect  v. 1 divide (a thing) by crossing it. 2 (of lines, roads, etc.) Cross each other. [latin: related to +section]

Intersection  n. 1 intersecting. 2 place where two roads intersect. 3 point or line common to lines or planes that intersect.

Intersperse  v. (-sing) 1 (often foll. By between, among) scatter. 2 (foll. By with) vary (a thing) by scattering other things among it. ~ interspersion n. [latin: related to +sparse]

Interstate  adj. Existing or carried on between states, esp. Those of the us.

Interstellar  adj. Between stars.

Interstice  n. 1 intervening space. 2 chink or crevice. [latin interstitium from sisto stand]

Interstitial  adj. Of, forming, or occupying interstices. ~ interstitially adv.

Intertwine  v. (-ning) (often foll. By with) entwine (together).

Interval  n. 1 intervening time or space. 2 pause or break, esp. Between the parts of a performance. 3 difference in pitch between two sounds. ~ at intervals here and there; now and then. [latin intervallum space between ramparts]

Intervene  v. (-ning) 1 occur in time between events. 2 interfere; prevent or modify events. 3 be situated between things. 4 come in as an extraneous factor. [latin venio vent- come]

Intervention  n. 1 intervening. 2 interference, esp. By a state. 3 mediation.

Interventionist  n. Person who favours intervention.

Interview  —n. 1 oral examination of an applicant. 2 conversation with a reporter, for a broadcast or publication. 3 meeting face to face, esp. For consultation. —v. Hold an interview with. ~ interviewee n. Interviewer n. [french entrevue: related to +inter-, vue sight]

Interwar  attrib. Adj. Existing in the period between two wars.

Interweave  v. (-ving; past -wove; past part. -woven) 1 weave together. 2 blend intimately.

Intestate  —adj. Not having made a will before death. —n. Person who has died intestate. ~ intestacy n. [latin: related to +testament]

  —adj. Not having made a will before death. —n. Person who has died intestate. ~ intestacy n. [latin: related to +testament]

Intestine  n. (in sing. Or pl.) Lower part of the alimentary canal. ~ intestinal adj. [latin intus within]

Intifada  n. Arab uprising. [arabic]

Intimacy  n. (pl. -ies) 1 state of being intimate. 2 intimate remark or act; sexual intercourse.

Intimate1  —adj. 1 closely acquainted; familiar (intimate friend). 2 private and personal. 3 (usu. Foll. By with) having sexual relations. 4 (of knowledge) detailed, thorough. 5 (of a relationship between things) close. —n. Close friend. ~ intimately adv. [latin intimus inmost]

Intimate2  v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By that) state or make known. 2 imply, hint. ~ intimation n. [latin intimo announce: related to +intimate1]

Intimidate  v. (-ting) frighten or overawe, esp. To subdue or influence. ~ intimidation n. [medieval latin: related to +timid]

Into  prep. 1 expressing motion or direction to a point on or within (walked into a tree; ran into the house). 2 expressing direction of attention etc. (will look into it). 3 expressing a change of state (turned into a dragon; separated into groups). 4 after the beginning of (five minutes into the game). 5 colloq. Interested in. [old english: related to +in, +to]

Intolerable  adj. That cannot be endured. ~ intolerably adv.

Intolerant  adj. Not tolerant, esp. Of others' beliefs or behaviour. ~ intolerance n.

Intonation  n. 1 modulation of the voice; accent. 2 intoning. 3 accuracy of musical pitch. [medieval latin: related to +intone]

Intone  v. (-ning) 1 recite (prayers etc.) With prolonged sounds, esp. In a monotone. 2 utter with a particular tone. [medieval latin: related to +in-2]

In toto  adv. Completely. [latin]

Intoxicant  —adj. Intoxicating. —n. Intoxicating substance.

Intoxicate  v. (-ting) 1 make drunk. 2 excite or elate beyond self-control. ~ intoxication n. [medieval latin: related to +toxic]

Intra-  prefix on the inside, within. [latin intra inside]

Intractable  adj. 1 hard to control or deal with. 2 difficult, stubborn. ~ intractability n. Intractably adv.

Intramural  adj. 1 situated or done within the walls of an institution etc. 2 forming part of normal university etc. Studies. ~ intramurally adv. [latin murus wall]

Intramuscular  adj. In or into muscle tissue.

Intransigent  —adj. Uncompromising, stubborn. —n. Intransigent person. ~ intransigence n. [spanish los intransigentes extremists]

Intransitive  adj. (of a verb) not taking a direct object.

Intrauterine  adj. Within the womb.

Intravenous  adj. In or into a vein or veins. ~ intravenously adv.

In-tray  n. Tray for incoming documents.

Intrepid  adj. Fearless; very brave. ~ intrepidity n. Intrepidly adv. [latin trepidus alarmed]

Intricate  adj. Very complicated; perplexingly detailed. ~ intricacy n. (pl. -ies). Intricately adv. [latin: related to +in-2, tricae tricks]

Intrigue  —v. (-gues, -gued, -guing) 1 (foll. By with) a carry on an underhand plot. B use secret influence. 2 arouse the curiosity of. —n. 1 underhand plot or plotting. 2 secret arrangement (amorous intrigues). ~ intriguing adj. Esp. In sense 2 of v. Intriguingly adv. [french from italian intrigo]

Intrinsic  adj. Inherent, essential (intrinsic value). ~ intrinsically adv. [latin intrinsecus inwardly]

Intro  n. (pl. -s) colloq. Introduction. [abbreviation]

Intro-  comb. Form into. [latin]

Introduce  v. (-cing) 1 (foll. By to) make (a person or oneself) known by name to another, esp. Formally. 2 announce or present to an audience. 3 bring (a custom etc.) Into use. 4 bring (legislation) before parliament etc. 5 (foll. By to) initiate (a person) in a subject. 6 insert. 7 bring in; usher in; bring forward. 8 occur just before the start of. 9 put on sale for the first time.~ introducible adj. [latin duco lead]

Introduction  n. 1 introducing or being introduced. 2 formal presentation of one person to another. 3 explanatory section at the beginning of a book etc. 4 introductory treatise. 5 thing introduced.

Introductory  adj. Serving as an introduction; preliminary.

Introit  n. Psalm or antiphon sung or said as the priest approaches the altar for the eucharist. [latin introitus entrance]

Introspection  n. Examination of one's own thoughts. ~ introspective adj. [latin specio spect- look]

Introvert  —n. 1 person predominantly concerned with his or her own thoughts. 2 shy thoughtful person. —adj. (also introverted) characteristic of an introvert. ~ introversion n.

Intrude  v. (-ding) (foll. By on, upon, into) 1 come uninvited or unwanted. 2 force on a person. [latin trudo trus- thrust]

Intruder  n. Person who intrudes, esp. A trespasser.

Intrusion  n. 1 intruding. 2 influx of molten rock between existing strata etc. ~ intrusive adj.

Intrust  var. Of +entrust.

Intuition  n. Immediate insight or understanding without conscious reasoning. ~ intuit v. Intuitional adj. [latin tueor tuit- look]

Intuitive  adj. Of, possessing, or perceived by intuition. ~ intuitively adv. Intuitiveness n. [medieval latin: related to +intuition]

Inuit  n. (also innuit) (pl. Same or -s) n. American eskimo. [eskimo inuit people]

Inundate  v. (-ting) (often foll. By with) 1 flood. 2 overwhelm. ~ inundation n. [latin unda wave]

Inure  v. (-ring) 1 (often in passive; foll. By to) accustom (a person) to an esp. Unpleasant thing. 2 law take effect. ~ inurement n. [anglo-french: related to +in, eure work, from latin opera]

Invade  v. (-ding) (often absol.) 1 enter (a country etc.) Under arms to control or subdue it. 2 swarm into. 3 (of a disease) attack. 4 encroach upon (a person's rights, esp. Privacy). ~ invader n. [latin vado vas- go]

Invalid1  —n. Person enfeebled or disabled by illness or injury. —attrib. Adj. 1 of or for invalids. 2 sick, disabled. —v. (-d-) 1 (often foll. By out etc.) Remove (an invalid) from active service. 2 (usu. In passive) disable (a person) by illness. ~ invalidism n. Invalidityn. [latin: related to +in-1]

Invalid2  adj. Not valid. ~ invalidity n.

Invalidate  v. (-ting) make (a claim etc.) Invalid. ~ invalidation n.

Invaluable  adj. Above valuation; very valuable. ~ invaluably adv.

Invariable  adj. 1 unchangeable. 2 always the same. 3 math. Constant. ~ invariably adv.

Invasion  n. Invading or being invaded.

Invasive  adj. 1 (of weeds, cancer cells, etc.) Tending to spread. 2 (of surgery) involving large incisions etc. 3 tending to encroach.

Invective  n. Strong verbal attack. [latin: related to +inveigh]

Inveigh  v. (foll. By against) speak or write with strong hostility. [latin invehor -vect- assail]

Inveigle  v. (-ling) (foll. By into, or to + infin.) Entice; persuade by guile. ~ inveiglement n. [anglo-french from french aveugler to blind]

Invent  v. 1 create by thought, originate (a method, device, etc.). 2 concoct (a false story etc.). ~ inventor n. [latin invenio -vent- find]

Invention  n. 1 inventing or being invented. 2 thing invented. 3 fictitious story. 4 inventiveness.

Inventive  adj. Able to invent; imaginative. ~ inventively adv. Inventiveness n.

Inventory  —n. (pl. -ies) 1 complete list of goods etc. 2 goods listed in this. —v. (-ies, -ied) 1 make an inventory of. 2 enter (goods) in an inventory. [medieval latin: related to +invent]

Inverse  —adj. Inverted in position, order, or relation. —n. 1 inverted state. 2 (often foll. By of) the direct opposite. [latin: related to +invert]

Inverse proportion  n. (also inverse ratio) relation between two quantities such that one increases in proportion as the other decreases.

Inversion  n. 1 turning upside down. 2 reversal of a normal order, position, or relation.

Invert  v. 1 turn upside down. 2 reverse the position, order, or relation of. [latin verto vers- turn]

Invertebrate  —adj. (of an animal) not having a backbone. —n. Invertebrate animal.

Inverted commas  n.pl. = +quotation marks.

Invest  v. 1 a (often foll. By in) apply or use (money), esp. For profit. B (foll. By in) put money for profit into (stocks etc.). 2 (often foll. By in) devote (time etc.) To an enterprise. 3 (foll. By in) colloq. Buy (something useful). 4 a (foll. By with) provide or credit (a person etc. With qualities) (invested her with magical importance; invested his tone with irony). B (foll. By in) attribute or entrust (qualities or feelings) to (a person etc.) (power invested in the doctor). 5 (often foll. By with, in) clothe with the insignia of office; install in an office. ~ investor n. [latin vestis clothing]

Investigate  v. (-ting) 1 inquire into; examine. 2 make a systematic inquiry. ~ investigation n. Investigative adj. Investigator n. Investigatory adj. [latin vestigo track]

Investiture  n. Formal investing of a person with honours or rank. [medieval latin: related to +invest]

Investment  n. 1 investing. 2 money invested. 3 property etc. In which money is invested.

Investment trust  n. Trust that buys and sells shares in selected companies to make a profit for its members.

Inveterate  adj. 1 (of a person) confirmed in a habit etc. 2 (of a habit etc.) Long-established. ~ inveteracy n. [latin vetus old]

Invidious  adj. Likely to cause resentment or anger (invidious position; invidious task). [latin invidiosus: related to +envy]

Invigilate  v. (-ting) supervise people taking an exam. ~ invigilation n. Invigilator n. [latin: related to +vigil]

Invigorate  v. (-ting) give vigour or strength to. ~ invigorating adj. [medieval latin: related to +vigour]

Invincible  adj. Unconquerable. ~ invincibility n. Invincibly adv. [latin vinco conquer]

Inviolable  adj. Not to be violated or dishonoured. ~ inviolability n. Inviolably adv.

Inviolate  adj. 1 not violated. 2 safe (from violation or harm). ~ inviolacy n.

Invisible  adj. Not visible to the eye. ~ invisibility n. Invisibly adv.

Invisible exports  n.pl. (also invisible imports etc.) Intangible commodities, esp. Services, involving payment between countries.

Invitation  n. 1 inviting or being invited. 2 letter or card etc. Used to invite.

Invite  —v. (-ting) 1 (often foll. By to, or to + infin.) Ask (a person) courteously to come, or to do something. 2 make a formal courteous request for. 3 tend to call forth unintentionally. 4 a attract. B be attractive. —n. Colloq. Invitation. [latin invito]

Inviting  adj. 1 attractive. 2 tempting. ~ invitingly adv.

In vitro  adv. (of biological processes) taking place in a test-tube or other laboratory environment. [latin, = in glass]

Invocation  n. 1 invoking or being invoked, esp. In prayer. 2 summoning of supernatural beings, e.g. The muses, for inspiration. 3 eccl. The words ‘in the name of the father’ etc. Used to preface a sermon etc. ~ invocatory adj. [latin: related to +invoke] 

Invoice  —n. Bill for usu. Itemized goods or services. —v. (-cing) 1 send an invoice to. 2 make an invoice of. [earlier invoyes pl. Of invoy: related to +envoy]

Invoke  v. (-king) 1 call on (a deity etc.) In prayer or as a witness. 2 appeal to (the law, a person's authority, etc.). 3 summon (a spirit) by charms etc. 4 ask earnestly for (vengeance etc.). [latin voco call]

Involuntary  adj. 1 done without exercising the will; unintentional. 2 (of a muscle) not under the control of the will. ~ involuntarily adv. Involuntariness n.

Involute  adj. 1 involved, intricate. 2 curled spirally. [latin: related to +involve]

Involuted  adj. Complicated, abstruse.

Involution  n. 1 involving. 2 intricacy. 3 curling inwards. 4 part that curls inwards.

Involve  v. (-ving) 1 (often foll. By in) cause (a person or thing) to share the experience or effect (of a situation, activity, etc.). 2 imply, entail, make necessary. 3 (often foll. By in) implicate (a person) in a charge, crime, etc. 4 include or affect in its operations. 5 (as involved adj.) A (often foll. By in) concerned. B complicated in thought or form. C amorously associated. ~ involvement n. [latin volvo roll]

Invulnerable  adj. That cannot be wounded, damaged, or hurt, physically or mentally. ~ invulnerability n. Invulnerably adv.

Inward  —adj. 1 directed towards the inside; going in. 2 situated within. 3 mental, spiritual. —adv. (also inwards) 1 towards the inside. 2 in the mind or soul. [old english: related to +in, +-ward]

Inwardly  adv. 1 on the inside. 2 in the mind or soul. 3 not aloud.

Inwrought  adj. 1 (often foll. By with) (of a fabric) decorated (with a pattern). 2 (often foll. By in, on) (of a pattern) wrought (in or on a fabric).

Iodide  n. Any compound of iodine with another element or group.

Iodine  n. 1 black crystalline element forming a violet vapour. 2 solution of this as an antiseptic. [french iode from greek iodes violet-like]

Iom  abbr. Isle of man.

Ion  n. Atom or group of atoms that has lost one or more electrons (= +cation), or gained one or more electrons (= +anion). [greek, = going]

-ion  suffix (usu. As -sion, -tion, -xion) forming nouns denoting: 1 verbal action (excision). 2 instance of this (a suggestion). 3 resulting state or product (vexation; concoction). [latin -io]

Ionic  adj. Of the order of greek architecture characterized by a column with scroll-shapes on either side of the capital. [from ionia in greek asia minor]

Ionic  adj. Of or using ions. ~ ionically adv.

Ionize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) convert or be converted into an ion or ions. ~ ionization n.

Ionizer  n. Device producing ions to improve the quality of the air.

Ionosphere  n. Ionized region of the atmosphere above the stratosphere, reflecting radio waves. ~ ionospheric adj.

Iota  n. 1 ninth letter of the greek alphabet (i, i). 2 (usu. With neg.) A jot. [greek iota]

Iou  n. Signed document acknowledging a debt. [from i owe you]

Iow  abbr. Isle of wight.

Ipa  abbr. International phonetic alphabet.

Ipecacuanha  n. Root of a s. American shrub, used as an emetic and purgative. [portuguese from s. American indian, = emetic creeper]

Ipso facto  adv. By that very fact. [latin]

Iq  abbr. Intelligence quotient.

Ir-  prefix assim. Form of +in-1, +in-2 before r.

Ira  abbr. Irish republican army.

Iranian  —adj. 1 of iran (formerly persia). 2 of the group of languages including persian. —n. 1 native or national of iran. 2 person of iranian descent.

Iraqi  —adj. Of iraq. —n. (pl. -s) 1 a native or national of iraq. B person of iraqi descent. 2 the form of arabic spoken in iraq.

Irascible  adj. Irritable; hot-tempered. ~ irascibility n. Irascibly adv. [latin irascor grow angry, from ira anger]

Irate  adj. Angry, enraged. ~ irately adv. Irateness n. [latin iratus from ira anger]

Ire  n. Literary anger. [latin ira]

Iridaceous  adj. Of the iris family of plants.

Iridescent  adj. 1 showing rainbow-like luminous colours. 2 changing colour with position. ~ iridescence n.

Iridium  n. Hard white metallic element of the platinum group.

Iris  n. 1 circular coloured membrane behind the cornea of the eye, with a circular opening (pupil) in the centre. 2 plant of a family with bulbs or tuberous roots, sword-shaped leaves, and showy flowers. 3 adjustable diaphragm for regulating the size of a central hole, esp. For the admission of light to a lens. [greek iris iridos rainbow]

Irish  —adj. Of ireland or its people. —n. 1 celtic language of ireland. 2 (prec. By the; treated as pl.) The people of ireland. [old english]

Irish bull  n. = +bull3.

Irish coffee  n. Coffee with a dash of whiskey and a little sugar, topped with cream.

Irishman  n. Man who is irish by birth or descent.

Irish stew  n. Stew of mutton, potato, and onion.

Irishwoman  n. Woman who is irish by birth or descent.

Irk  v. Irritate, bore, annoy. [origin unknown]

Irksome  adj. Annoying, tiresome. ~ irksomely adv.

Iron  —n. 1 grey metallic element used for tools and constructions and found in some foods, e.g. Spinach. 2 this as a symbol of strength or firmness (man of iron; iron will). 3 tool made of iron. 4 implement with a flat base which is heated to smooth clothes etc. 5 golf club with an iron or steel sloping face. 6 (usu. In pl.) Fetter. 7 (usu. In pl.) Stirrup. 8 (often in pl.) Iron support for a malformed leg. —adj. 1 made of iron. 2 very robust. 3 unyielding, merciless. —v. Smooth (clothes etc.) With an iron. ~ iron out remove (difficulties etc.). [old english]

Iron age  n. Period when iron replaced bronze in the making of tools and weapons.

Ironclad  —adj. 1 clad or protected with iron. 2 impregnable. —n. Hist. Warship protected by iron plates.

Iron cross  n. German military decoration.

Iron curtain  n. Hist. Former notional barrier to the passage of people and information between the soviet bloc and the west.

Ironic  adj. (also ironical) using or displaying irony. ~ ironically adv.

Ironing  n. Clothes etc. For ironing or just ironed.

Ironing-board  n. Narrow folding table on which clothes etc. Are ironed.

Iron in the fire  n. Undertaking, opportunity (usu. In pl.: too many irons in the fire).

Iron lung  n. Rigid case fitted over a patient's body for administering prolonged artificial respiration.

Ironmaster  n. Manufacturer of iron.

Ironmonger  n. Dealer in hardware etc. ~ ironmongery n. (pl. -ies).

Iron rations  n.pl. Small emergency supply of food.

Ironstone  n. 1 rock containing much iron. 2 a kind of hard white pottery.

Ironware  n. Articles made of iron.

Ironwork  n. 1 things made of iron. 2 work in iron.

Ironworks  n. (as sing. Or pl.) Factory where iron is smelted or iron goods are made.

Irony  n. (pl. -ies) 1 expression of meaning, often humorous or sarcastic, using language of a different or opposite tendency. 2 apparent perversity of an event or circumstance in reversing human intentions. 3 theatr. Use of language with one meaning for a privileged audience and another for those addressed or concerned. [greek eironeia pretended ignorance]

Irradiate  v. (-ting) 1 subject to radiation. 2 shine upon; light up. 3 throw light on (a subject). ~ irradiation n. [latin irradio shine on, from radius ray]

Irrational  adj. 1 illogical; unreasonable. 2 not endowed with reason. 3 math. Not commensurate with the natural numbers. ~ irrationality n. Irrationally adv.

Irreconcilable  adj. 1 implacably hostile. 2 (of ideas etc.) Incompatible. ~ irreconcilability n. Irreconcilably adv.

Irrecoverable  adj. Not able to be recovered or remedied. ~ irrecoverably adv.

Irredeemable  adj. 1 not able to be redeemed. 2 hopeless. ~ irredeemably adv.

Irredentist  n. Person advocating the restoration to his or her country of any territory formerly belonging to it. ~ irredentism n. [italian irredenta unredeemed]

Irreducible  adj. Not able to be reduced or simplified. ~ irreducibility n. Irreducibly adv.

Irrefutable  adj. That cannot be refuted. ~ irrefutably adv.

Irregular  —adj. 1 not regular; unsymmetrical, uneven; varying in form. 2 not occurring at regular intervals. 3 contrary to a rule, principle, or custom; abnormal. 4 (of troops) not belonging to the regular army. 5 (of a verb, noun, etc.) Not inflected according to the usual rules. 6 disorderly. —n. (in pl.) Irregular troops. ~ irregularity n. (pl. -ies). Irregularly adv.

Irrelevant  adj. (often foll. By to) not relevant. ~ irrelevance n. Irrelevancy n. (pl. -ies).

Irreligious  adj. Lacking or hostile to religion; irreverent.

Irremediable  adj. That cannot be remedied. ~ irremediably adv.

Irremovable  adj. That cannot be removed. ~ irremovably adv.

Irreparable  adj. (of an injury, loss, etc.) That cannot be rectified or made good. ~ irreparably adv.

Irreplaceable  adj. That cannot be replaced.

Irrepressible  adj. That cannot be repressed or restrained. ~ irrepressibly adv.

Irreproachable  adj. Faultless, blameless. ~ irreproachably adv.

Irresistible  adj. Too strong, delightful, or convincing to be resisted. ~ irresistibly adv.

Irresolute  adj. 1 hesitant. 2 lacking in resoluteness. ~ irresolutely adv. Irresoluteness n. Irresolution n.

Irrespective  adj. (foll. By of) not taking into account; regardless of.

Irresponsible  adj. 1 acting or done without due sense of responsibility. 2 not responsible for one's conduct. ~ irresponsibility n. Irresponsibly adv.

Irretrievable  adj. That cannot be retrieved or restored. ~ irretrievably adv.

Irreverent  adj. Lacking reverence. ~ irreverence n. Irreverently adv.

Irreversible  adj. Not reversible or alterable. ~ irreversibly adv.

Irrevocable  adj. 1 unalterable. 2 gone beyond recall. ~ irrevocably adv.

Irrigate  v. (-ting) 1 a water (land) by means of channels etc. B (of a stream etc.) Supply (land) with water. 2 supply (a wound etc.) With a constant flow of liquid. ~ irrigable adj. Irrigation n. Irrigator n. [latin rigo moisten]

Irritable  adj. 1 easily annoyed. 2 (of an organ etc.) Very sensitive to contact. ~ irritability n. Irritably adv. [latin: related to +irritate]

Irritant  —adj. Causing irritation. —n. Irritant substance.

Irritate  v. (-ting) 1 excite to anger; annoy. 2 stimulate discomfort in (a part of the body). 3 biol. Stimulate (an organ) to action. ~ irritating adj. Irritation n. Irritative adj. [latin irrito]

Irrupt  v. (foll. By into) enter forcibly or violently. ~ irruption n. [latin: related to +rupture]

Is  3rd sing. Present of +be.

Isbn  abbr. International standard book number.

Usage  see note at -ize.

-ish  suffix forming adjectives: 1 from nouns, meaning: a having the qualities of (boyish). B of the nationality of (danish). 2 from adjectives, meaning ‘somewhat’ (thickish). 3 colloq. Denoting an approximate age or time of day (fortyish; six-thirtyish).

Isinglass  n. 1 gelatin obtained from fish, esp. Sturgeon, and used in making jellies, glue, etc. 2 mica. [dutch huisenblas sturgeon's bladder]

Islam  n. 1 the religion of the muslims, proclaimed by muhammad. 2 the muslim world. ~ islamic adj. [arabic, = submission (to god)]

Island  n. 1 piece of land surrounded by water. 2 = +traffic island. 3 detached or isolated thing. [old english igland; first syllable influenced by +isle]

Islander  n. Native or inhabitant of an island.

Isle  n. Poet. (and in place-names) island, esp. A small one. [french ile from latin insula]

Islet  n. 1 small island. 2 anat. Structurally distinct portion of tissue. [french diminutive of +isle]

Ism  n. Colloq. Usu. Derog. Any distinctive doctrine or practice. [from +-ism]

-ism  suffix forming nouns, esp. Denoting: 1 action or its result (baptism; organism). 2 system or principle (conservatism; jingoism). 3 state or quality (heroism; barbarism). 4 basis of prejudice or discrimination (racism; sexism). 5 peculiarity in langu

Isn't  contr. Is not.

Iso-  comb. Form equal. [greek isos equal]

Isobar  n. Line on a map connecting places with the same atmospheric pressure. ~ isobaric adj. [greek baros weight]

Isochronous  adj. 1 occurring at the same time. 2 occupying equal time.

Isolate  v. (-ting) 1 a place apart or alone. B place (a contagious or infectious patient etc.) In quarantine. 2 separate (a substance) from a mixture. 3 insulate (electrical apparatus), esp. By a physical gap; disconnect. ~ isolation n. [latin insulatus made into an island]

Isolationism  n. Policy of holding aloof from the affairs of other countries or groups. ~ isolationist n.

Isomer  n. One of two or more compounds with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms. ~ isomeric adj. Isomerism n. [greek +iso-, meros share]

Isometric  adj. 1 of equal measure. 2 (of muscle action) developing tension while the muscle is prevented from contracting. 3 (of a drawing etc.) With the plane of projection at equal angles to the three principal axes of the object shown. [greek isometria equality of measure]

Isomorphic  adj. (also isomorphous) exactly corresponding in form and relations. [from +iso-, greek morphe form]

Isosceles  adj. (of a triangle) having two sides equal. [from +iso-, greek skelos leg]

Isotherm  n. Line on a map connecting places with the same temperature. ~ isothermal adj. [from +iso-, greek therme heat]

Isotope  n. One of two or more forms of an element differing from each other in relative atomic mass, and in nuclear but not chemical properties. ~ isotopic adj. [from +iso-, greek topos place]

Isotropic  adj. Having the same physical properties in all directions. ~ isotropy n. [from +iso-, greek tropos turn]

Israeli  —adj. Of the modern state of israel. —n. (pl. -s) 1 native or national of israel. 2 person of israeli descent. [hebrew]

Israelite  n. Hist. Native of ancient israel; jew. [hebrew]

Issue  —n. 1 a act of giving out or circulating shares, notes, stamps, etc. B quantity of coins, copies of a newspaper, etc., circulated at one time. C each of a regular series of a magazine etc. (the may issue). 2 a outgoing, outflow. B way out, outlet, esp. The place of the emergence of a stream etc. 3 point in question; important subject of debate or litigation. 4 result; outcome. 5 law children, progeny (without male issue). —v. (issues, issued, issuing) 1 literary go or come out. 2 a send forth; publish; put into circulation. B supply, esp. Officially or authoritatively (foll. By to, with: issued passports to them; issued them with passports). 3 a (often foll. By from) be derived or result. B (foll. By in) end, result. 4 (foll. By from) emerge from a condition. ~ at issue under discussion; in dispute. Join (or take) issue (foll. By with a person etc., about, on, over a subject) disagree or argue. [latin exitus: related to +exit]

-ist  suffix forming personal nouns denoting: 1 adherent of a system etc. In -ism: (marxist; fatalist). 2 person pursuing, using, or concerned with something as an interest or profession (balloonist; tobacconist). 3 person who does something expressed by 

Isthmus  n. (pl. -es) narrow piece of land connecting two larger bodies of land. [greek isthmos]

It  abbr. Information technology.

It  pron. (poss. Its; pl. They) 1 thing (or occasionally an animal or child) previously named or in question (took a stone and threw it). 2 person in question (who is it? It is i). 3 as the subject of an impersonal verb (it is raining; it is winter; it is two miles to bath). 4 as a substitute for a deferred subject or object (it is silly to talk like that; i take it that you agree). 5 as a substitute for a vague object (brazen it out). 6 as the antecedent to a relative word or clause (it was an owl that i heard). 7 exactly what is needed. 8 extreme limit of achievement. 9 colloq. A sexual intercourse. B sex appeal. 10 (in children's games) player who has to perform a required feat. ~ that's it colloq. That is: 1 what is required. 2 the difficulty. 3 the end, enough. [old english]

Italian  —n. 1 a native or national of italy. B person of italian descent. 2 romance language of italy. —adj. Of or relating to italy.

Italianate  adj. Of italian style or appearance.

Italian vermouth  n. Sweet kind of vermouth.

Italic  —adj. 1 a of the sloping kind of letters now used esp. For emphasis and in foreign words. B (of handwriting) compact and pointed like early italian handwriting. 2 (italic) of ancient italy. —n. 1 letter in italic type. 2 this type. [latin italicus: related to +italian]

Italicize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) print in italics.

Itch  —n. 1 irritation in the skin. 2 impatient desire. 3 (prec. By the) (in general use) scabies. —v. 1 feel an irritation in the skin. 2 feel a desire to do something (itching to tell you). [old english]

Itching palm  n. Avarice.

Itchy  adj. (-ier, -iest) having or causing an itch. ~ have itchy feet colloq. 1 be restless. 2 have a strong urge to travel. ~ itchiness n.

It'd  contr. Colloq. 1 it had. 2 it would.

-ite  suffix forming nouns meaning ‘a person or thing connected with’ (israelite; trotskyite; graphite; dynamite). [greek -ites]

Item  n. 1 any of a number of enumerated things. 2 separate or distinct piece of news etc. [latin, = in like manner]

Itemize  v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing) state item by item. ~ itemization n.

Iterate  v. (-ting) repeat; state repeatedly. ~ iteration n. Iterative adj. [latin iterum again]

-itic  suffix forming adjectives and nouns corresponding to nouns in -ite, -itis, etc. (semitic; arthritic). [latin -iticus, greek -itikos]

Itinerant  —adj. Travelling from place to place. —n. Itinerant person. [latin iter itiner- journey]

Itinerary  n. (pl. -ies) 1 detailed route. 2 record of travel. 3 guidebook.

-itis  suffix forming nouns, esp.: 1 names of inflammatory diseases (appendicitis). 2 colloq. With ref. To conditions compared to diseases (electionitis). [greek]

It'll  contr. Colloq. It will; it shall.

Its  poss. Pron. Of it; of itself.

It's  contr. 1 it is. 2 it has.

Itself  pron. Emphatic and refl. Form of +it. ~ be itself see +oneself. By itself see by oneself. In itself viewed in its essential qualities (not in itself a bad thing). [old english: related to +it, +self]

Itv  abbr. Independent television.

-ity  suffix forming nouns denoting: 1 quality or condition (humility; purity). 2 instance of this (monstrosity). [latin -itas]

Iud  abbr. Intrauterine (contraceptive) device.

I've  contr. I have.

-ive  suffix forming adjectives meaning ‘tending to’, and corresponding nouns (suggestive; corrosive; palliative). [latin -ivus]

Ivf  abbr. In vitro fertilization.

Ivory  n. (pl. -ies) 1 hard substance of the tusks of an elephant etc. 2 creamy-white colour of this. 3 (usu. In pl.) A article made of ivory. B slang thing made of or resembling ivory, esp. A piano key or a tooth. [latin ebur]

Ivory tower  n. Seclusion or withdrawal from the harsh realities of life (often attrib.: ivory tower professors).

Ivy  n. (pl. -ies) climbing evergreen shrub with shiny five-angled leaves. [old english]

-ize  suffix (also -ise) forming verbs, meaning: 1 make or become such (americanize; realize). 2 treat in such a way (monopolize; pasteurize). 3 a follow a special practice (economize). B have a specified feeling (sympathize). ~ -ization suffix forming no

Usage  the form -ize has been in use in english since the 16th c.; it is widely used in american english, but is not an americanism. The alternative spelling -ise (reflecting a french influence) is in common use, esp. In british english, and is obligatory in certain cases: (a) where it forms part of a larger word-element, such as -mise (= sending) in compromise, and -prise (= taking) in surprise; and (b) in verbs corresponding to nouns with -s- in the stem, such as advertise and televise.

Online English Dictionary Free Words Starting with Letter I

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