zrceng 18

bellyful

['beliful] noun have had a bellyful BRITISH VERY INFORMAL to be tired and annoyed because you have done too much of something, spent too much time with someone, etc.

decent

['di:sәnt] adjective 1 good or good enough: Are there any decent restaurants around here? The Dolphins have a decent chance of winning the game. 2 behaving toward other people in an honest, fair, and nice way: a decent caring man it is decent of someone to do something: It was decent of David to offer to pay. 3 considered by most people to be moral, good, or reasonable: It's not decent to get married again so soon after your husband has died. do the decent thing (=do what is right): After such rudeness, the chairman should do the decent thing and apologize publicly. 4 INFORMAL OLD-FASHIONED wearing enough clothes to not be embarrassed to let other people see you: Don't look, I'm not decent yet! decently adverb

juggernaut

['dʒʌgәnɒ:t] noun [count] 1 something that is very powerful, especially something that has a bad effect: the juggernaut of global consumerism 2 BRITISH a very large truck

fissile

['fisail] adjective (physics) capable of nuclear FISSION: fissile material

fishery

['fiʃәri] noun [count] 1 a place where fish are BRED, either to be sold for food or to be put into lakes and rivers to catch for sport 2 an area of the ocean where fish can be caught to be sold

forum

['fɒ:rәm] noun [count] 1 an organized event or meeting at which people discuss something: the World Economic Forum forum on: an international forum on health issues 1a. a Web site, newspaper, television program, etc. where people can express their ideas and opinions: For years the club has provided a forum for political discussion. We hope that these pages will act as a forum for debate. 2 a place in ancient Roman towns where people met to discuss politics or business

glaze

['gleiz] noun [count or uncount] 1 a thin layer of milk, sugar, or egg that you put on foods to make them look smooth and shiny 2 a clear shiny oil that you put on paintings or on objects made of clay, leather, or paper to protect them and make them look attractive 3 a layer of sugar on a cake that makes it look smooth and shiny verb [transitive] to put a smooth and shiny surface on something

granite

['grænit] noun [uncount] a type of very hard stone, used especially for building

imbecile

['imbisi:l] noun [count] 1 an insulting word for someone who behaves in a very stupid way: IDIOT 2 OLD-FASHIONED an offensive word for someone who has a mental DISABILITY imbecilic adjective imbecility noun [uncount]

infamy

['infәmi] noun [uncount] a reputation for something bad

clearance

['kliәrәns] noun 1 official permission 2 between two objects 3 clearance sale 4 of check 5 removal of something 1 [uncount] official permission to do something: clearance from: The UN was awaiting clearance from local authorities before sending a medical team. clearance to do something: We've just received clearance to land. 1a. [uncount] SECURITY CLEARANCE 2 [count or uncount] an amount of space between two things that keeps them from touching each other: Adjust the door to ensure equal clearance between door and frame. 3 [count] a clearance sale 4 [uncount] the process by which a bank accepts a check you have written and pays the money to the person, store, etc. that you gave the check to 5 [count or uncount] the process of removing things that are not wanted or used: a policy of encouraging slum clearance

craven

['kreivәn] adjective FORMAL not brave: COWARDLY

crescent

['kresәnt] noun [count] 1 a curved shape that is wide in the middle and pointed at the ends, like the shape of the moon sometimes 1a. this curved shape used as the symbol of Islam 2 used in some street names: Mornington Crescent

methodical

[mi'θɒdikl] adjective always careful to do things in a thorough and organized way: a methodical worker a. done in a thorough and organized way: The police conducted a methodical search of the area. methodically adverb

plasticity

[plæ'stisiti] noun [uncount] TECHNICAL the ability to bend or be pressed into any shape

kith

noun IDIOMS kith and kin (old-fashioned) friends and relatives

hiatus

noun [count] 1 FORMAL a period of time when something does not happen 2 LINGUISTICS a pause between two vowel sounds that come one after the other, for example in the word NAIVE

forensics

noun [uncount] 1 scientific methods used to solve crimes and find out who committed them 1a. [plural] facts that can be used as forensic evidence 2 [plural] a police department dealing with forensic evidence: We're waiting for forensics to send their report.

fungi

Fungi Fungi , n. pl. (Bot.) A group of thallophytic plants of low organization, destitute of chlorophyll, in which reproduction is mainly accomplished by means of asexual spores, which are produced in a great variety of ways, though sexual reproduction is known to occur in certain {Phycomycetes}, or so-called algal fungi. Note: The Fungi appear to have originated by degeneration from various alg[ae], losing their chlorophyll on assuming a parasitic or saprophytic life. By some they are divided into the subclasses {Phycomycetes}, the lower or algal fungi; the {Mesomycetes}, or intermediate fungi; and the {Mycomycetes}, or the higher fungi; by others into the {Phycomycetes}; the {Ascomycetes}, or sac-spore fungi; and the {Basidiomycetes}, or basidial-spore fungi. Fungi Fungi , n. pl. (Bot.) See {Fungus}. Fungi Fungus , n.; pl. L. {Fungi}, E. {Funguses}. [L., a mushroom; perh. akin to a doubtful Gr. ? sponge, for ?;if so, cf. E. sponge.] 1. (Bot.) Any one of the Fungi, a large and very complex group of thallophytes of low organization, -- the molds, mildews, rusts, smuts, mushrooms, toadstools, puff balls, and the allies of each. Note: The fungi are all destitute of chorophyll, and, therefore, to be supplied with elaborated nourishment, must live as saprophytes or parasites. They range in size from single microscopic cells to systems of entangled threads many feet in extent, which develop reproductive bodies as large as a man's head. The vegetative system consists of septate or rarely unseptate filaments called hyph[ae]; the aggregation of hyph[ae] into structures of more or less definite form is known as the mycelium. See Fungi, in the Supplement. 2. (Med.) A spongy, morbid growth or granulation in animal bodies, as the proud flesh of wounds. --Hoblyn. Fungi Cryptogamia (kr?p`t?-g?"m?-?), n.; pl. {Cryptogami[ae]} (-?). [NL., fr. Gr. krypto`s hidden, secret + ga`mos marriage.] (Bot.) The series or division of flowerless plants, or those never having true stamens and pistils, but propagated by spores of various kinds. Note: The subdivisions have been variously arranged. The following arrangement recognizes four classes: -- I. {{Pteridophyta}, or {Vascular Acrogens}.} These include Ferns, {Equiseta} or Scouring rushes, {Lycopodiace[ae]} or Club mosses, {Selaginelle[ae]}, and several other smaller orders. Here belonged also the extinct coal plants called {Lepidodendron}, {Sigillaria}, and {Calamites}. II. {{Bryophita}, or {Cellular Acrogens}}. These include {Musci}, or Mosses, {Hepatic[ae]}, or Scale mosses and Liverworts, and possibly {Charace[ae]}, the Stoneworts. III. {{Alg[ae]}}, which are divided into {Floride[ae]}, the Red Seaweeds, and the orders {Dictyote[ae]}, {O["o]spore[ae]}, {Zo["o]spore[ae]}, {Conjugat[ae]}, {Diatomace[ae]}, and {Cryptophyce[ae]}. IV. {{Fungi}}. The molds, mildews, mushrooms, puffballs, etc., which are variously grouped into several subclasses and many orders. The {Lichenes} or Lichens are now considered to be of a mixed nature, each plant partly a Fungus and partly an Alga.

quarry

['kwɒri] noun 1 [count] a place where stone is dug up out of the ground. A place where coal or MINERALS are dug up is called a mine: a slate/limestone quarry 2 [singular] FORMAL a person or animal that someone is trying to find or catch: Wolves often pursue their quarry for up to three miles before attacking them. verb [transitive] to dig stone out of the ground: The land here was quarried for limestone in the past.

canopy

['kænәpi] noun [count] 1 a cloth cover above something such as a bed or chair 2 a curved roof over part of a building 3 a mass of leaves and branches that form a cover high above the ground: the forest canopy 4 a transparent cover over the front part of an airplane where the pilot sits

consonance

['kɒnsәnәns] noun in consonance with VERY FORMAL in agreement with

corrugate

['kɒrugeit] verb (-gated; -gating) Date: 1620 transitive verb to form or shape into wrinkles or folds or into alternating ridges and grooves ; furrow intransitive verb to become d

literal

['litәrәl] adjective 1 the literal meaning of a word is its most basic meaning: He is clearly not using the word dead in its literal sense. compare FIGURATIVE 2 a literal translation is one in which each word is translated separately in a way that does not sound natural 3 literal or literal-minded understanding words or ideas only in a basic and obvious way, and not showing much imagination: Young children can be very literal.

melon

['melәn] noun [count or uncount] a large round fruit that has a hard green or yellow skin and soft orange, green, or white flesh inside

mesmerize

['mezmәraiz] verb [transitive] to attract or interest you so much that you do not notice anything else around you: Grimm's Fairy Tales have mesmerized generations of readers.

matador

['mætәdɒ:] noun a person who fights and kills the BULL in a BULLFIGHT

negligence

['neglidʒәns] noun [uncount] failure to give care or attention, especially when this causes harm or damage

piggish

['pigiʃ] adjective Date: 1820 1. of, relating to, or suggestive of a pig <a snort> 2. having qualities associated with a pig • ly adverb • ness noun

pressing

['presiŋ] adjective very important and urgent: The safety of the hostages is a matter of pressing concern.

prefect

['pri:fekt] noun [count] 1 a public official in some countries who has authority over a particular district 2 in some schools in the U.K., an older student who controls the activities of younger students and helps them to obey the rules

pavid

['pævid] Pavid Pavid , a. [L. pavidus, from pavere to be afraid.] Timid; fearful. [R.] --Thackeray.

potluck

['pɒtlʌk] noun [count] AMERICAN an informal meal to which guests bring food

wriggle

['rigl] verb [intransitive or transitive] to move or make something move by twisting or turning quickly: She wriggled her toes in the thick soft carpet. wriggle out of (doing) something to avoid doing something: Don't try and wriggle out of doing your homework. noun [count] a short quick twisting and turning movement

sensual

['senʃuәl] adjective 1 relating to or providing physical pleasure, especially sexual pleasure: a sensual experience 2 suggesting physical pleasure, especially sexual pleasure: a sensual mouth sensuality noun [uncount] sensually adverb

cincture

['siŋktʃә] noun Date: 1587 1. the act of encircling 2. a. an encircling area b. girdle, belt; especially a cord or sash of cloth worn around an ecclesiastical vestment or the habit of a religious

scruffy

['skrʌfi] adjective messy or dirty: a scruffy old T-shirt scruffily adverb scruffiness noun [uncount]

scamper

['skæmpә] verb [intransitive] to move quickly with small light steps: scamper up/across/along: The boy scampered up the tree like a squirrel.

specimen

['spesimәn] noun [count] 1 a small amount of blood, URINE, or another liquid taken from the body so that it can be examined: a saliva specimen specimen of: We have to test a specimen of your blood before you can become a donor. 2 an example of something, especially of a plant or an animal: The first recorded specimen of the fish was caught in the Pacific. a magnificent specimen of an Indian fig tree 3 a particular type of person. This word is often used in a humorous way, especially to talk about someone's appearance: He was a fine specimen of Texan manhood.

specialize

['speʃәlaiz] verb [intransitive] to be an expert in a particular part of a subject or profession: specialize in: a lawyer who specializes in taxation a. to concentrate your attention and effort on a particular activity, product, etc.: specialize in: a travel company that specializes in European tours

stigmatize

['stigmәtaiz] verb [transitive] to treat a particular type of behavior as wrong or embarrassing and to try to make people who behave in this way feel ashamed: Children should not be stigmatized because their parents are not married. stigmatization noun [uncount]

stopgap

['stɒpgæp] noun [count] a person or thing that provides a temporary solution: a stopgap measure

sortie

['sɒ:ti:] noun [count] 1 a flight by a military aircraft or a group of military aircraft: Allied aircraft flew hundreds of sorties. 1a. a sudden attack by soldiers 2 MAINLY BRITISH a short trip away from a place 3 MAINLY BRITISH an attempt at an activity or business: sortie into: Julie has made a sortie into the travel business. verb [intransitive] to attack a place suddenly using aircraft or soldiers

titter

['titә] verb [intransitive] to laugh quietly, especially because you are nervous or embarrassed noun [count] a quiet laugh that you make because you are nervous or embarrassed

traitor

['treitә] noun [count] 1 someone who tells secrets about their own country to a country that is their enemy: traitor to (=against): Adams was a spy, and a traitor to his country. 2 INFORMAL someone who is not loyal to their friends, family, or employer

trauma

['trɒ:mә] noun 1 [count or uncount] a bad experience that makes you feel very upset, afraid, or shocked: a series of childhood traumas Some soldiers never recover from the trauma of battle. 1a. [uncount] a feeling of being very upset, afraid, or shocked after a bad experience: He continues to suffer emotional trauma. 2 [uncount] MEDICAL a serious injury: a unit specializing in head and neck trauma a trauma victim

visionary

['viʒәnәri] adjective 1 with clear ideas or hopes of how something should be done or how things will be in the future: a visionary reformer Their success owes a lot to his visionary leadership. 2 original and showing a lot of imagination: CREATIVE: a visionary artist 3 relating to a religious vision: a visionary experience noun [count] 1 someone who is visionary: Every organization needs its visionaries. 2 someone who has religious visions

vulture

['vʌltʃә] noun [count] 1 a large bird that eats the bodies of dead animals 2 INFORMAL someone who tries to gain an advantage from weaker people

vertex

['vә:teks] (plural vertexes or vertices ) noun [count] 1 TECHNICAL the point that is opposite the base of a TRIANGLE 1a. the point where two lines join at an angle 2 FORMAL the highest point of something

wallop

['wɒlәp] verb [transitive] INFORMAL 1 to hit someone or something very hard 2 to thoroughly defeat someone in a game noun [count] INFORMAL a hard hit or force

absolute

['æbsәlu:t] adjective 1 [only before noun] very great or complete: used for emphasizing an opinion, feeling, or statement: The way they've been treated is an absolute disgrace. I have absolute confidence in her. You're talking absolute nonsense. 1a. used for emphasizing that something is the most or least possible in a particular situation: $4,000 is the absolute maximum we can spend. 2 used for talking about a political system in which complete power is held by one person, and is not shared with a legislature or other political group: an absolute monarchy 3 [usually before noun] measured in itself, not in relation to anything else: Health spending has increased in absolute terms, but not as a proportion of national income. 3a. true or right in all situations: Do you believe in absolute moral values? noun [count] a rule or principle that is true or right in all situations

antiquated

['æntikweitid] adjective too old or too old-fashioned to be useful: There are plans to modernize the antiquated telephone system.

aspen

['æspәn] a town in the Rocky Mountains in the U.S. state of Colorado, known as a place where rich people go for the winter sport of SKIING noun [count] a tall thin tree that grows in North America and Europe and has leaves that rustle (=make a noise as they rub against each other) in the wind

orchid

['ɒ:kid] noun [count] a type of flower with an unusual shape and often a sweet smell that is considered very beautiful

declamation

[,deklә'meiʃәn] noun (formal) 1 [U] the act of speaking or of expressing sth to an audience in a formal way 2 [C] a speech or piece of writing that strongly expresses feelings and opinions: The most successful newspaper stories are often declamations of patriotism.

economical

[,i:kә'nɒmikәl] adjective 1 not spending or costing much money: It would be more economical to switch the machine off at night. the most economical way to run your new business 1a. used about something that is not expensive to make, buy, or use: The material is an economical substitute for plastic or steel. Of course, the car is not the most economical form of transport. 1b. used about someone who is careful about spending money: He always was economical when it came to buying presents. 2 not wasting anything: a beautifully economical process 2a. an economical movement is done with as little effort as possible: an economical gesture 2b. an economical way of speaking or writing does not use more words than are necessary: Garland's prose is economical and expressive. be economical with the truth INFORMAL to say things that are not true, or not tell everything you know

emendation

[,i:men'deiʃәn] noun [C, U] (formal) a letter or word that has been changed or corrected in a text; the act of making changes to a text

immaterial

[,imә'tiәriәl] adjective not important or relevant: The difference in our ages was immaterial. Do it however you like it's immaterial to me.

inasmuch

[,inәz'mʌtʃ] Inasmuch Inasmuch , adv. [In + as + much.] In like degree; in like manner; seeing that; considering that; since; -- followed by as. See {In as much as}, under {In}, prep. Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. --Matt. xxv. 45. Syn: Because; since; for; as. See {Because}.

moratorium

[,mɒrә'tɒ:riәm] noun [count] an official agreement to stop an activity temporarily

strangulation

[,stræŋgju'leiʃәn] noun [uncount] the action of STRANGLING a person or animal

artificial

[,ɑ:ti'fiʃәl] adjective 1 made by people and used instead of something natural: The growers use both natural and artificial light. The product contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. 1a. made by people to look very like something natural: artificial flowers/fur/snow 2 caused or created as a result of human influence or action: Our new policies are designed to break down artificial barriers to women's advancement. 2a. not done, dealt with, or expressed in a normal or natural way: An interview is a very artificial situation. 3 artificial behavior is not sincere: She laughed a bright artificial laugh. 4 something that looks or sounds artificial does not seem real: To some people, the clarity of CD sound seems artificial. artificiality noun [uncount] artificially adverb

ornithologist

[,ɒ:ni'θɒlәdʒist] noun [count] someone who studies birds

unenlightened

[,ʌnin'laitnd] /-ţənd/ adjective not enlightened, see at enlighten

bound

[baund] adjective [not usually before noun] 1 bound to something that is bound to happen will almost certainly happen: If you have problems at home, it's bound to affect your work. Knowing Jim, he's bound to be late. The kids are out late, so of course she's bound to worry. She's bound to find out sooner or later. 2 having an obligation to do something because of a law, promise, etc.: By signing the contract you agree to be bound by its terms. be bound by something to do something: If her patient threatens to kill someone, she is bound by law to inform the police. 2a. feeling that you should do something because you are expected to, or because it is morally right, even if you do not really want to do it: be/feel bound to do something: We felt bound to tell her that her son had been taking drugs. duty/honor bound: reporters who feel honor bound to protect their sources of information 3 a bound book has a leather, cloth, or paper cover: a bound volume of the whole trilogy bound in: an old book of poems, bound in dark leather be bound up/together people or things that are bound together are connected by qualities that they all share: families who are bound together by their shared experiences be bound up in/with something ideas, feelings, or issues that are bound up with each other are connected very closely, so that it is difficult to think of them separately: His political philosophy was closely bound up with his religious beliefs. Climate change is closely bound up in the whole issue of energy consumption. bound for... 1 traveling toward a place: The drugs were found on a container ship that was bound for Florida. Their plane was bound for Los Angeles. 2 very likely to do something in the future: Stan was doing a Master's at Harvard, and bound for a career in finance. I'll be bound OLD-FASHIONED used when you have said something that you are certain is true verb [intransitive] 1 bound into/across/toward to run or jump taking large steps when you are full of energy or excitement: Polly came bounding into the room holding a letter. 2 to suddenly increase in value or become more successful: Internet stocks were bounding ahead. be bounded by something FORMAL if an area is bounded by a fence, trees, a river, etc., this is what is around its edge noun 1 bounds [plural] limits that affect and control what can happen or what people are able to do: within bounds: Students are allowed, within reasonable bounds, to use calculators in class. within the bounds of something: a decision that is not within the bounds of the mayor's authority beyond/outside the bounds of something: investment advice that goes beyond the bounds of good sense 2 [count] MAINLY LITERARY a long or high jump know no bounds FORMAL a feeling or quality that knows no bounds is very strong and seems to have no limits: Her generosity knew no bounds. out of bounds 1 if a place is out of bounds, you are not allowed to go there: out of bounds to: The border areas were still out of bounds to tourists. 2 if a subject is out of bounds, you are not allowed to talk about it, know about it, etc.: Details of his private life are strictly out of bounds. 3 outside the playing area in some sports such as football or basketball LEAP2 A the past tense and past participle of bind1

barbarian

[bɑ:'bєәriәn] noun [count] 1 someone from outside one of the major ancient societies such as Greece or Rome, who was considered to be violent and not educated 2 someone who does not respect art or culture 2a. someone who is cruel or violent

bask

[bɑ:sk] verb [intransitive] 1 to relax and enjoy yourself by lying in the sun: A group of gray seals were basking on a rock. 1a. if a place is basking in SUNSHINE or high temperatures, the weather is hot and sunny 2 in to enjoy people's attention and approval, especially when you have achieved a great success: For now, she is content to in her new-found fame.

discredit

[dis'kredit] verb [transitive] 1 to harm someone's reputation: She claims there was a conspiracy to discredit her. 2 to make people think that something is not true: attempts to discredit evidence noun 1 [uncount] harm that is done to someone's reputation 2 [count] someone or something that causes a loss of respect

duress

[djuә'reis] noun [uncount] FORMAL force or threats that make someone do something they do not want to: under duress: Some witnesses claim they signed their statements under duress.

domain

[dәu'mein] noun [count] 1 a particular area of activity or life: This is a subject that has now moved into the political domain. 1a. an area of activity considered as belonging to or controlled by a particular person or group: the common idea that engineering is a male domain Organic foods are no longer the sole domain of health fanatics. The garden has always been Al's domain. PUBLIC DOMAIN1 2 LITERARY an area of land owned and controlled by a particular person, especially in the past 3 TECHNICAL in mathematics, a range of possible values of a VARIABLE 4 COMPUTING a DOMAIN NAME

doze

[dәuz] verb [intransitive] to sleep for a short time, especially during the day noun [singular] ,`off phrasal verb [intransitive] to start to sleep, especially during the day and without intending to: I dozed off in front of the television.

eclecticism

[ek'lektisizm] noun Date: 1798 the theory or practice of an eclectic method

exscind

[ek'sind] transitive verb Date: 1662 to cut off or out ; excise

whack

[hwæk] verb [transitive] INFORMAL 1 to hit someone or something with a lot of force: I whacked my knee getting out of the car. Some kids were whacking the tree with sticks. He whacked his little sister on the head with a spoon. 2 AMERICAN VERY INFORMAL to charge someone a lot of money: Then they whack us with a 12% hotel tax. noun [count] INFORMAL 1 the act of hitting someone or something with a lot of force, or the sound that it makes: Whack! A branch hit me in the face. A good whack on the rear was her dad's solution to behavior problems. 2 AMERICAN an occasion when someone is criticized publicly: He took an additional whack at lawmakers, calling them fools. 3 VERY INFORMAL an amount of something, usually money: The agent takes a 15% whack. out of whack INFORMAL 1 not working normally 2 feeling slightly sick

equation

[i'kweiʃәn] noun 1 [count] a statement in mathematics that two sets of numbers or expressions are equal: Solve the equation 5x 3 = 27. 1a. a statement in chemistry that uses symbols to show the changes that take place in a chemical reaction 2 [uncount] the process of considering one thing to be the same as another: the false equation of financial success with happiness 2a. the equation all the different aspects that you have to consider in a situation: In a choice between the use of rail and car, the question of cost will come into the equation.

elucidate

[i'lu:sideit] verb [intransitive or transitive] FORMAL to make something easier to understand by giving more information: CLARIFY

excel

[ik'sel] verb [intransitive] to do something extremely well: We aim to give every student the opportunity to excel. excel in/at: Robbie had always excelled at sports. excel yourself 1 to do something much better than you usually do 2 HUMOROUS used when someone has in fact done even worse than they usually do

embrace

[im'breis] verb 1 [transitive] FORMAL to completely accept something such as a new belief, idea, or way of life: Most countries have enthusiastically embraced the concept of high-speed railroads. 1a. to accept and include something: The scope of foreign policy expanded to embrace areas previously considered unimportant. 2 [intransitive or transitive] MAINLY LITERARY to put your arms around someone to show love or friendship noun [count] FORMAL the action of putting your arms around someone to show love or friendship

impute

[im'pju:t] verb [transitive] FORMAL im`pute ,to phrasal verb impute something to someone/something to say that someone or something has a specific quality, especially a bad one, or is guilty of something

implore

[im'plɒ:] verb [transitive] FORMAL to ask someone to do something, in a very emotional way, because you want it very much: BEG: Don't leave me! she implored.

inflect

[in'flekt] verb 1 [transitive] to change the sound of your voice when you are speaking, for example to emphasize a particular word 2 [intransitive] LINGUISTICS if a word inflects, you change its form to suit the grammar of the other words you are using with it 2a. if a language inflects, it has words that do this

infirm

[in'fә:m] adjective weak because of old age or illness a. the infirm people who are infirm

engross

[in'grәus] verb [transitive] if something engrosses you, you think about nothing else

queer

[kwiә] adjective 1 gay, BISEXUAL, or TRANSGENDER 1a. OFFENSIVE an offensive word for describing gay people: a queer studies program 1b. used in a positive way for referring to people who are gay, BISEXUAL, or TRANSGENDER, especially by people who are members of these groups 2 OLD-FASHIONED strange: with a queer expression on his face 3 MAINLY BRITISH OLD-FASHIONED physically ill queerness noun [uncount] noun [count] OFFENSIVE an offensive word for someone who is gay

contaminate

[kәn'tæmineit] verb [transitive] 1 to make something dirty, polluted, or poisonous by adding a chemical, waste, or infection: Industrial sewage continues to contaminate our beaches. 2 to affect something or someone in a negative way: Children are becoming contaminated by the prevailing cynicism of the age. contamination noun [uncount]

lure

[luә] verb [transitive] to persuade someone to do something by making it look very attractive: The campaign is designed to lure tourists back to the province. You hope your kids will not be lured into smoking. noun [count] 1 [usually singular] something that attracts someone to a situation they may wish they had avoided: the lure of Hollywood money 2 an object used for attracting fish or animals that you want to catch

prick

[prik] verb 1 [transitive] to make a very small hole in the surface of something with a sharp object: He pricked his finger and drew blood. Prick the sausages with a fork. 2 [intransitive or transitive] to cause or experience a guilty or embarrassed feeling, when you know you are doing something wrong: Her conscience pricked her. 3 [transitive] MAINLY LITERARY if tears prick your eyes, you feel as if you are going to cry: Sudden tears pricked Alex's eyes. 4 [intransitive or transitive] to experience a sharp stinging feeling or cause this feeling on someone's skin or eyes: Trickles of sweat pricked the back of her neck. prick (up) your ears 1 to start listening to something very carefully because it sounds interesting 2 if an animal pricks up its ears, it moves them upward in order to listen carefully noun [count] 1 a quick feeling of sharp pain, caused by a sharp object making a hole on your skin: He felt a tiny prick in his arm. 1a. a small hole made with something sharp: You can get some diseases from cuts or needle pricks. 2 OFFENSIVE an insulting word for a man that you think is stupid, rude, or unpleasant 3 IMPOLITE a man's PENIS 4 MAINLY LITERARY a small, sharp, unpleasant feeling or emotion: prick of: She felt a prick of resentment at having to ask him.

provoke

[prә'vәuk] verb [transitive] 1 to deliberately try to make someone angry: He's just trying to provoke you. provoke someone into doing something: She couldn't provoke him into arguing. 2 to cause a reaction, especially an angry one: provoke a reaction/response: The Senator's speech has provoked a furious reaction. provoke outrage/hostility: Her decision to leave her child provoked outrage.

pod

[pɒd] noun [count] 1 the long narrow part of a bean plant and similar plants that hold the seeds: pea pods chili pods 2 a small group of ocean animals, especially DOLPHINS or WHALES 3 the part of a space vehicle that can be separated from the main part verb 1 [transitive] to remove PEAS or beans from a pod 2 [intransitive] to produce pods

restorative

[ri'stɒrәtiv] adjective FORMAL making you feel strong, healthy, full of energy, or happy again: This herb has restorative properties. restorative surgery noun [count] FORMAL something that makes you feel strong, healthy, full of energy, or happy again: There is no restorative like bracing sea air.

psychology

[sai'kɒlәdʒi] noun [uncount] 1 the study of the mind and how it affects behavior: an expert in psychology 1a. the way that the mind affects behavior in a particular person or group of people: a book on the psychology of murderers 2 the ability to understand the way people think, that helps you to make people do what you want

squeal

[skwi:l] verb [intransitive] 1 to make a long high sound: Somewhere in the street tires were squealing. I could hear the girls squealing with delight. 2 INFORMAL to tell the police or someone in authority that someone has done something wrong or illegal noun [count] a squealing noise: a squeal of brakes/tires a squeal of laughter

smirk

[smә:k] verb [intransitive] to smile in an unpleasant way because something bad has happened to someone else, or because you think you have achieved an advantage over them noun [count]

shin

[ʃin] noun [count] the lower front part of your leg, between your knee and your ANKLE verb `shin up phrasal verb [transitive] BRITISH INFORMAL to SHINNY UP a tree, rope, etc.

amortize

[ә'mɒ:taiz] verb [transitive] BUSINESS to pay back money that you owe by making payments at regular times: The loan will be amortized over 25 years. amortization noun [count or uncount]

appurtenance

[ә'pә:tinәns] noun [usually pl.] (formal or humorous) a thing that forms a part of sth larger or more important

clean-cut

adjective a clean-cut man looks clean and neat

withdrawn

adjective very quiet and preferring not talk to other people: After his mother's death he became shy and withdrawn. A the past participle of withdraw

inured

adjective FORMAL so familiar with an unpleasant experience that you no longer become upset by it: be inured to something: We have become inured to the stinging insects here.

metallurgical

adjective see metallurgy