commodity
commodity: n. (pl. -ies.
1 Commerce an article or raw material that can be bought and sold, esp. a product as opposed to a service.
2 a useful thing. [ME f. OF commodit÷ or f. L commoditas (as COMMODE)]

cheater
cheater: n.
1 a person who cheats.
2 (in pl.) US sl. spectacles.

conscious
conscious: adj. & n. --adj.
1 awake and aware of one's surroundings and identity.
2 (usu. foll. by of, or that + clause) aware, knowing (conscious of his inferiority).
3 (of actions, emotions, etc.) realized or recognized by the doer; intentional (made a conscious effort not to laugh).
4 (in comb.) aware of; concerned with (appearance-conscious). --n. (prec. by the) the conscious mind. øøconsciously adv. [L conscius knowing with others or in oneself f. conscire (as com-, scire know)]

cable
cable: n. & v. --n.
1 a thick rope of wire or hemp.
2 an encased group of insulated wires for transmitting electricity or electrical signals.
3 a cablegram.
4 a Naut. the chain of an anchor. b a measure of 200 yards.
5 (in full cable stitch) a knitted stitch resembling twisted rope.
6 Archit. a rope-shaped ornament. --v.
1 a tr. transmit (a message) by cablegram. b tr. inform (a person) by cablegram. c intr. send a cablegram.
2 tr. furnish or fasten with a cable or cables.
3 Archit. tr. furnish with cables. øcable-ca.
1 a small cabin (often one of a series) suspended on an endless cable and drawn up and down a mountainside etc. by an engine at one end.
2 a carriage drawn along a cable railway. cable-laid (of rope) having three triple strands. cable railway a railway along which carriages are drawn by an endless cable. cable television a broadcasting system with signals transmitted by cable to subscribers' sets. [ME f. OF chable, ult. f. LL capulum halter f. Arab. habl]

confirmation
confirmation: n.
1 a the act or an instance of confirming; the state of being confirmed. b an instance of this.
2 a a religious rite confirming a baptized person, esp. at the age of discretion, as a member of the Christian Church. b a ceremony of confirming persons of about this age in the Jewish faith. [ME f. OF f. L confirmatio -onis (as confirm)]

church
church: n. & v. --n.
1 a building for public (usu. Christian) worship.
2 a meeting for public worship in such a building (go to church; met after church).
3 (Church) the body of all Christians.
4 (Church) the clergy or clerical profession (went into the Church).
5 (Church) an organized Christian group or society of any time, country, or distinct principles of worship (the primitive Church; Church of Scotland; High Church).
6 (Church) institutionalized religion as a political or social force (Church and State). --v.tr. bring (esp. a woman after childbirth) to church for a service of thanksgiving. øChurch Army an organization of the Church of England concerned with social welfare. Church Commissioners a body managing the finances of the Church of England. Church of England the English Church, recognized by the State and having the sovereign as its head. church school a school founded by or associated with the Church of England. [OE cirice, circe, etc. f. med. Gk kurikon f. Gk kuriakon (doma) Lord's (house) f. kurios Lord: cf. KIRK]

criticize
criticize: v.tr. (also -ise) (also absol..
1 find fault with; censure.
2 discuss critically. øøcriticizable adj. criticizer n.

constellation
constellation: n.
1 a group of fixed stars whose outline is traditionally regarded as forming a particular figure.
2 a group of associated persons, ideas, etc. [ME f. OF f. LL constellatio -onis (as com-, stella star)]

capitalist
capitalist: n. & adj. --n.
1 a person using or possessing capital; a rich person.
2 an advocate of capitalism. --adj. of or favouring capitalism. øøcapitalistic adj. capitalistically adv.

charitable
charitable: adj.
1 generous in giving to those in need.
2 of, relating to, or connected with a charity or charities.
3 apt to judge favourably of persons, acts, and motives. øøcharitableness n. charitably adv. [ME f. OF f. charit÷ CHARITY]

chandelier
chandelier: n. an ornamental branched hanging support for several candles or electric light bulbs. [F (chandelle f. as CANDLE)]

census
census: n. (pl. censuses) the official count of a population or of a class of things, often with various statistics noted. [L f. censere assess]

cardinal
cardinal: n. & adj. --n.
1 (as a title Cardinal) a leading dignitary of the RC Church, one of the college electing the Pope.
2 any small American songbird of the genus Richmondena, the males of which have scarlet plumage.
3 hist. a woman's cloak, orig. of scarlet cloth with a hood. --adj.
1 chief, fundamental; on which something hinges.
2 of deep scarlet (like a cardinal's cassock). øcardinal-flower the scarlet lobelia. cardinal humour see HUMOUR . cardinal numbers those denoting quantity (one, two, three, etc.), as opposed to ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.). cardinal points the four main points of the compass (N., S., E., W.). cardinal virtues the chief moral attributes: justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude. øøcardinalate n. (in sens.
1 of n.). cardinally adv. cardinalship n. (in sens.
1 of n.). [ME f. OF f. L cardinalis f. cardo -inis hinge: in Eng. first applied to the four virtues on which conduct 'hinges']

crossword
crossword: n. (also crossword puzzle) a puzzle of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally have to be filled from clues.

cabochon
cabochon: n. a gem polished but not faceted. ø en cabochon (of a gem) treated in this way. [F dimin. of caboche: see CABBAGE]

component
component: n. & adj. --n.
1 a part of a larger whole, esp. part of a motor vehicle.
2 Math. one of two or more vectors equivalent to a given vector. --adj. being part of a larger whole (assembled the component parts). øøcomponential adj. [L componere component- (as COM-, ponere put)]

crying
crying: attrib.adj. (of an injustice or other evil) flagrant, demanding redress (a crying need; a crying shame).

calla
calla: n.
1 (in full calla lily) = arum lily.
2 an aquatic plant, Calla palustris. [mod.L]

certain
certain: adj. & pron. --adj.
1 a (often foll. by of, or that + clause) confident, convinced (certain that I put it here). b (often foll. by that + clause) indisputable; known for sure (it is certain that he is guilty).
2 (often foll. by to + infin.) a that may be relied on to happen (it is certain to rain). b destined (certain to become a star).
3 definite, unfailing, reliable (a certain indication of the coming storm; his touch is certain).
4 (of a person, place, etc.) that might be specified, but is not (a certain lady; of a certain age).
5 some though not much (a certain reluctance).
6 (of a person, place, etc.) existing, though probably unknown to the reader or hearer (a certain John Smith). --pron. (as pl.) some but not all (certain of them were wounded). øfor certain without doubt. make certain = make sure (see SURE ). [ME f. OF ult. f. L certus settled]

composition
composition: n.
1 a the act of putting together; formation or construction. b something so composed; a mixture. c the constitution of such a mixture; the nature of its ingredients (the composition is two parts oil to one part vinegar).
2 a a literary or musical work. b the act or art of producing such a work. c an essay, esp. written by a schoolchild. d an artistic arrangement (of parts of a picture, subjects for a photograph, etc.).
3 mental constitution; character (jealousy is not in his composition).
4 (often attrib.) a compound artificial substance, esp. one serving the purpose of a natural one.
5 Printing the setting-up of type.
6 Gram. the formation of words into a compound word.
7 Law a a compromise, esp. a legal agreement to pay a sum in lieu of a larger sum, or other obligation (made a composition with his creditors). b a sum paid in this way.
8 Math. the combination of functions in a series. øøcompositional adj. compositionally adv. [ME f. OF, f. L compositio -onis (as COMPOSITE)]

concern
concern: v. & n. --v.tr.
1 a be relevant or important to (this concerns you). b relate to; be about.
2 (usu. refl.; often foll. by with, in, about, or to + infin.) interest or involve oneself (don't concern yourself with my problems).
3 worry, affect (it concerns me that he is always late). --n.
1 anxiety, worry (felt a deep concern).
2 a a matter of interest or importance to one (no concern of mine). b (usu. in pl.) affairs, private business (meddling in my concerns).
3 a business, a firm (quite a prosperous concern).
4 colloq. a complicated or awkward thing (have lost the whole concern). øhave a concern in have an interest or share in. have no concern with have nothing to do with. to whom it may concern to those who have a proper interest in the matter (as an address to the reader of a testimonial, reference, etc.). [F concerner or LL concernere (as com-, cernere sift, discern)]

catheter
catheter: n. Med. a tube for insertion into a body cavity for introducing or removing fluid. [LL f. Gk katheter f. kathiemi send down]

ceremony
ceremony: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a formal religious or public occasion, esp. celebrating a particular event or anniversary.
2 formalities, esp. of an empty or ritualistic kind (ceremony of exchanging compliments).
3 excessively polite behaviour (bowed low with great ceremony). øMaster of Ceremonie.
1 ( also MC) a person introducing speakers at a banquet, or entertainers in a variety show.
2 a person in charge of ceremonies at a state or public occasion. stand on ceremony insist on the observance of formalities. without ceremony informally. [ME f. OF ceremonie or L caerimonia religious worship]

confirmed
confirmed: adj. firmly settled in some habit or condition (confirmed in his ways; a confirmed bachelor).

calcium
calcium: n. a soft grey metallic element of the alkaline earth group occurring naturally in limestone, marble, chalk, etc., that is important in industry and essential for normal growth in living organisms. °Symb.: Ca. øcalcium carbide a greyish solid used in the production of acetylene. calcium carbonate a white insoluble solid occurring naturally as chalk, limestone, marble, and calcite, and used in the manufacture of lime and cement. calcium hydroxide a white crystalline powder used in the manufacture of plaster and cement; slaked lime. calcium oxide a white crystalline solid from which many calcium compounds are manufactured: also called QUICKLIME, CALX. calcium phosphate the main constituent of animal bones and used as bone ash fertilizer. calcium sulphate a white crystalline solid occurring as anhydrite and gypsum. [L CALX lime + -IUM]

citrus
citrus: n.
1 any tree of the genus Citrus, including citron, lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit.
2 (in full citrus fruit) a fruit from such a tree. øøcitrous adj. [L, = citron-tree or thuja]

circumstance
circumstance: n.
1 a a fact, occurrence, or condition, esp. (in pl.) the time, place, manner, cause, occasion etc., or surroundings of an act or event. b (in pl.) the external conditions that affect or might affect an action.
2 (often foll. by that + clause) an incident, occurrence, or fact, as needing consideration (the circumstance that he left early).
3 (in pl.) one's state of financial or material welfare (in reduced circumstances).
4 ceremony, fuss (pomp and circumstance).
5 full detail in a narrative (told it with much circumstance). øin (or under) the (or these) circumstances the state of affairs being what it is. in (or under) no circumstances not at all; never. øøcircumstanced adj. [ME f. OF circonstance or L circumstantia (as CIRCUM-, stantia f. sto stand)]

charlie
charlie: n. Brit. sl.
1 a fool.
2 (in pl.) a woman's breasts. [dimin. of the name Charles]

cement
cement: n. & v. --n.
1 a powdery substance made by calcining lime and clay, mixed with water to form mortar or used in concrete (see also Portland+cement ).
2 any similar substance that hardens and fastens on setting.
3 a uniting factor or principle.
4 a substance for filling cavities in teeth.
5 (also cementum) Anat. a thin layer of bony material that fixes teeth to the jaw. --v.tr.
1 a unite with or as with cement. b establish or strengthen (a friendship etc.).
2 apply cement to.
3 line or cover with cement. øcement-mixer a machine (usu. with a revolving drum) for mixing cement with water. øøcementer n. [ME f. OF ciment f. L caementum quarry stone f. caedere hew]

chrome
chrome: n.
1 chromium, esp. as plating.
2 (in full chrome yellow) a yellow pigment obtained from lead chromate. øchrome leather leather tanned with chromium salts. chrome-nickel (of stainless steel) containing chromium and nickel. chrome steel a hard fine-grained steel containing much chromium and used for tools etc. [F, = chromium, f. Gk khroma colour]

compliance
compliance: n.
1 the act or an instance of complying; obedience to a request, command, etc.
2 Mech. a the capacity to yield under an applied force. b the degree of such yielding.
3 unworthy acquiescence. øin compliance with according to (a wish, command, etc.).

contemporary
contemporary: adj. & n. --adj.
1 living or occurring at the same time.
2 approximately equal in age.
3 following modern ideas or fashion in style or design. --n. (pl. -ies.
1 a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another.
2 a person of roughly the same age as another. øøcontemporarily adv. contemporariness n. contemporarize v.tr. (also -ise). [med.L contemporarius (as contemporaneous)]

cancer
cancer: n.
1 a any malignant growth or tumour from an abnormal and uncontrolled division of body cells. b a disease caused by this.
2 an evil influence or corruption spreading uncontrollably.
3 (Cancer) a a constellation, traditionally regarded as contained in the figure of a crab. b the fourth sign of the zodiac (the Crab). c a person born when the sun is in this sign. øcancer stick sl. a cigarette. Tropic of Cancer see TROPIC . øøCancerian n. & adj. (in sense 3). cancerous adj. [ME f. L, = crab, cancer, after Gk karkinos]

cartilage
cartilage: n. gristle, a firm flexible connective tissue forming the infant skeleton, which is mainly replaced by bone in adulthood. øøcartilaginoid adj. cartilaginous adj. [F f. L cartilago -ginis]

clumsy
clumsy: adj. (clumsier, clumsiest.
1 awkward in movement or shape; ungainly.
2 difficult to handle or use.
3 tactless. øøclumsily adv. clumsiness n. [obs. clumse be numb with cold (prob. f. Scand.)]

cosmopolitan
cosmopolitan: adj. & n. --adj.
1 a of or from or knowing many parts of the world. b consisting of people from many or all parts.
2 free from national limitations or prejudices.
3 Ecol. (of a plant, animal, etc.) widely distributed. --n.
1 a cosmopolitan person.
2 Ecol. a widely distributed animal or plant. øøcosmopolitanism n. cosmopolitanize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). [COSMOPOLITE + -AN]

cactus
cactus: n. (pl. cacti or cactuses) any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae, with a thick fleshy stem, usu. spines but no leaves, and brilliantly coloured flowers. øcactus dahlia any kind of dahlia with quilled petals resembling a cactus flower. øøcactaceous adj. [L f. Gk kaktos cardoon]

competent
competent: adj.
1 a (usu. foll. by to + infin. or for) or adequately qualified or capable (not competent to drive). b effective (a competent batsman).
2 Law (of a judge, court, or witness) legally qualified or qualifying. øøcompetently adv. [ME f. OF competent or L competent- (as COMPETE)]

ceramics
ceramics: n.pl.
1 ceramic products collectively (exhibition of ceramics).
2 (usu. treated as sing.) the art of making ceramic articles.

charcoal
charcoal: n.
1 a an amorphous form of carbon consisting of a porous black residue from partially burnt wood, bones, etc. b (usu. in pl.) a piece of this used for drawing.
2 a drawing in charcoal.
3 (in full charcoal grey) a dark grey colour. øcharcoal biscuit a biscuit containing wood-charcoal to aid digestion. [ME COAL = charcoal: first element perh. chare turn (cf. CHAR(1), CHAR(2))]

chicken
chicken: n., adj., & v. --n. (pl. same or chickens.
1 a young bird of a domestic fowl.
2 a a domestic fowl prepared as food. b its flesh.
3 a youthful person (usu.with neg. : is no chicken).
4 colloq. a children's pastime testing courage, usu. recklessly. --adj. colloq. cowardly. --v.intr. (foll. by out) colloq. withdraw from or fail in some activity through fear or lack of nerve. øchicken-and-egg problem (or dilemma etc.) the unresolved question as to which of two things caused the other. chicken brick an earthenware container in two halves for roasting a chicken in its own juices. chicken cholera see CHOLERA . chicken-fee.
1 food for poultry.
2 colloq. an unimportant amount, esp. of money. chicken-hearted (or -livered) easily frightened; lacking nerve or courage. chicken-wire a light wire netting with a hexagonal mesh. [OE cicen, cycen f. Gmc]

cooperation
cooperation: n. (also co-operation.
1 working together to the same end.
2 Econ. the formation and operation of cooperatives. [ME f. L cooperatio (as COOPERATE): partly through F coop÷ration]

colloquial
colloquial: adj. belonging to or proper to ordinary or familiar conversation, not formal or literary. øøcolloquially adv. [L colloquium COLLOQUY]

controller
controller: n.
1 a person or thing that controls.
2 a person in charge of expenditure, esp. a steward or comptroller. øøcontrollership n. [ME counterroller f. AF contrerollour (as CONTROL)]

correspondence
correspondence: n.
1 (usu. foll. by with, to, between) agreement, similarity, or harmony.
2 a communication by letters. b letters sent or received. øcorrespondence college (or school) a college conducting correspondence courses. correspondence column the part of a newspaper etc. that contains letters from readers. correspondence course a course of study conducted by post. [ME f. OF f. med.L correspondentia (as CORRESPOND)]

criticism
criticism: n.
1 a finding fault; censure. b a statement or remark expressing this.
2 a the work of a critic. b an article, essay, etc., expressing or containing an analytical evaluation of something. øthe higher criticism criticism dealing with the origin and character etc. of texts, esp. of Biblical writings. the lower criticism textual criticism of the Bible. [CRITIC or L criticus + -ISM]

clop
clop: n. & v. --n. the sound made by a horse's hooves. --v.intr. (clopped, clopping) make this sound. [imit.]

conditional
conditional: adj. & n. --adj.
1 (often foll. by on) dependent; not absolute; containing a condition or stipulation (a conditional offer).
2 Gram. (of a clause, mood, etc.) expressing a condition. --n. Gram.
1 a conditional clause etc.
2 the conditional mood. øconditional discharge Law an order made by a criminal court whereby an offender will not be sentenced for an offence unless a further offence is committed within a stated period. øøconditionality n. conditionally adv. [ME f. OF condicionel or f. LL conditionalis (as condition)]

client
client: n.
1 a person using the services of a lawyer, architect, social worker, or other professional person.
2 a customer.
3 Rom.Hist. a plebeian under the protection of a patrician.
4 archaic a dependant or hanger-on. øøclientship n. [ME f. L cliens -entis f. cluere hear, obey]

calciferous
calciferous: adj. yielding calcium salts, esp. calcium carbonate. [L CALX lime + -FEROUS]

cradle
cradle: n. & v. --n.
1 a a child's bed or cot, esp. one mounted on rockers. b a place in which a thing begins, esp. a civilization etc., or is nurtured in its infancy (cradle of choral singing; cradle of democracy).
2 a framework resembling a cradle, esp.: a that on which a ship, a boat, etc., rests during construction or repairs. b that on which a worker is suspended to work on a ceiling, a ship, the vertical side of a building, etc. c the part of a telephone on which the receiver rests when not in use. --v.tr.
1 contain or shelter as if in a cradle (cradled his head in her arms).
2 place in a cradle. øcradle-snatcher sl. a person amorously attached to a much younger person. cradle-song a lullaby. from the cradle from infancy. from the cradle to the grave from infancy till death (esp. of State welfare). [OE cradol, perh. rel. to OHG kratto basket]

choose
choose: v. (past chose; past part. chosen.
1 tr. select out of a greater number.
2 intr. (usu. foll. by between, from) take or select one or another.
3 tr. (usu. foll. by to + infin.) decide, be determined (chose to stay behind).
4 tr. (foll. by complement) select as (was chosen king).
5 tr. Theol. (esp. as chosen adj.) destine to be saved (God's chosen people). øcannot choose but archaic must. nothing (or little) to choose between them they are equivalent. øøchooser n. [OE ceosan f. Gmc]

campaign
campaign: n. & v. --n.
1 an organized course of action for a particular purpose, esp. to arouse public interest (e.g. before a political election).
2 a a series of military operations in a definite area or to achieve a particular objective. b military service in the field (on campaign). --v.intr. conduct or take part in a campaign. øøcampaigner n. [F campagne open country f. It. campagna f. LL campania]

chairman
chairman: n. (pl. -men; fem. chairwoman, pl. -women.
1 a person chosen to preside over a meeting.
2 the permanent president of a committee, a board of directors, a firm, etc.
3 the master of ceremonies at an entertainment etc.
4 hist. either of two sedan-bearers. øøchairmanship n.

contestant
contestant: n. a person who takes part in a contest or competition.

caiman
caiman: var. of CAYMAN.

cafeteria
cafeteria: n. a restaurant in which customers collect their meals on trays at a counter and usu. pay before sitting down to eat. [Amer. Sp. cafeterÂa coffee-shop]

cichlid
cichlid: n. any tropical freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae, esp. the kinds kept in aquariums. [mod.L Cichlidae f. Gk kikhle a kind of fish]

cartridge
cartridge: n.
1 a case containing a charge of propelling explosive for firearms or blasting, with a bullet or shot if for small arms.
2 a spool of film, magnetic tape, etc., in a sealed container ready for insertion.
3 a component carrying the stylus on the pick-up head of a record-player.
4 an ink-container for insertion in a pen. øcartridge-belt a belt with pockets or loops for cartridges (in sense 1). cartridge paper thick rough paper used for cartridges, for drawing, and for strong envelopes. [corrupt. of CARTOUCHE (but recorded earlier)]

creature
creature: n.
1 a an animal, as distinct from a human being. b any living being (we are all God's creatures).
2 a person of a specified kind (poor creature).
3 a person owing status to and obsequiously subservient to another.
4 anything created; a creation. øcreature comforts material comforts such as good food, warmth, etc. creature of habit a person set in an unvarying routine. øøcreaturely adj. [ME f. OF f. LL creatura (as CREATE)]

chemical
chemical: adj. & n. --adj. of, made by, or employing chemistry or chemicals. --n. a substance obtained or used in chemistry. øchemical bond the force holding atoms together in a molecule or crystal. chemical engineer one engaged in chemical engineering, esp. professionally. chemical engineering the design, manufacture, and operation of industrial chemical plants. chemical reaction a process that involves change in the structure of atoms, molecules, or ions. chemical warfare warfare using poison gas and other chemicals. fine chemicals chemicals of high purity usu. used in small amounts. heavy chemicals bulk chemicals used in industry and agriculture. øøchemically adv. [chemic alchemic f. F chimique or mod.L chimicus, chymicus, f. med.L alchymicus: see ALCHEMY]

chain
chain: n. & v. --n.
1 a a connected flexible series of esp. metal links as decoration or for a practical purpose. b something resembling this (formed a human chain).
2 (in pl.) a fetters used to confine prisoners. b any restraining force.
3 a sequence, series, or set (chain of events; mountain chain).
4 a group of associated hotels, shops, newspapers, etc.
5 a badge of office in the form of a chain worn round the neck (mayoral chain).
6 a a jointed measuring-line consisting of linked metal rods. b its length (66 ft.).
7 Chem. a group of (esp. carbon) atoms bonded in sequence in a molecule.
8 a figure in a quadrille or similar dance.
9 (in pl.) Naut. channels (see CHANNEL(2) )). 10 (also chain-shot) hist. two cannon-balls or half balls joined by a chain and used in sea battles for bringing down a mast etc. --v.tr.
1 (often foll. by up) secure or confine with a chain.
2 confine or restrict (a person) (is chained to the office). øchain-armour armour made of interlaced rings. chain bridge a suspension bridge on chains. chain drive a system of transmission by endless chains. chain-gang a team of convicts chained together and forced to work in the open air. chain-gear a gear transmitting motion by means of an endless chain. chain-letter one of a sequence of letters the recipient of which is requested to send copies to a specific number of other people. chain-link made of wire in a diamond-shaped mesh (chain-link fencing). chain-mail = chain-armour. chain reactio.
1 Physics a self-sustaining nuclear reaction, esp. one in which a neutron from a fission reaction initiates a series of these reactions.
2 Chem. a self-sustaining molecular reaction in which intermediate products initiate further reactions.
3 a series of events, each caused by the previous one. chain-saw a motor-driven saw with teeth on an endless chain. chain-smoker a person who smokes continually, esp. one who lights a cigarette etc. from the stub of the last one smoked. chain-stitch an ornamental embroidery or crochet stitch resembling chains. chain store one of a series of shops owned by one firm and selling the same sort of goods. chain-wale = CHANNEL(2). chain-wheel a wheel transmitting power by a chain fitted to its edges. [ME f. OF cha(e)ine f. L catena]

catalyst
catalyst: n.
1 Chem. a substance that, without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change, increases the rate of a reaction.
2 a person or thing that precipitates a change. [as CATALYSIS after analyst]

cheerful
cheerful: adj.
1 in good spirits, noticeably happy (a cheerful disposition).
2 bright, pleasant (a cheerful room).
3 willing, not reluctant. øøcheerfully adv. cheerfulness n.

chemist
chemist: n.
1 Brit. a a dealer in medicinal drugs, usu. also selling other medical goods and toiletries. b an authorized dispenser of medicines.
2 a person practising or trained in chemistry. [earlier chymist f. F chimiste f. mod.L chimista f. alchimista ALCHEMIST (see ALCHEMY )]

central
central: adj.
1 of, at, or forming the centre.
2 from the centre.
3 chief, essential, most important. øCentral America the isthmus joining North and South America. central bank a national bank issuing currency etc. central heating a method of warming a building by pipes, radiators, etc., fed from a central source of heat. central nervous system Anat. the complex of nerve tissues that controls the activities of the body, in vertebrates the brain and spinal cord. central processor (or processing unit) the principal operating part of a computer. øøcentrality n. centrally adv. [F central or L centralis f. centrum CENTRE]

concord
concord: n.
1 agreement or harmony between people or things.
2 a treaty.
3 Mus. a chord that is pleasing or satisfactory in itself.
4 Gram. agreement between words in gender, number, etc. [ME f. OF concorde f. L concordia f. concors of one mind (as com-, cors f. cor cordis heart)]

concrete
concrete: adj., n., & v. --adj.
1 a existing in a material form; real. b specific, definite (concrete evidence; a concrete proposal).
2 Gram. (of a noun) denoting a material object as opposed to an abstract quality, state, or action. --n. (often attrib.) a composition of gravel, sand, cement, and water, used for building. --v.
1 tr. a cover with concrete. b embed in concrete.
2 a tr. & intr. form into a mass; solidify. b tr. make concrete instead of abstract. øconcrete-mixer a machine, usu. with a revolving drum, used for mixing concrete. concrete music music constructed by mixing recorded sounds. concrete poetry poetry using unusual typographical layout to enhance the effect on the page. in the concrete in reality or in practice. øøconcretely adv. concreteness n. [F concret or L concretus past part. of concrescere (as com-, crescere cret- grow)]

computer
computer: n.
1 a usu. electronic device for storing and processing data (usu. in binary form), according to instructions given to it in a variable program.
2 a person who computes or makes calculations. øcomputer-literate able to use computers; familiar with the operation of computers. computer science the study of the principles and use of computers. computer virus a hidden code within a computer program intended to corrupt a system or destroy data stored in it.

catching
catching: adj.
1 a (of a disease) infectious. b (of a practice, habit, etc.) likely to be imitated.
2 attractive; captivating.

compensation
compensation: n.
1 a the act of compensating. b the process of being compensated.
2 something, esp. money, given as a recompense.
3 Psychol. a an act of compensating. b the result of compensating.
4 US a salary or wages. øcompensation pendulum Physics a pendulum designed to neutralize the effects of temperature variation. øøcompensational adj. [ME f. OF f. L compensatio (as COMPENSATE)]

corduroy
corduroy: n.
1 a thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs.
2 (in pl.) corduroy trousers. øcorduroy road a road made of tree-trunks laid across a swamp. [18th c.: prob. f. CORD ribbed fabric + obs. duroy coarse woollen fabric]

classical
classical: adj.
1 a of ancient Greek or Latin literature or art. b (of language) having the form used by the ancient standard authors (classical Latin; classical Hebrew). c based on the study of ancient Greek and Latin (a classical education). d learned in classical studies.
2 a (of music) serious or conventional; following traditional principles and intended to be of permanent rather than ephemeral value (cf. POPULAR, LIGHT). b of the period from c.1750-1800 (cf. ROMANTIC).
3 a in or following the restrained style of classical antiquity (cf. ROMANTIC). b in or relating to a long-established style.
4 Physics relating to the concepts which preceded relativity and quantum theory. øøclassicalism n. classicalist n. classicality n. classically adv. [L classicus (as CLASSIC)]

collar
collar: n. & v. --n.
1 the part of a shirt, dress, coat, etc., that goes round the neck, either upright or turned over.
2 a band of linen, lace, etc., completing the upper part of a costume.
3 a band of leather or other material put round an animal's (esp. a dog's) neck.
4 a restraining or connecting band, ring, or pipe in machinery.
5 a coloured marking resembling a collar round the neck of a bird or animal.
6 Brit. a piece of meat rolled up and tied. --v.tr.
1 seize (a person) by the collar or neck.
2 capture, apprehend.
3 colloq. accost.
4 sl. take, esp. illicitly. øcollar-beam a horizontal beam connecting two rafters and forming with them an A-shaped roof-truss. collar-bone either of two bones joining the breastbone and the shoulder-blades. collared dove a dove, Streptopelia decaoto, having distinct neck-markings. øøcollared adj. (also in comb.). collarless adj. [ME f. AF coler, OF colier, f. L collare f. collum neck]

capacitor
capacitor: n. Electr. a device of one or more pairs of conductors separated by insulators used to store an electric charge.

camouflage
camouflage: n. & v. --n.
1 a the disguising of military vehicles, aircraft, ships, artillery, and installations by painting them or covering them to make them blend with their surroundings. b such a disguise.
2 the natural colouring of an animal which enables it to blend in with its surroundings.
3 a misleading or evasive precaution or expedient. --v.tr. hide or disguise by means of camouflage. [F f. camoufler disguise f. It. camuffare disguise, deceive]

cousin
cousin: n.
1 (also first cousin, cousin-german) the child of one's uncle or aunt.
2 (usu. in pl.) applied to the people of kindred races or nations (our American cousins).
3 hist. a title formerly used by a sovereign in addressing another sovereign or a noble of his or her own country. øsecond cousin a child of one's parent's first cousin. øøcousinhood n. cousinly adj. cousinship n. [ME f. OF cosin, cusin, f. L consobrinus mother's sister's child]

control
control: n. & v. --n.
1 the power of directing, command (under the control of).
2 the power of restraining, esp. self-restraint.
3 a means of restraint; a check.
4 (usu. in pl.) a means of regulating prices etc.
5 (usu. in pl.) switches and other devices by which a machine, esp. an aircraft or vehicle, is controlled (also attrib. : control panel; control room).
6 a a place where something is controlled or verified. b a person or group that controls something.
7 a standard of comparison for checking the results of a survey or experiment. --v.tr. (controlled, controlling.
1 have control or command of; dominate.
2 exert control over; regulate.
3 hold in check; restrain (told him to control himself).
4 serve as control to.
5 check, verify. øcontrolling interest a means of determining the policy of a business etc., esp. by ownership of a majority of the stock. control rod a rod of neutron-absorbing material used to vary the output power of a nuclear reactor. control tower a tall building at an airport etc. from which air traffic is controlled. in control (often foll. by of) directing an activity. out of control no longer subject to containment, restraint, or guidance. under control being controlled; in order. øøcontrollable adj. controllability n. controllably adv. [ME f. AF contreroller keep a copy of a roll of accounts, f. med.L contrarotulare (as CONTRA-, rotulus ROLL n.): (n.) perh. f. F contrõle]

cinnamon
cinnamon: n.
1 an aromatic spice from the peeled, dried, and rolled bark of a SE Asian tree.
2 any tree of the genus Cinnamomum, esp. C. zeylanicum yielding the spice.
3 yellowish-brown. [ME f. OF cinnamome f. L cinnamomum f. Gk kinnamomon, and L cinnamon f. Gk kinnamon, f. Semitic (cf. Heb. kinnamõn)]

cathedral
cathedral: n. the principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's throne. øcathedral city a city in which there is a cathedral. [ME (as adj.) f. OF cathedral or f. LL cathedralis f. L f. Gk kathedra seat]

crossing
crossing: n.
1 a place where things (esp. roads) cross.
2 a place at which one may cross a street etc. (pedestrian crossing).
3 a journey across water (had a smooth crossing).
4 the intersection of a church nave and transepts.
5 Biol. mating. øcrossing over Biol. an exchange of genes between homologous chromosomes (cf. RECOMBINATION).

chiropractic
chiropractic: n. the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of mechanical disorders of the joints, esp. of the spinal column. øøchiropractor n. [CHIRO- + Gk praktikos: see PRACTICAL]

cavity
cavity: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a hollow within a solid body.
2 a decayed part of a tooth. øcavity wall a wall formed from two skins of brick or blockwork with a space between. [F cavit÷ or LL cavitas f. L cavus hollow]

canyon
canyon: n. (also caÄon) a deep gorge, often with a stream or river. [Sp. caÄ×n tube, ult. f. L canna CANE]

create
create: v.
1 tr. a (of natural or historical forces) bring into existence; cause (poverty creates resentment). b (of a person or persons) make or cause (create a diversion; create a good impression).
2 tr. originate (an actor creates a part).
3 tr. invest (a person) with a rank (created him a lord).
4 intr. sl. Brit. make a fuss; grumble. øøcreatable adj. [ME f. L creare]

circumference
circumference: n.
1 the enclosing boundary, esp. of a circle or other figure enclosed by a curve.
2 the distance round. øøcircumferential adj. circumferentially adv. [ME f. OF circonference f. L circumferentia (as CIRCUM-, ferre bear)]

coarse
coarse: adj.
1 a rough or loose in texture or grain; made of large particles. b (of a person's features) rough or large.
2 lacking refinement or delicacy; crude, obscene (coarse humour).
3 rude, uncivil.
4 inferior, common. øcoarse fish Brit. any freshwater fish other than salmon and trout. øøcoarsely adv. coarseness n. coarsish adj. [ME: orig. unkn.]

coating
coating: n.
1 a thin layer or covering of paint etc.
2 material for making coats.

creak
creak: n. & v. --n. a harsh scraping or squeaking sound. --v.intr.
1 make a creak.
2 a move with a creaking noise. b move stiffly and awkwardly. c show weakness or frailty under strain. øøcreakingly adv. [ME, imit.: cf. CRAKE, CROAK]

casino
casino: n. (pl. -os) a public room or building for gambling. [It., dimin. of casa house f. L casa cottage]

chance
chance: n., adj., & v. --n.
1 a a possibility (just a chance we will catch the train). b (often in pl.) probability (the chances are against it).
2 a risk (have to take a chance).
3 a an undesigned occurrence (just a chance that they met). b the absence of design or discoverable cause (here merely because of chance).
4 an opportunity (didn't have a chance to speak to him).
5 the way things happen; fortune; luck (we'll just leave it to chance).
6 (often Chance) the course of events regarded as a power; fate (blind Chance rules the universe).
7 Cricket an opportunity for dismissing a batsman. --adj. fortuitous, accidental (a chance meeting). --v.
1 tr. colloq. risk (we'll chance it and go).
2 intr. (often foll. by that + clause, or to + infin.) happen without intention (it chanced that I found it; I chanced to find it). øby any chance as it happens; perhaps. by chance without design; unintentionally. chance one's arm make an attempt though unlikely to succeed. chance on (or upon) happen to find, meet, etc. game of chance a game decided by luck, not skill. the off chance the slight possibility. on the chance (often foll. by of, or that + clause) in view of the possibility. stand a chance have a prospect of success etc. take a chance (or chances) behave riskily; risk failure. take a (or one's) chance on (or with) consent to take the consequences of; trust to luck. [ME f. AF ch(e)aunce, OF chêance chêoir fall ult. f. L cadere]

crunch
crunch: v. & n. --v.
1 tr. a crush noisily with the teeth. b grind (gravel, dry snow, etc.) under foot, wheels, etc.
2 intr. (often foll. by up, through) make a crunching sound in walking, moving, etc. --n.
1 crunching; a crunching sound.
2 colloq. a decisive event or moment. [earlier cra(u)nch, assim. to munch]

carry
carry: v. & n. --v. (-ies, -ied.
1 tr. support or hold up, esp. while moving.
2 tr. convey with one from one place to another.
3 tr. have on one's person (carry a watch).
4 tr. conduct or transmit (pipe carries water; wire carries electric current).
5 tr. take (a process etc.) to a specified point (carry into effect; carry a joke too far).
6 tr. (foll. by to) continue or prolong (carry modesty to excess).
7 tr. involve, imply; have as a feature or consequence (carries a two-year guarantee; principles carry consequences).
8 tr. (in reckoning) transfer (a figure) to a column of higher value.
9 tr. hold in a specified way (carry oneself erect). 10 tr. a (of a newspaper or magazine) publish; include in its contents, esp. regularly. b (of a radio or television station) broadcast, esp. regularly. 11 tr. (of a retailing outlet) keep a regular stock of (particular goods for sale) (have stopped carrying that brand). 12 intr. a (of sound, esp. a voice) be audible at a distance. b (of a missile) travel, penetrate. 13 tr. (of a gun etc.) propel to a specified distance. 14 tr. a win victory or acceptance for (a proposal etc.). b win acceptance from (carried the audience with them). c win, capture (a prize, a fortress, etc.). d US gain (a State or district) in an election. e Golf cause the ball to pass beyond (a bunker etc.). 15 tr. a endure the weight of; support (columns carry the dome). b be the chief cause of the effectiveness of; be the driving force in (you carry the sales department). 16 tr. be pregnant with (is carrying twins). 17 tr. a (of a motive, money, etc.) cause or enable (a person) to go to a specified place. b (of a journey) bring (a person) to a specified point. --n. (pl. -ies.
1 an act of carrying.
2 Golf the distance a ball travels before reaching the ground.
3 a portage between rivers etc.
4 the range of a gun etc. øcarry-al.
1 a light carriage (cf. CARRIOLE).
2 US a car with seats placed sideways.
3 US a large bag or case. carry all before one succeed; overcome all opposition. carry awa.
1 remove.
2 inspire; affect emotionally or spiritually.
3 deprive of self-control (got carried away).
4 Naut. a lose (a mast etc.) by breakage. b break off or away. carry back take (a person) back in thought to a past time. carry one's bat Cricket be not out at the end of a side's completed innings. carry the can colloq. bear the responsibility or blame. carry conviction be convincing. carry-cot a portable cot for a baby. carry the day be victorious or successful. carry forward transfer to a new page or account. carrying-on (or carryings-on) = carry-on. carrying-trade the conveying of goods from one country to another by water or air as a business. carry it off (or carry it off well) do well under difficulties. carry of.
1 take away, esp. by force.
2 win (a prize).
3 (esp. of a disease) kill.
4 render acceptable or passable. carry o.
1 continue (carry on eating; carry on, don't mind me).
2 engage in (a conversation or a business).
3 colloq. behave strangely or excitedly.
4 (often foll. by with) colloq. flirt or have a love affair.
5 advance (a process) by a stage. carry-on n. Brit. sl.
1 a state of excitement or fuss.
2 a questionable piece of behaviour.
3 a flirtation or love affair. carry out put (ideas, instructions, etc.) into practice. carry-out attrib.adj. & n. esp. Sc. & US = take-away. carry ove.
1 = carry forward.
2 postpone (work etc.).
3 Stock Exch. keep over to the next settling-day. carry-over n.
1 something carried over.
2 Stock Exch. postponement to the next settling-day. carry throug.
1 complete successfully.
2 bring safely out of difficulties. carry weight be influential or important. carry with one bear in mind. [ME f. AF & ONF carier (as CAR)]

cardiovascular
cardiovascular: adj. of or relating to the heart and blood vessels.

commute
commute: v.
1 intr. travel to and from one's daily work, usu. in a city, esp. by car or train.
2 tr. Law (usu. foll. by to) change (a judicial sentence etc.) to another less severe.
3 tr. (often foll. by into, for) a change (one kind of payment) for another. b make a payment etc. to change (an obligation etc.) for another.
4 tr. a exchange; interchange (two things). b change (to another thing).
5 tr. Electr. commutate.
6 intr. Math. have a commutative relation.
7 intr. US buy and use a season ticket. [L commutare commutat- (as COM-, mutare change)]

cystic
cystic: adj.
1 of the urinary bladder.
2 of the gall-bladder.
3 of the nature of a cyst. øcystic fibrosis Med. a hereditary disease affecting the exocrine glands and usu. resulting in respiratory infections. [F cystique or mod.L cysticus (as CYST)]

canterbury
canterbury: n. (pl. -ies) a piece of furniture with partitions for holding music etc. [Canterbury in Kent]

carbohydrate
carbohydrate: n. Biochem. any of a large group of energy-producing organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, e.g. starch, glucose, and other sugars.

cuckoo
cuckoo: n. & adj. --n. any bird of the family Cuculidae, esp. Cuculus canorus, having a characteristic cry, and depositing its eggs in the nests of small birds. --predic.adj. sl. crazy, foolish. øcuckoo clock a clock that strikes the hour with a sound like a cuckoo's call, usu. with the emergence on each note of a mechanical cuckoo. cuckoo flowe.
1 a meadow plant, Cardamine pratensis, with pale lilac flowers.
2 = ragged robin. cuckoo in the nest an unwelcome intruder. cuckoo-pint a wild arum, Arum maculatum, with arrow-shaped leaves and scarlet berries: also called lords and ladies (see LORD ). cuckoo-spit froth exuded by larvae of insects of the family Cercopidae on leaves, stems, etc. [ME f. OF cucu, imit.]

caduceus
caduceus: n. (pl. caducei) an Ancient Greek or Roman herald's wand, esp. as carried by the messenger-god Hermes or Mercury. [L f. Doric Gk karuk(e)ion f. kerux herald]

currency
currency: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a the money in general use in a country. b any other commodity used as a medium of exchange.
2 the condition of being current; prevalence (e.g. of words or ideas).
3 the time during which something is current.

catalytic
catalytic: adj. Chem. relating to or involving catalysis. øcatalytic converter a device incorporated in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle, with a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into harmless products. catalytic cracker a device for cracking (see CRACK v. 9) petroleum oils by catalysis.

cellar
cellar: n. & v. --n.
1 a room below ground level in a house, used for storage, esp. of wine or coal.
2 a stock of wine in a cellar (has a good cellar). --v.tr. store or put in a cellar. [ME f. AF celer, OF celier f. LL cellarium storehouse]

community
community: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a all the people living in a specific locality. b a specific locality, including its inhabitants.
2 a body of people having a religion, a profession, etc., in common (the immigrant community).
3 fellowship of interests etc.; similarity (community of intellect).
4 a monastic, socialistic, etc. body practising common ownership.
5 joint ownership or liability (community of goods).
6 (prec. by the) the public.
7 a body of nations unified by common interests.
8 Ecol. a group of animals or plants living or growing together in the same area. øcommunity centre a place providing social etc. facilities for a neighbourhood. community charge (in the UK) a tax levied locally on every adult in a community. community chest US a fund for charity and welfare work in a community. community home Brit. a centre for housing young offenders and other juveniles in need of custodial care. community service order an order for a convicted offender to perform a period of unpaid work in the community. community singing singing by a large crowd or group, esp. of old popular songs or hymns. community spirit a feeling of belonging to a community, expressed in mutual support etc. [ME f. OF comunet÷ f. L communitas -tatis (as COMMON)]

collage
collage: n.
1 a form of art in which various materials (e.g. photographs, pieces of paper, matchsticks) are arranged and glued to a backing.
2 a work of art done in this way.
3 a collection of unrelated things. øøcollagist n. [F, = gluing]

cypress
cypress: n.
1 any coniferous tree of the genus Cupressus or Chamaecyparis, with hard wood and dark foliage.
2 this, or branches from it, as a symbol of mourning. [ME f. OF cipres f. LL cypressus f. Gk kuparissos]

calculate
calculate: v.
1 tr. ascertain or determine beforehand, esp. by mathematics or by reckoning.
2 tr. plan deliberately.
3 intr. (foll. by on, upon) rely on; make an essential part of one's reckoning (calculated on a quick response).
4 tr. US colloq. suppose, believe. øøcalculative adj. [LL calculare (as CALCULUS)]

catamaran
catamaran: n.
1 a boat with twin hulls in parallel.
2 a raft of yoked logs or boats.
3 colloq. a quarrelsome woman. [Tamil kattumaram tied wood]

comedy
comedy: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a a play, film, etc., of an amusing or satirical character, usu. with a happy ending. b the dramatic genre consisting of works of this kind (she excels in comedy) (cf. TRAGEDY).
2 an amusing or farcical incident or series of incidents in everyday life.
3 humour, esp. in a work of art etc. øcomedy of manners see MANNER . øøcomedic adj. [ME f. OF comedie f. L comoedia f. Gk komoidia f. komoidos comic poet f. komos revel]

cheeseburger
cheeseburger: n. a hamburger with cheese in or on it.

candidate
candidate: n.
1 a person who seeks or is nominated for an office, award, etc.
2 a person or thing likely to gain some distinction or position.
3 a person entered for an examination. øøcandidacy n. candidature n. Brit. [F candidat or L candidatus white-robed (Roman candidates wearing white)]