Definitions & Meanings - English Dictionary

pert / p'ɜː r t / 1 [ADJ] If someone describes a young woman as pert , they mean that they like her because she is lively and not afraid to say what she thinks. This use could cause offence. ...a pert redhead in uniform. ...pert replies by servant girls. 2 [ADJ] If you say that someone has, for example, a pert bottom or nose, you mean that it is quite small and neat, and you think it is attractive.

per|tain / pə r t'eɪn / (pertains pertaining pertained) [VERB] V to n If one thing pertains to another, it relates, belongs, or applies to it. (FORMAL) ...matters pertaining to naval district defense.

per|ti|na|cious / p'ɜː r tɪn'eɪʃəs / [ADJ] Someone who is pertinacious continues trying to do something difficult rather than giving up quickly. (FORMAL)

per|ti|nent / p'ɜː r tɪnənt / [ADJ] oft ADJ to n Something that is pertinent is relevant to a particular subject. (FORMAL) She had asked some pertinent questions... ...knowledge and skills pertinent to classroom teaching.

per|turb / pə r t'ɜː r b / (perturbs perturbing perturbed) [VERB] V n If something perturbs you, it worries you quite a lot. (FORMAL) What perturbs me is that magazine articles are so much shorter nowadays. see also perturbed

per|tur|ba|tion / p'ɜː r tə r b'eɪʃ ə n / (perturbations) 1 [N-VAR] A perturbation is a small change in the movement, quality, or behaviour of something, especially an unusual change. (TECHNICAL) ...perturbations in Jupiter's gravitational field. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Perturbation is worry caused by some event. (FORMAL) This message caused perturbation in the Middle East Headquarters. = alarm

per|turbed / pə r t'ɜː r bd / [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ by/at n, ADJ that If someone is perturbed by something, they are worried by it. (FORMAL) He apparently was not perturbed by the prospect of a policeman coming to call... = alarmed

per|tus|sis / pə r t'ʌsɪs / [N-UNCOUNT] Pertussis is the medical term for whooping cough .

pe|rus|al / pər'uːz ə l / [N-UNCOUNT] also a N Perusal of something such as a letter, article, or document is the action of reading it. (FORMAL) Peter Cooke undertook to send each of us a sample contract for perusal...

pe|ruse / pə r 'uːz / (peruses perusing perused) [VERB] V n If you peruse something such as a letter, article, or document, you read it. (FORMAL) We perused the company's financial statements for the past five years...

per|vade / pə r v'eɪd / (pervades pervading pervaded) [VERB] V n, V-ing If something pervades a place or thing, it is a noticeable feature throughout it. (FORMAL) The smell of sawdust and glue pervaded the factory... Throughout the book there is a pervading sense of menace.

per|va|sive / pə r v'eɪsɪv / [ADJ] Something, especially something bad, that is pervasive is present or felt throughout a place or thing. (FORMAL) ...the pervasive influence of the army in national life... ● pervasiveness [N-UNCOUNT] ...the pervasiveness of computer technology.

per|verse / pə r v'ɜː r s / [ADJ] oft it v-link ADJ to-inf Someone who is perverse deliberately does things that are unreasonable or that result in harm for themselves. It would be perverse to stop this healthy trend... In some perverse way the ill-matched partners do actually need each other. ● perversely [ADV] usu ADV with v She was perversely pleased to be causing trouble...

per|ver|sion / pə r v'ɜː r ʃ ə n, -ʒ ə n / (perversions) 1 [N-VAR] You can refer to a sexual desire or action that you consider to be abnormal and unacceptable as a perversion . 2 [N-VAR] usu with supp A perversion of something is a form of it that is bad or wrong, or the changing of it into this form. What monstrous perversion of the human spirit leads a sniper to open fire on a bus carrying children?...

per|vert (perverts perverting perverted) The verb is pronounced / pə r v'ɜː r /sup>t/ The noun is pronounced / p'ɜː r vɜː r /sup>t/ 1 [VERB] V n If you pervert something such as a process or society, you interfere with it so that it is not as good as it used to be or as it should be. (FORMAL) Any reform will destroy and pervert our constitution... 2 [PHRASE] V inflects If someone perverts the course of justice , they deliberately do something that will make it difficult to discover who really committed a particular crime, for example, destroying evidence or lying to the police. (LEGAL) He was charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice. 3 [N-COUNT] If you say that someone is a pervert , you mean that you consider their behaviour, especially their sexual behaviour, to be immoral or unacceptable.

per|vert|ed / pə r v'ɜː r tɪd / 1 [ADJ] If you say that someone is perverted , you mean that you consider their behaviour, especially their sexual behaviour, to be immoral or unacceptable. You've been protecting sick and perverted men... 2 [ADJ] You can use perverted to describe actions or ideas which you think are wrong, unnatural, or harmful. ...a perverted form of knowledge.

pe|seta / pəs'eɪtə / (pesetas) [N-COUNT] The peseta was the unit of money that was used in Spain before it was replaced by the euro.

pesky / p'eski / [ADJ] ADJ n Pesky means irritating. (INFORMAL) ...as if he were a pesky tourist asking silly questions of a busy man.

peso / p'eɪsoʊ / (pesos) [N-COUNT] The peso is the unit of money that is used in Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Philippines, and Uruguay.

pes|sa|ry / p'esəri / (pessaries) 1 [N-COUNT] A pessary is a small block of a medicine or a contraceptive chemical that a woman puts in her vagina. 2 [N-COUNT] A pessary is a device that is put in a woman's vagina to support her womb.

pes|si|mism / p'esɪmɪzəm / [N-UNCOUNT] oft N about/over n Pessimism is the belief that bad things are going to happen. ...universal pessimism about the economy... My first reaction was one of deep pessimism. ≠ optimism

pes|si|mist / p'esɪmɪst / (pessimists) [N-COUNT] A pessimist is someone who thinks that bad things are going to happen. I'm a natural pessimist; I usually expect the worst... ≠ optimist

pes|si|mis|tic / p'esɪm'ɪstɪk / [ADJ] oft ADJ about n Someone who is pessimistic thinks that bad things are going to happen. Not everyone is so pessimistic about the future... Hardy has often been criticised for an excessively pessimistic view of life. ≠ optimistic ● pessimistically [ADV] ADV with v `But it'll not happen,' she concluded pessimistically.

pest / p'est / (pests) 1 [N-COUNT] Pests are insects or small animals which damage crops or food supplies. ...crops which are resistant to some of the major insect pests and diseases... ...new and innovative methods of pest control. 2 [N-COUNT] You can describe someone, especially a child, as a pest if they keep bothering you. (INFORMAL) He climbed on the table, pulled my hair, and was generally a pest. = nuisance

pes|ter / p'estə r / (pesters pestering pestered) [VERB] V n, V n prep, V n to-inf, also V If you say that someone is pestering you, you mean that they keep asking you to do something, or keep talking to you, and you find this annoying. I thought she'd stop pestering me, but it only seemed to make her worse... I know he gets fed up with people pestering him for money. ...that creep who's been pestering you to go out with him.

pes|ti|cide / p'estɪsaɪd / (pesticides) [N-MASS] Pesticides are chemicals which farmers put on their crops to kill harmful insects.

pes|ti|lence / p'estɪləns / (pestilences) [N-VAR] Pestilence is any disease that spreads quickly and kills large numbers of people. (LITERARY)

pes|ti|len|tial / p'estɪl'enʃ ə l / 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Pestilential is used to refer to things that cause disease or are caused by disease. (FORMAL) ...people who were dependent for their water supply on this pestilential stream. ...a pestilential fever. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Pestilential animals destroy crops or exist in such large numbers that they cause harm. (FORMAL)

pes|tle / p'es ə l / (pestles) [N-COUNT] A pestle is a short rod with a thick round end. It is used for crushing things such as herbs, spices, or grain in a bowl called a mortar.

♦ pet / p'et / (pets petting petted) 1 [N-COUNT] A pet is an animal that you keep in your home to give you company and pleasure. It is plainly cruel to keep turtles as pets. ...a bachelor living alone in a flat with his pet dog... 2 [ADJ] Someone's pet theory, project, or subject is one that they particularly support or like. He would not stand by and let his pet project be killed off... 3 [VERB] V n If you pet a person or animal, you touch them in an affectionate way. The policeman reached down and petted the wolfhound... pet name (pet names) [N-COUNT] A pet name is a special name that you use for a close friend or a member of your family instead of using their real name.

pet|al / p'et ə l / (petals) [N-COUNT] The petals of a flower are the thin coloured or white parts which together form the flower. ...bowls of dried rose petals.

pe|tard / pet'ɑː r d / (petards) [PHRASE] N inflects If someone who has planned to harm someone else is hoist with their own petard or hoist by their own petard , their plan in fact results in harm to themselves. The students were hoist by their own petards, however, as Granada decided to transmit the programme anyway.

pe|ter / p'iːtə r / (peters petering petered) == peter out [PHRASAL VERB] V P If something peters out , it gradually comes to an end. The six-month strike seemed to be petering out...

pet|it bour|geois / p'eti b'ʊə r ʒwɑː / also petty bourgeois [ADJ] Someone or something that is petit bourgeois belongs or relates to the lower middle class. He had a petit bourgeois mentality. pet|it bour|geoi|sie / p'eti bʊə r ʒwɑːz'iː / also petty bourgeoisie [N-SING-COLL] the N The petit bourgeoisie are people in the lower middle class. pet|it four / p'eti f'ɔː r / (petits foursor petit fours) [N-COUNT] usu pl Petits fours are very small sweet cakes. They are sometimes served with coffee at the end of a meal.

pe|tite / pət'iːt / [ADJ] If you describe a woman as petite , you are politely saying that she is small and is not fat.

pe|ti|tion / pət'ɪʃ ə n / (petitions petitioning petitioned) 1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp A petition is a document signed by a lot of people which asks a government or other official group to do a particular thing. We recently presented the government with a petition signed by 4,500 people. 2 [N-COUNT] A petition is a formal request made to a court of law for some legal action to be taken. (LEGAL) His lawyers filed a petition for all charges to be dropped... 3 [VERB] V for n, V n, V to-inf, also V for n to-inf, V n for n If you petition someone in authority, you make a formal request to them. (FORMAL or LEGAL) ...couples petitioning for divorce... All the attempts to petition the Congress had failed... She's petitioning to regain custody of the child.

pe|ti|tion|er / pət'ɪʃənə r / (petitioners) 1 [N-COUNT] A petitioner is a person who presents or signs a petition. 2 [N-COUNT] A petitioner is a person who brings a legal case to a court of law. (LEGAL) The judge awarded the costs of the case to the petitioners.

pet|rel / p'etrəl / (petrels) [N-COUNT] A petrel is a type of sea bird which often flies a long way from land. There are many kinds of petrel.

pet|ri|fied / p'etrɪfaɪd / 1 [ADJ] oft ADJ of n/-ing, ADJ that If you are petrified , you are extremely frightened, perhaps so frightened that you cannot think or move. I've always been petrified of being alone... Most people seem to be petrified of snakes. = terrified 2 [ADJ] ADJ n A petrified plant or animal has died and has gradually turned into stone. ...a block of petrified wood.

pet|ri|fy / p'etrɪfaɪ / (petrifies petrifying petrified) [VERB] V n If something petrifies you, it makes you feel very frightened. Prison petrifies me and I don't want to go there. = terrify ● petrifying [ADJ] I found the climb absolutely petrifying. = terrifying

pet|ro|chemi|cal / p'etroʊk'emɪk ə l / (petrochemicals) also petro-chemical [N-COUNT] usu pl Petrochemicals are chemicals that are obtained from petroleum or natural gas.

pet|rol / p'etrəl / [N-UNCOUNT] Petrol is a liquid which is used as a fuel for motor vehicles. (BRIT; in AM, use gas , gasoline ) pet|rol bomb (petrol bombs) [N-COUNT] A petrol bomb is a simple bomb consisting of a bottle full of petrol with a cloth in it that is lit just before the bottle is thrown. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use Molotov cocktail ) pet|rol sta|tion (petrol stations) [N-COUNT] A petrol station is a garage by the side of the road where petrol is sold and put into vehicles. (BRIT; in AM, use gas station ) pet|rol tank (petrol tanks) [N-COUNT] The petrol tank in a motor vehicle is the container for petrol. (BRIT; in AM, use gas tank )

pe|tro|leum / pətr'oʊliəm / [N-UNCOUNT] Petroleum is oil which is found under the surface of the earth or under the sea bed. Petrol and paraffin are obtained from petroleum. pe|tro|leum jel|ly [N-UNCOUNT] Petroleum jelly is a soft, clear substance obtained from oil or petroleum. It is put on the skin to protect or soften it, or put on surfaces to make them move against each other easily.

pet|ti|coat / p'etikoʊt / (petticoats) [N-COUNT] A petticoat is a piece of clothing like a thin skirt, which is worn under a skirt or dress. (OLD-FASHIONED)

pet|ti|fog|ging / p'etifɒgɪŋ / [ADJ] ADJ n You can describe an action or situation as pettifogging when you think that unnecessary attention is being paid to unimportant, boring details. (OLD-FASHIONED) ...pettifogging bureaucratic interference.

pet|ting / p'etiŋ / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Petting is when two people kiss and touch each other in a sexual way, but without having sexual intercourse. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] N n A petting zoo or a petting farm is a place with animals which small children can safely stroke or play with.

pet|ty / p'eti / (pettier pettiest) 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n You can use petty to describe things such as problems, rules, or arguments which you think are unimportant or relate to unimportant things. He was miserable all the time and rows would start over petty things. ...endless rules and petty regulations... 2 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as petty , you mean that they care too much about small, unimportant things and perhaps that they are unnecessarily unkind. I think that attitude is a bit petty. ● pettiness [N-UNCOUNT] Never had she met such spite and pettiness. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n Petty is used of people or actions that are less important, serious, or great than others. ...petty crime, such as handbag-snatching and minor break-ins. pet|ty bour|geois see petit bourgeois pet|ty bour|geoi|sie see petit bourgeoisie pet|ty cash [N-UNCOUNT] Petty cash is money that is kept in the office of a company, for making small pay...

petu|lance / p'etʃʊləns / [N-UNCOUNT] Petulance is unreasonable, childish bad temper over something unimportant. His petulance made her impatient.

petu|lant / p'etʃʊlənt / [ADJ] Someone who is petulant is unreasonably angry and upset in a childish way. His critics say he's just being silly and petulant... ● petulantly [ADV] ADV with v `I don't need help,' he said petulantly.

pe|tu|nia / pɪtj'uːniə, AM -tuː- / (petunias) [N-COUNT] A petunia is a type of garden plant with pink, white, or purple flowers shaped like short, wide cones.

pew / pj'uː / (pews) [N-COUNT] A pew is a long wooden seat with a back, which people sit on in church. Claire sat in the front pew.

pew|ter / pj'uːtə r / [N-UNCOUNT] oft N n Pewter is a grey metal which is made by mixing tin and lead. Pewter was often used in former times to make ornaments or containers for eating and drinking. ...pewter plates. ...the best 18th century pewter.

phal|anx / f'ælæŋks / (phalanxesor phalanges / fəl'ændʒiːz /) 1 [N-COUNT] A phalanx is a group of soldiers or police who are standing or marching close together ready to fight. (FORMAL) 2 [N-COUNT] usu N of n A phalanx of people is a large group who are brought together for a particular purpose. (FORMAL) ...a phalanx of waiters.

phal|lic / f'ælɪk / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Something that is phallic is shaped like an erect penis. It can also relate to male sexual powers. ...a phallic symbol.

phal|lus / f'æləs / (phallusesor phalli / f'ælaɪ /) 1 [N-COUNT] A phallus is a model of an erect penis, especially one used as a symbol in ancient religions. 2 [N-COUNT] A phallus is a penis. (TECHNICAL)

phan|tas|ma|go|ri|cal / f'æntæzməg'ɒrɪk ə l, AM -g'ɔːr- / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Phantasmagorical means very strange, like something in a dream. (LITERARY)

phan|ta|sy / f'æntəzi / (phantasies) see fantasy

phan|tom / f'æntəm / (phantoms) 1 [N-COUNT] A phantom is a ghost. They vanished down the stairs like two phantoms... 2 [ADJ] ADJ n You use phantom to describe something which you think you experience but which is not real. She was always taking days off for what her colleagues considered phantom illnesses. ...a phantom pregnancy. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n Phantom can refer to something that is done by an unknown person, especially something criminal. ...victims of alleged `phantom' withdrawals from high-street cash machines. 4 [ADJ] ADJ n Phantom is used to describe business organizations, agreements, or goods which do not really exist, but which someone pretends do exist in order to cheat people. ...a phantom trading scheme at a Wall Street investment bank.

phar|aoh / f'eəroʊ / (pharaohs) [N-COUNT; N-PROPER] A pharaoh was a king of ancient Egypt. ...Rameses II, Pharaoh of All Egypt.

phar|ma|ceu|ti|cal / f'ɑː r məs'uːtɪk ə l / (pharmaceuticals) 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Pharmaceutical means connected with the industrial production of medicine. ...a Swiss pharmaceutical company... 2 [N-PLURAL] Pharmaceuticals are medicines. Antibiotics were of no use, neither were other pharmaceuticals.

phar|ma|cist / f'ɑː r məsɪst / (pharmacists) 1 [N-COUNT] A pharmacist is a person who is qualified to prepare and sell medicines. = chemist 2 [N-COUNT] A pharmacist or a pharmacist's is a shop in which drugs and medicines are sold by a pharmacist. (mainly BRIT; in AM, usually use pharmacy )

phar|ma|col|ogy / f'ɑː r mək'ɒlədʒi / [N-UNCOUNT] Pharmacology is the branch of science relating to drugs and medicines. ● pharmacological [ADJ] ADJ n As little as 50mg of caffeine can produce pharmacological effects. ● pharmacologist [N-COUNT] ...a pharmacologist from the University of California.

phar|ma|co|poeia / f'ɑː r məkoʊp'iːə / (pharmacopoeias) also pharmacopeia [N-COUNT] A pharmacopoeia is an official book that lists all the drugs that can be used to treat people in a particular country, and describes how to use them.

phar|ma|cy / f'ɑː r məsi / (pharmacies) 1 [N-COUNT] A pharmacy is a shop or a department in a shop where medicines are sold or given out. ...the pharmacy section of the drugstore. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Pharmacy is the job or the science of preparing medicines. He spent four years studying pharmacy.

♦ phase / f'eɪz / (phases phasing phased) 1 [N-COUNT] A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something. This autumn, 6000 residents will participate in the first phase of the project... The crisis is entering a crucial, critical phase... Most kids will go through a phase of being faddy about what they eat. 2 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed, V-ed If an action or change is phased over a period of time, it is done in stages. The redundancies will be phased over two years. ...a phased withdrawal of American forces from the Philippines. 3 [PHRASE] usu PHR after v, v-link PHR If two things are out of phase with each other, they are not working or happening together as they should. If two things are in phase , they are working or occurring together as they should. The Skills Programme is out of phase with the rest of the curriculum. phase in [PHRASAL VERB] be V-ed P, V P n (not pron), also V n P If a new way of doing...

pheas|ant / f'ez ə nt / (pheasantsor pheasant) [N-COUNT] A pheasant is a bird with a long tail. Pheasants are often shot as a sport and then eaten. [N-UNCOUNT] Pheasant is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. ...roast pheasant.

phe|nom|ena / fɪn'ɒmɪnə / Phenomena is the plural of phenomenon .

phe|nom|enal / fɪn'ɒmɪn ə l / [ADJ] Something that is phenomenal is so great or good that it is very unusual indeed. Exports of Australian wine are growing at a phenomenal rate... The performances have been absolutely phenomenal. = incredible ● phenomenally [ADV] ADV adj/adv, ADV after v Scots-born Annie, 37, has recently re-launched her phenomenally successful singing career...

phe|nom|enol|ogy / fɪn'ɒmɪn'ɒlədʒi / [N-UNCOUNT] Phenomenology is a branch of philosophy which deals with consciousness, thought, and experience. ● phenomenological [ADJ] usu ADJ n ...a phenomenological approach to the definition of `reality'.

phe|nom|enon / fɪn'ɒmɪnən, AM -nɑːn / (phenomena) [N-COUNT] A phenomenon is something that is observed to happen or exist. (FORMAL) ...scientific explanations of natural phenomena...

phero|mone / f'erəmoʊn / (pheromones) [N-COUNT] Some animals and insects produce chemicals called pheromones which affect the behaviour of other animals and insects of the same type, for example by attracting them sexually. (TECHNICAL)

phew / fj'uː / [EXCLAM] Phew is used in writing to represent the soft whistling sound that you make when you breathe out quickly, for example when you are relieved or shocked about something or when you are very hot. Phew, what a relief!

phial / f'aɪəl / (phials) [N-COUNT] A phial is a small tube-shaped glass bottle used, for example, to hold medicine. (FORMAL)

phi|lan|der|er / fɪl'ændərə r / (philanderers) [N-COUNT] If you say that a man is a philanderer , you mean that he has a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. = womanizer

phi|lan|der|ing / fɪl'ŋdərɪŋ / (philanderings) 1 [ADJ] ADJ n A philandering man has a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. ...her philandering husband. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] also N in pl Philandering means having a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. She intended to leave her husband because of his philandering.

phil|an|throp|ic / f'ɪlənθr'ɒpɪk / [ADJ] usu ADJ n A philanthropic person or organization freely gives money or other help to people who need it. Some of the best services for the ageing are sponsored by philanthropic organizations.

phi|lan|thro|pist / fɪl'ænθrəpɪst / (philanthropists) [N-COUNT] A philanthropist is someone who freely gives money and help to people who need it.

phi|lan|thro|py / fɪl'ænθrəpi / [N-UNCOUNT] Philanthropy is the giving of money to people who need it, without wanting anything in return. ...a retired banker well known for his philanthropy.

phi|lat|elist / fɪl'ætəlɪst / (philatelists) [N-COUNT] A philatelist is a person who collects and studies postage stamps. (FORMAL)

phi|lat|ely / fɪl'ætəli / [N-UNCOUNT] Philately is the hobby of collecting and learning about postage stamps. (FORMAL)

phil|har|mon|ic / f'ɪlɑː r m'ɒnɪk / [ADJ] ADJ n A philharmonic orchestra is a large orchestra which plays classical music. The Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. [N-IN-NAMES] Philharmonic is also a noun. He will conduct the Vienna Philharmonic in the final concert of the season.

phil|is|tine / f'ɪlɪstaɪn, AM -stiːn / (philistines) 1 [N-COUNT] If you call someone a philistine , you mean that they do not care about or understand good art, music, or literature, and do not think that they are important. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n You can use philistine to describe people or organizations who you think do not care about or understand the value of good art, music, or literature. ...a philistine government that allowed the arts to decline.

phi|lol|ogy / fɪl'ɒlədʒi / [N-UNCOUNT] Philology is the study of words, especially the history and development of the words in a particular language or group of languages. ● philologist [N-COUNT] He is a philologist, specialising in American poetry.

phi|loso|pher / fɪl'ɒsəfə r / (philosophers) 1 [N-COUNT] A philosopher is a person who studies or writes about philosophy. ...the Greek philosopher Plato. 2 [N-COUNT] If you refer to someone as a philosopher , you mean that they think deeply and seriously about life and other basic matters.

philo|soph|ic / f'ɪləs'ɒfɪk / [ADJ] Philosophic means the same as philosophical .

philo|sophi|cal / f'ɪləs'ɒfɪk ə l / 1 [ADJ] Philosophical means concerned with or relating to philosophy. He was not accustomed to political or philosophical discussions. ● philosophically [ADV] ADV with v, ADV adj, ADV with cl Wiggins says he's not a coward, but that he's philosophically opposed to war. 2 [ADJ] Someone who is philosophical does not get upset when disappointing or disturbing things happen. Lewis has grown philosophical about life. ● philosophically [ADV] ADV after v She says philosophically: `It could have been far worse.'

phi|loso|phize / fɪl'ɒsəfaɪz / (philosophizes philosophizing philosophized) in BRIT, also use philosophise [VERB] V, V about/on n, also V with quote If you say that someone is philosophizing , you mean that they are talking or thinking about important subjects, sometimes instead of doing something practical. He philosophized, he admitted, not because he was certain of establishing the truth, but because it gave him pleasure. ...a tendency to philosophize about racial harmony. ● philosophizing [N-UNCOUNT] The General was anxious to cut short the philosophizing and get down to more urgent problems.

♦ phi|loso|phy / fɪl'ɒsəfi / (philosophies) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Philosophy is the study or creation of theories about basic things such as the nature of existence, knowledge, and thought, or about how people should live. He studied philosophy and psychology at Cambridge. ...traditional Chinese philosophy. 2 [N-COUNT] usu with supp A philosophy is a particular set of ideas that a philosopher has. ...the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. 3 [N-COUNT] usu with supp, oft N of n, N that A philosophy is a particular theory that someone has about how to live or how to deal with a particular situation. The best philosophy is to change your food habits to a low-sugar, high-fibre diet...

phlegm / fl'em / [N-UNCOUNT] Phlegm is the thick yellowish substance that develops in your throat and at the back of your nose when you have a cold. = mucus

phleg|mat|ic / flegm'ætɪk / [ADJ] Someone who is phlegmatic stays calm even when upsetting or exciting things happen. (FORMAL)

pho|bia / f'oʊbiə / (phobias) [N-COUNT] oft N about/of n/-ing A phobia is a very strong irrational fear or hatred of something. The man had a phobia about flying.

pho|bic / f'oʊbɪk / (phobics) 1 [ADJ] A phobic feeling or reaction results from or is related to a strong, irrational fear or hatred of something. Many children acquire a phobic horror of dogs. 2 [ADJ] Someone who is phobic has a strong, irrational fear or hatred of something. In Victorian times people were phobic about getting on trains. They weren't used to it. [N-COUNT] Phobic is also a noun. Social phobics quake at the thought of meeting strangers.

phoe|nix / f'iːnɪks / (phoenixes) 1 [N-COUNT] usu sing A phoenix is an imaginary bird which, according to ancient stories, burns itself to ashes every five hundred years and is then born again. 2 [N-SING] If you describe someone or something as a phoenix , you mean that they return again after seeming to disappear or be destroyed. (LITERARY) Out of the ashes of the economic shambles, a phoenix of recovery can arise.

♦♦ phone / f'oʊn / (phones phoning phoned) 1 [N-SING] usu the N, also by N The phone is an electrical system that you use to talk to someone else in another place, by dialling a number on a piece of equipment and speaking into it. You can buy insurance over the phone... She looked forward to talking to her daughter by phone... Do you have an address and phone number for him? = telephone 2 [N-COUNT] usu the N The phone is the piece of equipment that you use when you dial someone's phone number and talk to them. Two minutes later the phone rang... Doug's 14-year-old son Jamie answered the phone. see also cellular phone , mobile phone = telephone 3 [N-SING] usu the N If you say that someone picks up or puts down the phone , you mean that they lift or replace the receiver. She picked up the phone, and began to dial Maurice Campbell's number... = receiver 4 [VERB] V n, V When you phone someone, you dial their phone number and...

pho|neme / f'oʊniːm / (phonemes) [N-COUNT] A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound which is significant in a language. (TECHNICAL)

pho|net|ics / fən'etɪks / The form phonetic is used as a modifier. 1 [N-UNCOUNT] In linguistics, phonetics is the study of speech sounds. 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Phonetic means relating to the sound of a word or to the sounds that are used in languages. ...the Japanese phonetic system, with its relatively few, simple sounds... ● phonetically [ADV] ADV with v It's wonderful to watch her now going through things phonetically learning how to spell things.

pho|ney / f'oʊni / (phoneys) also phony 1 [ADJ] If you describe something as phoney , you disapprove of it because it is false rather than genuine. (INFORMAL) He'd telephoned with some phoney excuse she didn't believe for a minute... 2 [ADJ] If you say that someone is phoney , you disapprove of them because they are pretending to be someone that they are not in order to deceive people. (INFORMAL) He looks totally phoney to me. [N-COUNT] Phoney is also a noun. `He's false, a phoney,' Harry muttered. pho|ney war also phony war [N-SING] A phoney war is when two opposing groups are openly hostile towards each other or are in competition with each other, as if they were at war, but there is no real fighting. (BRIT)

phon|ic / f'ɒnɪk / 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n In linguistics, phonic means relating to the sounds of speech. (TECHNICAL) ...the phonic system underlying a particular language. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Phonics is a method of teaching people to read by training them to associate written letters with their sounds.

pho|no|graph / f'oʊnəgrɑːf, -græf / (phonographs) [N-COUNT] A phonograph is a record player. (AM; also BRIT OLD-FASHIONED)

pho|nol|ogy / fən'ɒlədʒi / [N-UNCOUNT] In linguistics, phonology is the study of speech sounds in a particular language. (TECHNICAL)

pho|ny / f'oʊni / see phoney

phos|phate / f'ɒsfeɪt / (phosphates) [N-MASS] A phosphate is a chemical compound that contains phosphorus. Phosphates are often used in fertilizers.

phos|pho|res|cence / f'ɒsfər'es ə ns / [N-UNCOUNT] Phosphorescence is a glow or soft light which is produced in the dark without using heat.

phos|pho|res|cent / f'ɒsfər'es ə nt / [ADJ] usu ADJ n A phosphorescent object or colour glows in the dark with a soft light, but gives out little or no heat. ...phosphorescent paint.

phos|phor|ic acid / fɒsf'ɒrɪk 'æsɪd, AM -f'ɔːr- / [N-UNCOUNT] Phosphoric acid is a type of acid which contains phosphorus. (TECHNICAL)

phos|pho|rus / f'ɒsfərəs / [N-UNCOUNT] Phosphorus is a poisonous yellowish-white chemical element. It glows slightly, and burns when air touches it.

♦♦♦ pho|to / f'oʊtoʊ / (photos) [N-COUNT] A photo is the same as a photograph . We must take a photo!... I've got a photo of him on the wall. pho|to op|por|tu|nity (photo opportunities) [N-COUNT] If a politician or other public figure arranges a photo opportunity , they invite the newspapers and television to photograph them doing something which they think will interest or impress the public. pho|to shoot (photo shoots) also photo-shoot [N-COUNT] A photo shoot is an occasion when a photographer takes pictures, especially of models or famous people, to be used in a newspaper or magazine. ...a long day of interviews and photo-shoots.

photo|copi|er / f'oʊtoʊkɒpiə r / (photocopiers) [N-COUNT] A photocopier is a machine which quickly copies documents onto paper by photographing them.

photo|copy / f'oʊtoʊkɒpi / (photocopies photocopying photocopied) 1 [N-COUNT] A photocopy is a copy of a document made using a photocopier. 2 [VERB] V n If you photocopy a document, you make a copy of it using a photocopier. Staff photocopied the cheque before cashing it.

photo|gen|ic / f'oʊtədʒ'enɪk / [ADJ] Someone who is photogenic looks nice in photographs. I've got a million photos of my boy. He's very photogenic.

♦♦ photo|graph / f'oʊtəgrɑːf, -græf / (photographs photographing photographed) 1 [N-COUNT] A photograph is a picture that is made using a camera. He wants to take some photographs of the house... Her photograph appeared on the front page of The New York Times. 2 [VERB] V n, be V-ed -ing When you photograph someone or something, you use a camera to obtain a picture of them. She photographed the children... They were photographed kissing on the platform.

♦ pho|tog|ra|pher / fət'ɒgrəfə r / (photographers) [N-COUNT] A photographer is someone who takes photographs as a job or hobby.

photo|graph|ic / f'oʊtəgr'æfɪk / 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Photographic means connected with photographs or photography. ...photographic equipment... The bank is able to provide photographic evidence of who used the machine. ● photographically [ADV] ...photographically reproduced copies of his notes. 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n If you have a photographic memory , you are able to remember things in great detail after you have seen them. He had a photographic memory for maps.

pho|tog|ra|phy / fət'ɒgrəfi / [N-UNCOUNT] Photography is the skill, job, or process of producing photographs. Photography is one of her hobbies. ...some of the top names in fashion photography.

photo|jour|nal|ism / f'oʊtoʊdʒ'ɜː r nəlɪzəm / also photo-journalism [N-UNCOUNT] Photojournalism is a form of journalism in which stories are presented mainly through photographs rather than words. ...some of the finest photo-journalism of the Civil Rights era. ● photojournalist [N-COUNT] ...the agency for many international photojournalists, Magnum Photos.

pho|ton / f'oʊtɒn / (photons) [N-COUNT] A photon is a particle of light. (TECHNICAL)

pho|to|stat / f'oʊtəstæt / (photostats) [N-COUNT] A photostat is a particular type of photocopy. (TRADEMARK) ...a photostat of the actual script.

photo|syn|the|sis / f'ouθoʊs'ɪnθəsɪs / [N-UNCOUNT] Photosynthesis is the way that green plants make their food using sunlight. (TECHNICAL)

phras|al verb / fr'eɪz ə l v'ɜː r b / (phrasal verbs) [N-COUNT] A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and an adverb or preposition, for example `shut up' or `look after', which together have a particular meaning.

♦ phrase / fr'eɪz / (phrases phrasing phrased) 1 [N-COUNT] A phrase is a short group of words that people often use as a way of saying something. The meaning of a phrase is often not obvious from the meaning of the individual words in it. He used a phrase I hate: `You have to be cruel to be kind.' 2 [N-COUNT] A phrase is a small group of words which forms a unit, either on its own or within a sentence. It is impossible to hypnotise someone simply by saying a particular word or phrase. 3 [VERB] V n adv, V n as n If you phrase something in a particular way, you express it in words in that way. I would have phrased it quite differently... They phrased it as a question. 4 [PHRASE] N inflects If someone has a particular turn of phrase , they have a particular way of expressing themselves in words. ...Schwarzkopf's distinctive turn of phrase. to coin a phrase: see coin noun phrase (noun phrases) [N-COUNT] A noun phrase is the same as a ...

phra|seol|ogy / fr'eɪzi'ɒlədʒi / [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp If something is expressed using a particular type of phraseology , it is expressed in words and expressions of that type. This careful phraseology is clearly intended to appeal to various sides of the conflict.

phras|ing / fr'eɪzɪŋ / [N-UNCOUNT] oft N of n The phrasing of something that is said or written is the exact words that are chosen to express the ideas in it. The phrasing of the question was vague. = wording

phre|nol|ogy / frɪn'ɒlədʒi / [N-UNCOUNT] Phrenology is the study of the size and shape of people's heads in the belief that you can find out about their characters and abilities from this. ● phrenologist [N-COUNT] Queen Victoria had her own personal phrenologist.

♦♦ physi|cal / f'ɪzɪk ə l / (physicals) 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Physical qualities, actions, or things are connected with a person's body, rather than with their mind. ...the physical and mental problems caused by the illness... The attraction between them is physical. ● physically [ADV] ADV adj, ADV with v You may be physically and mentally exhausted after a long flight. ...disabled people who cannot physically use a telephone. 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Physical things are real things that can be touched and seen, rather than ideas or spoken words. Physical and ideological barriers had come down in Eastern Europe. ...physical evidence to support the story. ● physically [ADV] ...physically cut off from every other country. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n Physical means relating to the structure, size, or shape of something that can be touched and seen. ...the physical characteristics of the terrain. 4 [ADJ] ADJ n Physical means connected with physics or the la...

physi|cal|ity / f'ɪzɪk'ælɪti / [N-UNCOUNT] If you refer to the physicality of something such as an artist's or a musician's work, you mean that their energy and enthusiasm is obvious in the work they produce. There's not another guitarist to rival the sheer physicality of his work.

phy|si|cian / fɪz'ɪʃ ə n / (physicians) [N-COUNT] In formal American English or old-fashioned British English, a physician is a doctor.

physi|cist / f'ɪzɪsɪst / (physicists) [N-COUNT] A physicist is a person who does research connected with physics or who studies physics. ...a nuclear physicist.

phys|ics / f'ɪzɪks / [N-UNCOUNT] Physics is the scientific study of forces such as heat, light, sound, pressure, gravity, and electricity, and the way that they affect objects. ...the laws of physics. ...experiments in particle physics. par|ti|cle phys|ics [N-UNCOUNT] Particle physics is the study of the qualities of atoms and molecules and the way they behave and react.