Definitions & Meanings - English Dictionary

games|man|ship / g'eɪmzmənʃɪp / [N-UNCOUNT] Gamesmanship is the art or practice of winning a game by clever methods which are not against the rules but are very close to cheating. ...a remarkably successful piece of diplomatic gamesmanship.

gam|ete / g'æmiːt / (gametes) [N-COUNT] Gamete is the name for the two types of male and female cell that join together to make a new creature. (TECHNICAL)

gam|ine / gæm'iːn / [ADJ] usu ADJ n If you describe a girl or a woman as gamine , you mean that she is attractive in a boyish way. She had a gamine charm which men found irresistibly attractive. = boyish [N-SING] Gamine is also a noun. ...a snub-nosed gamine.

gam|ing / g'eɪmɪŋ / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N n Gaming means the same as gambling . ...offences connected with vice, gaming and drugs. ...the most fashionable gaming club in London. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Gaming is the activity of playing computer games. Online gaming allows players from around the world to challenge each other.

gam|ma / g'æmə / (gammas) [N-VAR] Gamma is the third letter of the Greek alphabet. gam|ma rays [N-PLURAL] Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than X-rays.

gam|mon / g'æmən / [N-UNCOUNT] Gammon is smoked or salted meat, similar to bacon, from the back leg or the side of a pig. (BRIT)

gam|ut / g'æmət / 1 [N-SING] usu the N of n The gamut of something is the complete range of things of that kind, or a wide variety of things of that kind. As the story unfolded throughout the past week, I experienced the gamut of emotions: shock, anger, sadness, disgust, confusion. = range 2 [PHRASE] V inflects To run the gamut of something means to include, express, or experience all the different things of that kind, or a wide variety of them. The show runs the gamut of 20th century design...

gan|der / g'ændə r / (ganders) [N-COUNT] A gander is a male goose.

♦ gang / g'æŋ / (gangs ganging ganged) 1 [N-COUNT] oft N of n A gang is a group of people, especially young people, who go around together and often deliberately cause trouble. During the fight with a rival gang he lashed out with his flick knife... Gang members were behind a lot of the violence... He was attacked by a gang of youths. 2 [N-COUNT] A gang is a group of criminals who work together to commit crimes. Police were hunting for a gang who had allegedly stolen fifty-five cars. ...an underworld gang. ...a gang of masked robbers. 3 [N-SING] usu the N The gang is a group of friends who frequently meet. (INFORMAL) Come on over, we've got lots of the old gang here. 4 [N-COUNT] oft N of n A gang is a group of workers who do physical work together. ...a gang of labourers. chain gang (chain gangs) [N-COUNT] In the United States, a chain gang is a group of prisoners who are chained together to do work outside their prison. Chain...

gang|land / g'æŋlænd / [ADJ] ADJ n Gangland is used to describe activities or people that are involved in organized crime. It's been suggested they were gangland killings... ...one of Italy's top gangland bosses.

gan|gling / g'æŋglɪŋ / [ADJ] ADJ n Gangling is used to describe a young person, especially a man, who is tall, thin, and clumsy in their movements. His gangling, awkward gait has earned him the name Spiderman. ...his gangling, bony frame.

gan|gly / g'æŋgli / [ADJ] usu ADJ n If you describe someone as gangly , you mean that they are tall and thin and have a slightly awkward or clumsy manner. = gangling

gang|plank / g'æŋplæŋk / (gangplanks) [N-COUNT] usu the N in sing The gangplank is a short bridge or platform that can be placed between the side of a ship or boat and the shore, so that people can get on or off. = gangway

gan|grene / g'æŋgriːn / [N-UNCOUNT] Gangrene is the decay that can occur in a part of a person's body if the blood stops flowing to it, for example as a result of illness or injury. Once gangrene has developed the tissue is dead.

gan|gre|nous / g'æŋgrɪnəs / [ADJ] Gangrenous is used to describe a part of a person's body that has been affected by gangrene. ...patients with gangrenous limbs.

gang|ster / g'æŋstə r / (gangsters) [N-COUNT] A gangster is a member of an organized group of violent criminals.

gang|way / g'æŋweɪ / (gangways) [N-COUNT] usu the N in sing The gangway is the passage between rows of seats, for example in a theatre or aircraft, for people to walk along. (BRIT) A man in the gangway suddenly stood up to reach for something in the overhead locker. = aisle

gan|net / g'ænɪt / (gannets) [N-COUNT] Gannets are large white sea birds that live on cliffs.

gan|try / g'æntri / (gantries) [N-COUNT] A gantry is a high metal structure that supports a set of road signs, railway signals, or other equipment. On top of the gantry the American flag flew. ...the lighting gantries.

gaol / dʒ'eɪl / (gaols gaoling gaoled) see jail

gaol|er / dʒ'eɪlə r / (gaolers) see jailer

♦ gap / g'æp / (gaps) 1 [N-COUNT] A gap is a space between two things or a hole in the middle of something solid. He pulled the thick curtains together, leaving just a narrow gap. ...the wind tearing through gaps in the window frames. 2 [N-COUNT] oft N of n A gap is a period of time when you are not busy or when you stop doing something that you normally do. There followed a gap of four years, during which William joined the Army. = break 3 [N-COUNT] usu with supp If there is something missing from a situation that prevents it being complete or satisfactory, you can say that there is a gap . We need more young scientists to fill the gap left by a wave of retirements expected over the next decade... Like a good businessman, Stewart identified a gap in the market. 4 [N-COUNT] with supp, oft N between pl-n A gap between two groups of people, things, or sets of ideas is a big difference between them. ...the gap between rich and poor... Americ...

gape / g'eɪp / (gapes gaping gaped) 1 [VERB] V at n, V-ing, also V If you gape , you look at someone or something in surprise, usually with an open mouth. His secretary stopped taking notes to gape at me... ...a grotesque face with its gaping mouth. 2 [VERB] V If you say that something such as a hole or a wound gapes , you are emphasizing that it is big or wide. The front door was missing. A hole gaped in the roof. ● gaping [ADJ] usu ADJ n The aircraft took off with a gaping hole in its fuselage. ...a gaping wound in her back.

gar|age / g'ærɑːʒ, -rɪdʒ, AM gər'ɑːʒ / (garages) 1 [N-COUNT] A garage is a building in which you keep a car. A garage is often built next to or as part of a house. 2 [N-COUNT; N-IN-NAMES] A garage is a place where you can get your car repaired. In Britain, you can also buy fuel for your car, or buy cars. Nancy took her car to a local garage for a check-up... gar|age sale (garage sales) [N-COUNT] If you have a garage sale , you sell things such as clothes, toys and household items that you do not want, usually in your garage. (mainly AM) park|ing gar|age (parking garages) [N-COUNT] A parking garage is a building where people can leave their cars. (AM; in BRIT, use car park , multi-storey car park ) ...a multi-level parking garage.

garb / g'ɑː r b / [N-UNCOUNT] oft in adj N, oft with poss Someone's garb is the clothes they are wearing, especially when these are unusual. (WRITTEN) ...a familiar figure in civilian garb... He wore the garb of a scout, not a general. = attire

gar|bage / g'ɑː r bɪdʒ / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Garbage is rubbish, especially waste from a kitchen. (mainly AM) ...a garbage bag. ...rotting piles of garbage. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] If someone says that an idea or opinion is garbage , they are emphasizing that they believe it is untrue or unimportant. (INFORMAL) I personally think this is complete garbage... Furious government officials branded her story `garbage'. = rubbish gar|bage can (garbage cans) [N-COUNT] A garbage can is a container that you put rubbish into. (AM; in BRIT, use dustbin ) A bomb planted in a garbage can exploded early today. gar|bage col|lec|tor (garbage collectors) [N-COUNT] A garbage collector is a person whose job is to take people's garbage away. (AM; in BRIT, use dustman ) gar|bage dis|pos|al (garbage disposals) [N-COUNT] A garbage disposal or a garbage disposal unit is a small machine in the kitchen sink that breaks down waste matter so that it does not block the sink...

garbed / g'ɑː r bd / [ADJ] v-link ADJ in n If someone is garbed in particular clothes, they are wearing those clothes. (LITERARY) He was garbed in sweater, tweed jacket, and flying boots. [COMB in ADJ] usu ADJ n Garbed is also a combining form. ...the small blue-garbed woman with a brown wrinkled face.

gar|bled / g'ɑː r b ə ld / [ADJ] A garbled message or report contains confused or wrong details, often because it is spoken by someone who is nervous or in a hurry. The Coastguard needs to decipher garbled messages in a few minutes. ...his own garbled version of the El Greco story.

♦♦ gar|den / g'ɑː r d ə n / (gardens gardening gardened) 1 [N-COUNT] In British English, a garden is a piece of land next to a house, with flowers, vegetables, other plants, and often grass. In American English, the usual word is yard , and a garden refers only to land which is used for growing flowers and vegetables. ...the most beautiful garden on Earth. 2 [VERB] V If you garden , you do work in your garden such as weeding or planting. Jim gardened at the homes of friends on weekends. ● gardening [N-UNCOUNT] I have taken up gardening again. 3 [N-PLURAL] Gardens are places like a park that have areas of plants, trees, and grass, and that people can visit and walk around. The Gardens are open from 10.30am until 5pm. ...Kensington Gardens. 4 [N-IN-NAMES] Gardens is sometimes used as part of the name of a street. He lives at 9, Acacia Gardens. gar|den cen|tre (garden centres) [N-COUNT] A garden centre is a large shop, usually with an out...

gar|den|er / g'ɑː r dənə r / (gardeners) 1 [N-COUNT] A gardener is a person who is paid to work in someone else's garden. 2 [N-COUNT] A gardener is someone who enjoys working in their own garden growing flowers or vegetables. ...enthusiastic amateur gardeners. land|scape gar|den|er (landscape gardeners) [N-COUNT] A landscape gardener is a person who designs gardens or parks so that they look attractive.

gar|denia / gɑː r d'iːniə / (gardenias) [N-COUNT] A gardenia is a type of large, white, or yellow flower with a very pleasant smell. A gardenia is also the bush on which these flowers grow.

gar|den|ing leave [N-UNCOUNT] If someone who leaves their job is given gardening leave , they continue to receive their salary and in return they agree not to work for anyone else for a period of time. (BRIT BUSINESS) The settlement means that the three executives can return from gardening leave and start their new jobs.

gar|gan|tuan / gɑː r g'æntʃuən / [ADJ] usu ADJ n If you say that something is gargantuan , you are emphasizing that it is very large. (WRITTEN) ...a marketing event of gargantuan proportions. ...a gargantuan corruption scandal. = huge, colossal

gar|gle / g'ɑː r g ə l / (gargles gargling gargled) [VERB] V, V n If you gargle , you wash your mouth and throat by filling your mouth with a liquid, tipping your head back and using your throat to blow bubbles through the liquid, and finally spitting it out. Try gargling with salt water as soon as a cough begins... At the sink, Neil noisily gargled something medicinal.

gar|goyle / g'ɑː r gɔɪl / (gargoyles) [N-COUNT] A gargoyle is a decorative stone carving on old buildings. It is usually shaped like the head of a strange and ugly creature, and water drains through it from the roof of the building.

gar|ish / g'eərɪʃ / [ADJ] You describe something as garish when you dislike it because it is very bright in an unattractive, showy way. They climbed the garish purple-carpeted stairs. ...the restaurant's garish, illuminated signs. = gaudy ● garishly [ADV] ADV adj/-ed ...a garishly patterned three-piece suite.

gar|land / g'ɑː r lənd / (garlands) [N-COUNT] usu pl, oft N of n A garland is a circular decoration made from flowers and leaves. People sometimes wear garlands of flowers on their heads or around their necks. They wore garlands of summer flowers in their hair.

gar|lic / g'ɑː r lɪk / [N-UNCOUNT] Garlic is the small, white, round bulb of a plant that is related to the onion plant. Garlic has a very strong smell and taste and is used in cooking. ...a clove of garlic.

gar|licky / g'ɑː r lɪki / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Something that is garlicky tastes or smells of garlic. ...a garlicky salad. ...garlicky breath.

gar|ment / g'ɑː r mənt / (garments) [N-COUNT] A garment is a piece of clothing; used especially in contexts where you are talking about the manufacture or sale of clothes. Many of the garments have the customers' name tags sewn into the linings.

gar|ner / g'ɑː r nə r / (garners garnering garnered) [VERB] V n, V n If someone has garnered something useful or valuable, they have gained it or collected it. (FORMAL) Durham had garnered three times as many votes as Carey... He has garnered extensive support for his proposals... = acquire

gar|net / g'ɑː r nɪt / (garnets) [N-COUNT] A garnet is a hard, shiny stone that is used in making jewellery. Garnets can be red, yellow, or green in colour.

gar|nish / g'ɑː r nɪʃ / (garnishes garnishing garnished) 1 [N-VAR] A garnish is a small amount of salad, herbs, or other food that is used to decorate cooked or prepared food. ...a garnish of chopped raw onion, tomato and fresh coriander... Reserve some watercress for garnish. 2 [VERB] V n If you garnish cooked or prepared food, you decorate it with a garnish. She had finished the vegetables and was garnishing the roast.

gar|ret / g'ærɪt / (garrets) [N-COUNT] A garret is a small room at the top of a house.

gar|ri|son / g'ærɪs ə n / (garrisons garrisoning garrisoned) 1 [N-COUNT-COLL] A garrison is a group of soldiers whose task is to guard the town or building where they live. ...a five-hundred man French army garrison. 2 [N-COUNT] A garrison is the buildings which the soldiers live in. The approaches to the garrison have been heavily mined. 3 [VERB] V n, be V-ed, V-ed To garrison a place means to put soldiers there in order to protect it. You can also say that soldiers are garrisoned in a place. British troops still garrisoned the country... No other soldiers were garrisoned there. ...the large, heavily garrisoned towns.

gar|rotte / gər'ɒt / (garrottes garrotting garrotted) 1 [VERB] be V-ed, also V n If someone is garrotted , they are killed by having something such as a piece of wire or cord pulled tightly round their neck. The two guards had been garrotted. 2 [N-COUNT] A garrotte is a piece of wire or cord used to garrotte someone.

gar|ru|lous / g'ærələs / [ADJ] If you describe someone as garrulous , you mean that they talk a great deal, especially about unimportant things. ...a garrulous old woman.

gar|ter / g'ɑː r tə r / (garters) [N-COUNT] A garter is a piece of elastic worn round the top of a stocking or sock in order to prevent it from slipping down. gar|ter belt (garter belts) [N-COUNT] A garter belt is a piece of underwear for women that is used for holding up stockings. (AM; in BRIT, use suspender belt )

♦♦ gas / g'æs / (gases gasses gassing gassed) The form gases is the plural of the noun. The form gasses is the third person singular of the verb. 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Gas is a substance like air that is neither liquid nor solid and burns easily. It is used as a fuel for cooking and heating. Coal is actually cheaper than gas... Shell signed a contract to develop oil and gas reserves near Archangel. 2 [N-VAR] A gas is any substance that is neither liquid nor solid, for example oxygen or hydrogen. Helium is a very light gas. ...a huge cloud of gas and dust from the volcanic eruption. 3 [N-MASS] Gas is a poisonous gas that can be used as a weapon. ...mustard gas... The problem was that the exhaust gases contain many toxins. 4 [N-MASS] Gas is a gas used for medical purposes, for example to make patients feel less pain or go to sleep during an operation. (INFORMAL) ...an anaesthetic gas used by many dentists. 5 [N-UNCOUNT] Gas is the fuel which ...

gas|eous / g'æsiəs, g'eɪʃəs / [ADJ] usu ADJ n You use gaseous to describe something which is in the form of a gas, rather than a solid or liquid. Freon exists both in liquid and gaseous states.

gash / g'æʃ / (gashes gashing gashed) 1 [N-COUNT] A gash is a long, deep cut in your skin or in the surface of something. There was an inch-long gash just above his right eye. 2 [VERB] V n If you gash something, you accidentally make a long and deep cut in it. He gashed his leg while felling trees.

gas|ket / g'æskɪt / (gaskets) [N-COUNT] A gasket is a flat piece of soft material that you put between two joined surfaces in a pipe or engine in order to make sure that gas and oil cannot escape.

gas|light / g'æshoʊldə r / (gaslights) also gas light [N-COUNT] A gaslight is a lamp that produces light by burning gas. [N-UNCOUNT] Gaslight is also the light that the lamp produces. He would show his collection by gaslight.

gas|man / g'æsmæn / (gasmen) [N-COUNT] usu the N in sing The gasman is a man who works for a gas company, repairing gas appliances in people's houses, or checking how much gas they have used. (BRIT INFORMAL)

gaso|line / g'æsəliːn / [N-UNCOUNT] Gasoline is the same as petrol . (AM)

gasp / g'ɑːsp, g'æsp / (gasps gasping gasped) 1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp A gasp is a short quick breath of air that you take in through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain. An audible gasp went round the court as the jury announced the verdict... She gave a small gasp of pain. 2 [VERB] V for n, V, also V with quote When you gasp , you take a short quick breath through your mouth, especially when you are surprised, shocked, or in pain. She gasped for air and drew in a lungful of water... I heard myself gasp and cry out. 3 [PHRASE] usu PHR of n, PHR n You describe something as the last gasp to emphasize that it is the final part of something or happens at the last possible moment. ...the last gasp of a dying system of censorship...

gas|sy / g'æsi / (gassier gassiest) [ADJ] Something that is gassy contains a lot of bubbles or gas. The champagne was sweet and too gassy.

gas|tric / g'æstrɪk / [ADJ] ADJ n You use gastric to describe processes, pain, or illnesses that occur in someone's stomach. (MEDICAL) He suffered from diabetes and gastric ulcers.

gas|tro|en|teri|tis / g'æstroʊentər'aɪtɪs / also gastro-enteritis [N-UNCOUNT] Gastroenteritis is an illness in which the lining of your stomach and intestines becomes swollen and painful. (MEDICAL)

gas|tro|in|tes|ti|nal / g'æstroʊɪnt'estɪn ə l / [ADJ] ADJ n Gastrointestinal means relating to the stomach and intestines. (MEDICAL)

gas|tro|nome / g'æstrənoʊm / (gastronomes) [N-COUNT] A gastronome is someone who enjoys preparing and eating good food, especially unusual or expensive food. (FORMAL) = gourmet

gas|tro|nom|ic / g'æstrən'ɒmɪk / [ADJ] ADJ n Gastronomic is used to describe things that are concerned with good food. (FORMAL) Paris is the gastronomic capital of the world... She is sampling gastronomic delights along the Riviera.

gas|trono|my / gæstr'ɒnəmi / [N-UNCOUNT] Gastronomy is the activity and knowledge involved in preparing and appreciating good food. (FORMAL) Burgundy has always been considered a major centre of gastronomy.

gas|works / g'æswɜː r ks / (gasworks) also gas works [N-COUNT] A gasworks is a factory where gas is made, usually from coal, so that it can be used as a fuel.

♦ gate / g'eɪt / (gates) 1 [N-COUNT] A gate is a structure like a door which is used at the entrance to a field, a garden, or the grounds of a building. He opened the gate and started walking up to the house. 2 [N-COUNT] In an airport, a gate is a place where passengers leave the airport and get on their aeroplane. Passengers with hand luggage can go straight to the departure gate to check in there. 3 [N-IN-NAMES] Gate is used in the names of streets in Britain that are in a place where there once was a gate into a city. ...9 Palace Gate. 4 [N-COUNT] The gate at a sporting event such as a football match or baseball game is the total number of people who attend it. Their average gate is less than 23,000. gate mon|ey [N-UNCOUNT] Gate money is the total amount of money that is paid by the people who go to a sports match or other event. (mainly BRIT)

gat|ed com|mu|nity (gated communities) [N-COUNT] A gated community is an area of houses and sometimes shops that is surrounded by a wall or fence and has an entrance that is guarded. (mainly AM)

gate|house / g'eɪthaʊs / (gatehouses) [N-COUNT] A gatehouse is a small house next to a gate on the edge of a park or country estate.

gate|keeper / g'eɪtkiːpə r / (gatekeepers) [N-COUNT] A gatekeeper is a person who is in charge of a gate and who allows people through it.

gate|post / g'eɪtpoʊst / (gateposts) [N-COUNT] A gatepost is a post in the ground which a gate is hung from, or which it is fastened to when it is closed.

gate|way / g'eɪtweɪ / (gateways) 1 [N-COUNT] A gateway is an entrance where there is a gate. He walked across the park and through a gateway. 2 [N-COUNT] usu N to n A gateway to somewhere is a place which you go through because it leads you to a much larger place. Lyons is the gateway to the Alps for motorists driving out from Britain. 3 [N-COUNT] with supp, usu N to n If something is a gateway to a job, career, or other activity, it gives you the opportunity to make progress or get further success in that activity. The prestigious title offered a gateway to success in the highly competitive world of modelling. 4 [N-COUNT] In computing, a gateway connects different computer networks so that information can be passed between them. (COMPUTING) gate|way drug (gateway drugs) [N-COUNT] A gateway drug is a drug such as cannabis that is believed by some people to lead to the use of more harmful drugs such as heroin or cocaine.

♦♦ gath|er / g'æðə r / (gathers gathering gathered) 1 [VERB] V prep/adv, V n with together If people gather somewhere or if someone gathers people somewhere, they come together in a group. In the evenings, we gathered around the fireplace and talked... The man signalled for me to gather the children together. = assemble, collect 2 [VERB] V n, V n together If you gather things, you collect them together so that you can use them. I suggest we gather enough firewood to last the night... She stood up and started gathering her things together. = collect [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P Gather up means the same as gather . When Sutcliffe had gathered up his papers, he went out... He gathered the leaves up off the ground. 3 [VERB] V n If you gather information or evidence, you collect it, especially over a period of time and after a lot of hard work. ...a private detective using a hidden tape recorder to gather information... = collec...

gath|er|er / g'æðərə r / (gatherers) [N-COUNT] usu n N A gatherer is someone who collects or gathers a particular thing. ...professional intelligence gatherers.

gath|er|ing / g'æðərɪŋ / (gatherings) 1 [N-COUNT] A gathering is a group of people meeting together for a particular purpose. ...the twenty-second annual gathering of the South Pacific Forum. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n If there is gathering darkness, the light is gradually decreasing, usually because it is nearly night. The lighthouse beam was quite distinct in the gathering dusk. see also gather

gator / g'eɪtə r / (gators) also 'gator [N-COUNT] A gator is the same as an alligator . (AM INFORMAL)

gauche / g'oʊʃ / [ADJ] If you describe someone as gauche , you mean that they are awkward and uncomfortable in the company of other people. We're all a bit gauche when we're young... She was a rather gauche, provincial creature. = awkward

gau|cho / g'aʊtʃoʊ / (gauchos) [N-COUNT] A gaucho is a South American cowboy.

gaudy / g'ɔːdi / (gaudier gaudiest) [ADJ] If something is gaudy , it is very brightly-coloured and showy. ...her gaudy orange-and-purple floral hat. = garish

gauge / g'eɪdʒ / (gauges gauging gauged) 1 [VERB] V n, V n If you gauge the speed or strength of something, or if you gauge an amount, you measure or calculate it, often by using a device of some kind. He gauged the wind at over thirty knots... Distance is gauged by journey time rather than miles. 2 [N-COUNT] oft n N A gauge is a device that measures the amount or quantity of something and shows the amount measured. ...temperature gauges. ...pressure gauges. 3 [VERB] V n If you gauge people's actions, feelings, or intentions in a particular situation, you carefully consider and judge them. ...as he gauged possible enemy moves and his own responses... = assess 4 [N-SING] usu N of n A gauge of someone's feelings or a situation is a fact or event that can be used to judge them. The index is the government's chief gauge of future economic activity. = measure 5 [N-COUNT] usu n N A gauge is the distance between the two rails o...

gaunt / g'ɔːnt / 1 [ADJ] If someone looks gaunt , they look very thin, usually because they have been very ill or worried. Looking gaunt and tired, he denied there was anything to worry about. = drawn 2 [ADJ] ADJ n If you describe a building as gaunt , you mean it is very plain and unattractive. (LITERARY) Above on the hillside was a large, gaunt, grey house.

gaunt|let / g'ɔːntlɪt / (gauntlets) 1 [N-COUNT] usu pl Gauntlets are long, thick, protective gloves. ...a pair of black leather driving gauntlets. 2 [PHRASE] V inflects If you pick up the gauntlet or take up the gauntlet , you accept the challenge that someone has made. She picked up the gauntlet in her incisive Keynote Address to the Conference... Whoever decides to take up the gauntlet and challenge the Prime Minister will have a tough battle. 3 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft PHR of n If you run the gauntlet , you go through an unpleasant experience in which a lot of people criticize or attack you. The trucks tried to drive to the British base, running the gauntlet of marauding bands of gunmen. 4 [PHRASE] V inflects, oft PHR to n If you throw down the gauntlet to someone, you say or do something that challenges them to argue or compete with you. Luxury car firm Jaguar has thrown down the gauntlet to competitors by giving the best guarantee on the mar...

gauze / g'ɔːz / [N-UNCOUNT] Gauze is a type of light, soft cloth with tiny holes in it. Strain the juice through a piece of gauze or a sieve.

gauzy / g'ɔːzi / [ADJ] ADJ n Gauzy material is light, soft, and thin, so that you can see through it. ...thin, gauzy curtains.

gave / g'eɪv / Gave is the past tense of give .

gav|el / g'æv ə l / (gavels) [N-COUNT] usu sing, oft poss N A gavel is a small wooden hammer that the person in charge of a law court, an auction, or a meeting bangs on a table to get people's attention.

gawk / g'ɔːk / (gawks gawking gawked) [VERB] V at n, V To gawk at someone or something means to stare at them in a rude, stupid, or unthinking way. (INFORMAL) The youth continued to gawk at her and did not answer... Tens of thousands came to gawk.

gawky / g'ɔːki / [ADJ] If you describe someone, especially a young person, as gawky , you mean they are awkward and clumsy. ...a gawky lad with spots. = gangling

♦♦ gay / g'eɪ / (gays gayer gayest) 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n A gay person is homosexual. The quality of life for gay men has improved over the last two decades. ...the gay community. ≠ straight [N-PLURAL] Gays are homosexual people, especially homosexual men. More importantly, gays have proved themselves to be style leaders. ● gayness [N-UNCOUNT] ...Mike's admission of his gayness. 2 [ADJ] A gay person is fun to be with because they are lively and cheerful. (OLD-FASHIONED) I am happy and free, in good health, gay and cheerful. 3 [ADJ] A gay object is brightly coloured and pretty to look at. (OLD-FASHIONED) I like gay, relaxing paintings. = cheerful

gaze / g'eɪz / (gazes gazing gazed) 1 [VERB] V at n, V at n If you gaze at someone or something, you look steadily at them for a long time, for example because you find them attractive or interesting, or because you are thinking about something else. She stood gazing at herself in the mirror... Sitting in his wicker chair, he gazed reflectively at the fire... 2 [N-COUNT] usu sing, usu with poss You can talk about someone's gaze as a way of describing how they are looking at something, especially when they are looking steadily at it. (WRITTEN) She felt increasingly uncomfortable under the woman's steady gaze... The interior was shielded from the curious gaze of passersby. 3 [PHRASE] oft v-link PHR If someone or something is in the public gaze , they are receiving a lot of attention from the general public. You won't find a couple more in the public gaze than Michael and Lizzie.

ga|zebo / gəz'iːboʊ, AM -z'eɪ- / (gazebos) [N-COUNT] A gazebo is a small building with open sides. Gazebos are often put up in gardens so that people can sit in them to enjoy the view.

ga|zelle / gəz'el / (gazelles) [N-COUNT] A gazelle is a type of small African or Asian deer. Gazelles move very quickly and gracefully.

ga|zette / gəz'et / (gazettes) 1 [N-IN-NAMES] n N Gazette is often used in the names of newspapers. ...the Arkansas Gazette. 2 [N-COUNT] oft adj N In Britain, a gazette is an official publication in which information such as honours, public appointments, and important decisions are announced.

gaz|et|teer / g'æzɪt'ɪə r / (gazetteers) [N-COUNT] A gazetteer is a book or a part of a book which lists and describes places.

♦ gear / g'ɪə r / (gears gearing geared) 1 [N-COUNT] The gears on a machine or vehicle are a device for changing the rate at which energy is changed into motion. On hills, he must use low gears... The car was in fourth gear... He put the truck in gear and drove on. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] The gear involved in a particular activity is the equipment or special clothing that you use. About 100 officers in riot gear were needed to break up the fight. ...fishing gear... They helped us put our gear back into the van. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] Gear means clothing. (INFORMAL) I used to wear trendy gear but it just looked ridiculous. 4 [V-PASSIVE] be V-ed to n, be V-ed towards -ing If someone or something is geared to or towards a particular purpose, they are organized or designed in order to achieve that purpose. Colleges are not always geared to the needs of mature students... My training was geared towards winning gold in Munich. gear lev|er (gear levers) or ...

gear|box / g'ɪə r bɒks / (gearboxes) [N-COUNT] A gearbox is the system of gears in an engine or vehicle.

gear|shift / g'ɪə r ʃɪft / (gearshifts) also gear shift [N-COUNT] In a vehicle, the gearshift is the same as the gear lever . (mainly AM)

gee / dʒ'iː / [EXCLAM] People sometimes say gee to emphasize a reaction or remark. (AM INFORMAL) Gee, it's hot... Gee thanks, Stan. gee whiz / dʒ'iː h w'ɪz / also gee whizz 1 [EXCLAM] People sometimes say gee whiz in order to express a strong reaction to something or to introduce a remark or response. (AM INFORMAL) Gee whiz, they carried on and on, they loved the evening. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n You use gee whiz to describe something that is new, exciting, and impressive, but that is perhaps more complicated or showy than it needs to be. (mainly AM INFORMAL) The trend now is towards `lifestyle' electronics-black, shiny gee-whiz things that people like to own.

geek / g'iːk / (geeks) [N-COUNT] If you call someone, usually a man or boy, a geek , you are saying in an unkind way that they are stupid, awkward, or weak. (INFORMAL) = nerd

geeky / g'iːki / [ADJ] If you describe someone as geeky , you think they look or behave like a geek.

geese / g'iːs / Geese is the plural of goose .

gee|zer / g'iːzə r / (geezers) [N-COUNT] Some people use geezer to refer to a man. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL, OLD-FASHIONED) ...an old bald geezer in a posh raincoat. = bloke

gei|sha / g'eɪʃə / (geishas) [N-COUNT] A geisha is a Japanese woman who is specially trained in music, dancing, and the art of conversation. Her job is to entertain men.

gel / dʒ'el / (gels gelling gelled) The spelling jell is usually used in American English and is sometimes used in British English for meanings 1 and 2 . 1 [V-RECIP] V with n, V, V (non-recip) If people gel with each other, or if two groups of people gel , they work well together because their skills and personalities fit together well. They have gelled very well with the rest of the side... There were signs on Saturday that the team is starting to gel at last... Their partnership gelled and scriptwriting for television followed. 2 [VERB] V into n, V If a vague shape, thought, or creation gels , it becomes clearer or more definite. Even if her interpretation has not yet gelled into a satisfying whole, she displays real musicianship... It was not until 1974 that his ability to write gelled again. 3 [N-MASS] Gel is a thick jelly-like substance, especially one used to keep your hair in a particular style. show|er gel (shower gels) [N-VAR] Shower ...

gela|tine / dʒ'elɪtiːn, AM -t ə n / (gelatines) also gelatin [N-MASS] Gelatine is a clear tasteless powder that is used to make liquids become firm, for example when you are making desserts such as jelly.

ge|lati|nous / dʒɪl'ætɪnəs / [ADJ] Gelatinous substances or mixtures are wet and sticky. Pour a cup of the gelatinous mixture into the blender.

geld|ing / g'eldɪŋ / (geldings) [N-COUNT] A gelding is a male horse that has been castrated.

gel|ig|nite / dʒ'elɪgnaɪt / [N-UNCOUNT] Gelignite is a type of explosive.

gem / dʒ'em / (gems) 1 [N-COUNT] A gem is a jewel or stone that is used in jewellery. ...a gold mask inset with emeralds and other gems. 2 [N-COUNT] oft N of n If you describe something or someone as a gem , you mean that they are especially pleasing, good, or helpful. (INFORMAL) ...a gem of a hotel, Castel Clara... Miss Famous, as she was called, was a gem.

gem|stone / dʒ'emstoʊn / (gemstones) [N-COUNT] A gemstone is a jewel or stone used in jewellery. = gem

gen|darme / ʒ'ɒndɑː r m / (gendarmes) [N-COUNT] A gendarme is a member of the French police force.

gen|der / dʒ'endə r / (genders) 1 [N-VAR] A person's gender is the fact that they are male or female. Women are sometimes denied opportunities solely because of their gender. ...groups that are traditionally discriminated against on grounds of gender, colour, race, or age. = sex 2 [N-COUNT] You can refer to all male people or all female people as a particular gender . While her observations may be true about some men, they could hardly apply to the entire gender. ...the different abilities and skills of the two genders. = sex 3 [N-VAR] In grammar, the gender of a noun, pronoun, or adjective is whether it is masculine, feminine, or neuter. A word's gender can affect its form and behaviour. In English, only personal pronouns such as `she', reflexive pronouns such as `itself', and possessive determiners such as `his' have gender. In both Welsh and Irish the word for `moon' is of feminine gender.

♦ gene / dʒ'iːn / (genes) [N-COUNT] A gene is the part of a cell in a living thing which controls its physical characteristics, growth, and development. gene thera|py [N-UNCOUNT] Gene therapy is the use of genetic material to treat disease.

ge|neal|ogy / dʒ'iːni'ælədʒi / [N-UNCOUNT] Genealogy is the study of the history of families, especially through studying historical documents to discover the relationships between particular people and their families. ● genealogical [ADJ] ADJ n ...genealogical research on his family.

gen|era / dʒ'enərə / Genera is the plural of genus .

♦♦♦ gen|er|al / dʒ'enrəl / (generals) 1 [N-COUNT; N-TITLE; N-VOC] A general is a high-ranking officer in the armed forces, usually in the army. The General's visit to Sarajevo is part of preparations for the deployment of extra troops. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n If you talk about the general situation somewhere or talk about something in general terms, you are describing the situation as a whole rather than considering its details or exceptions. The figures represent a general decline in employment. ...the general deterioration of English society. [PHRASE] If you describe something in general terms , you describe it without giving details. She recounted in very general terms some of the events of recent months. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n You use general to describe several items or activities when there are too many of them or when they are not important enough to mention separately. £2,500 for software is soon swallowed up in general costs... His firm took over the...

gen|er|al|ity / dʒ'enər'ælɪti / (generalities) 1 [N-COUNT] A generality is a general statement that covers a range of things, rather than being concerned with specific instances. (FORMAL) I'll start with some generalities and then examine a few specific examples... He avoided this tricky question and talked in generalities. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] The generality of a statement or description is the fact that it is a general one, rather than a specific, detailed one. That there are problems with this kind of definition is hardly surprising, given its level of generality.

gen|er|ali|za|tion / dʒ'enrəlaɪz'eɪʃ ə n / (generalizations) in BRIT, also use generalisation [N-VAR] A generalization is a statement that seems to be true in most situations or for most people, but that may not be completely true in all cases. He is making sweeping generalisations to get his point across... The evaluation of conduct involves some amount of generalization.

gen|er|al|ize / dʒ'enrəlaɪz / (generalizes generalizing generalized) in BRIT, also use generalise 1 [VERB] V, V prep If you generalize , you say something that seems to be true in most situations or for most people, but that may not be completely true in all cases. `In my day, children were a lot better behaved'.--`It's not true, you're generalizing'... It's hard to generalize about Cole Porter because he wrote so many great songs that were so varied. 2 [VERB] V n across/to n If you generalize something such as an idea, you apply it more widely than its original context, as if it was true in many other situations. A child first labels the household pet cat as a `cat' and then generalises this label to other animals that look like it.

gen|er|al|ized / dʒ'enrəlaɪzd / in BRIT, also use generalised 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Generalized means involving many different things, rather than one or two specific things. ...a generalised discussion about admirable singers. ...generalised feelings of inadequacy. = general ≠ specific 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n You use generalized to describe medical conditions or problems which affect the whole of someone's body, or the whole of a part of their body. (MEDICAL) She experienced an increase in generalized aches and pains. ...generalised muscle disorders.

♦♦ gen|er|al|ly / dʒ'enrəli / 1 [ADV] ADV with cl/group, ADV with v You use generally to give a summary of a situation, activity, or idea without referring to the particular details of it. University teachers generally have admitted a lack of enthusiasm about their subjects... Speaking generally, the space enterprise has served astronomy well. 2 [ADV] ADV with cl/group, ADV with v You use generally to say that something happens or is used on most occasions but not on every occasion. As women we generally say and feel too much about these things... It is generally true that the darker the fruit the higher its iron content... The warmer a place is, generally speaking, the more types of plants and animals it will usually support. = usually

♦ gen|er|ate / dʒ'enəreɪt / (generates generating generated) 1 [VERB] V n, V-ed To generate something means to cause it to begin and develop. The Employment Minister said the reforms would generate new jobs. ...the excitement generated by the changes in Eastern Europe. = create 2 [VERB] V n To generate a form of energy or power means to produce it. The company, New England Electric, burns coal to generate power.

♦♦ gen|era|tion / dʒ'enər'eɪʃ ə n / (generations) 1 [N-COUNT] with supp A generation is all the people in a group or country who are of a similar age, especially when they are considered as having the same experiences or attitudes. ...the younger generation of Party members... David Mamet has long been considered the leading American playwright of his generation. 2 [N-COUNT] A generation is the period of time, usually considered to be about thirty years, that it takes for children to grow up and become adults and have children of their own. Within a generation flight has become the method used by many travellers. 3 [N-COUNT] N of n You can use generation to refer to a stage of development in the design and manufacture of machines or equipment. ...a new generation of IBM/Apple computers. 4 [ADJ] ord ADJ n Generation is used to indicate how long members of your family have had a particular nationality. For example, second generation means that yo...

gen|era|tion|al / dʒ'enər'eɪʃənəl / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Generational means relating to a particular generation, or to the relationship between particular generations. People's lifestyles are usually fixed by generational habits and fashions.

gen|era|tive / dʒ'enərətɪv / 1 [ADJ] If something is generative , it is capable of producing something or causing it to develop. (FORMAL) ...the generative power of the sun. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n In linguistics, generative is used to describe linguistic theories or models which are based on the idea that a single set of rules can explain how all the possible sentences of a language are formed. (TECHNICAL)

gen|era|tor / dʒ'enəreɪtə r / (generators) 1 [N-COUNT] A generator is a machine which produces electricity. 2 [N-COUNT] with supp, oft N of n A generator of something is a person, organization, product, or situation which produces it or causes it to happen. The US economy is still an impressive generator of new jobs... The company has been a very good cash generator.

ge|ner|ic / dʒɪn'erɪk / (generics) 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n You use generic to describe something that refers or relates to a whole class of similar things. Parmesan is a generic term used to describe a family of hard Italian cheeses. ≠ specific ● generically [ADV] usu ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj, also ADV with cl I will refer to child abuse generically (which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect). ...something generically called `rock `n' roll'. 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n A generic drug or other product is one that does not have a trademark and that is known by a general name, rather than the manufacturer's name. They encourage doctors to prescribe cheaper generic drugs instead of more expensive brand names. ≠ branded [N-COUNT] Generic is also a noun. The program saved $11 million in 1988 by substituting generics for brand-name drugs. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n People sometimes use generic to refer to something that is exactly typical of...

gen|er|os|ity / dʒ'enər'ɒsɪti / [N-UNCOUNT] If you refer to someone's generosity , you mean that they are generous, especially in doing or giving more than is usual or expected. There are stories about his generosity, the massive amounts of money he gave to charities. ...a man of great generosity of spirit. ≠ meanness

♦ gen|er|ous / dʒ'enərəs / 1 [ADJ] A generous person gives more of something, especially money, than is usual or expected. German banks are more generous in their lending... The gift is generous by any standards. ≠ mean ● generously [ADV] ADV with v We would like to thank all the judges who gave so generously of their time. 2 [ADJ] A generous person is friendly, helpful, and willing to see the good qualities in someone or something. He was always generous in sharing his enormous knowledge... He was generous enough to congratulate his successor on his decision. ● generously [ADV] ADV with v The students generously gave them instruction in social responsibility. 3 [ADJ] A generous amount of something is much larger than is usual or necessary. ...a generous six weeks of annual holiday... He should be able to keep his room tidy with the generous amount of storage space. ● generously [ADV] ADV -ed, ADV after v ...a generously sized sitti...

gen|esis / dʒ'enɪsɪs / [N-SING] usu with poss The genesis of something is its beginning, birth, or creation. (FORMAL) The project had its genesis two years earlier... = origin