Definitions & Meanings - English Dictionary

dun / d'ʌn / [COLOUR] Something that is dun is a dull grey-brown colour. ...her dun mare.

dunce / d'ʌns / (dunces) [N-COUNT] If you say that someone is a dunce , you think they are rather stupid because they find it difficult or impossible to learn what someone is trying to teach them. Michael may have been a dunce at mathematics, but he was gifted at languages.

dune / dj'uːn, AM d'uːn / (dunes) [N-COUNT] A dune is a hill of sand near the sea or in a desert. sand dune (sand dunes) [N-COUNT] usu pl A sand dune is a hill of sand near the sea or in a sand desert. = dune

dung / d'ʌŋ / [N-UNCOUNT] Dung is faeces from animals, especially from large animals such as cattle and horses.

dun|ga|rees / d'ʌŋgər'iːz / [N-PLURAL] also a pair of N Dungarees are a one-piece garment consisting of trousers, a piece of cloth which covers your chest, and straps which go over your shoulders. In American English, dungarees can also refer to jeans.

dun|geon / d'ʌndʒ ə n / (dungeons) [N-COUNT] A dungeon is a dark underground prison in a castle.

dunk / d'ʌŋk / (dunks dunking dunked) [VERB] V n in n If you dunk something in a liquid, you put it in the liquid, especially for a particular purpose and for a short time. Dunk new plants in a bucket of water for an hour or so before planting.

dun|no / dən'oʊ / Dunno is sometimes used in written English to represent an informal way of saying `don't know'. `How on earth did she get it?'--`I dunno.'

duo / dj'uːoʊ, AM d'uː- / (duos) 1 [N-COUNT] A duo is two musicians, singers, or other performers who perform together as a pair. ...a famous dancing and singing duo. 2 [N-COUNT] You can refer to two people together as a duo , especially when they have something in common. (mainly JOURNALISM) ...Britain's former golden Olympic duo of Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell.

duo|de|nal / dj'uːoʊd'iːn ə l, AM d'uː- / [ADJ] ADJ n Duodenal means relating to or contained in the duodenum. (MEDICAL) ...duodenal ulcers.

duo|denum / dj'uːoʊd'iːnəm, AM d'uː- / (duodenums) [N-COUNT] Your duodenum is the part of your small intestine that is just below your stomach. (MEDICAL)

duo|po|ly / dj'uː'ɒpəli / (duopolies) 1 [N-VAR] If two companies or people have a duopoly on something such as an industry, they share complete control over it and it is impossible for others to become involved in it. (BUSINESS) They are no longer part of a duopoly on overseas routes. 2 [N-COUNT] A duopoly is a group of two companies which are the only ones which provide a particular product or service, and which therefore have complete control over an industry. (BUSINESS) Their smaller rival is battling to end their duopoly.

dupe / dj'uːp, AM d'uːp / (dupes duping duped) 1 [VERB] V n into -ing, V n If a person dupes you, they trick you into doing something or into believing something which is not true. ...a plot to dupe stamp collectors into buying fake rarities... We know some sex offenders dupe the psychologists who assess them. 2 [N-COUNT] A dupe is someone who is tricked by someone else. He becomes an innocent dupe in a political scandal.

du|plex / dj'uːpleks, AM d'uː- / (duplexes) 1 [N-COUNT] A duplex is a house which has been divided into two separate units for two different families or groups of people. (AM) 2 [N-COUNT] A duplex or a duplex apartment is a flat or apartment which has rooms on two floors. (AM)

du|pli|cate (duplicates duplicating duplicated) The verb is pronounced / dj'uːplɪkeɪt, AM d'uː- / The noun and adjective are pronounced / dj'uːplɪkət, AM d'uː- / 1 [VERB] V n If you duplicate something that has already been done, you repeat or copy it. His task will be to duplicate his success overseas here at home... = replicate [N-COUNT] Duplicate is also a noun. Charles scored again, with an exact duplicate of his first goal. 2 [VERB] V n To duplicate something which has been written, drawn, or recorded onto tape means to make exact copies of it. ...a business which duplicates video and cinema tapes for the movie makers. = copy [N-COUNT] also in N Duplicate is also a noun. I'm on my way to Switzerland, but I've lost my card. I've got to get a duplicate. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n Duplicate is used to describe things that have been made as an exact copy of other things, usually in order to serve the same purpose. He let hims...

du|pli|ca|tion / dj'uːplɪk'eɪʃ ə n, AM d'uː- / [N-UNCOUNT] If you say that there has been duplication of something, you mean that someone has done a task unnecessarily because it has already been done before. ...unnecessary duplication of resources.

du|plic|ity / djuːpl'ɪsɪti, AM duː- / [N-UNCOUNT] If you accuse someone of duplicity , you mean that they are deceitful. (FORMAL) Malcolm believed he was guilty of duplicity in his private dealings. = deceit

du|rable / dj'ʊərəb ə l, AM d'ʊr- / [ADJ] Something that is durable is strong and lasts a long time without breaking or becoming weaker. Bone china is strong and durable. ● durability [N-UNCOUNT] Airlines recommend hard-sided cases for durability. con|sum|er du|rable (consumer durables) [N-COUNT] usu pl Consumer durables are goods which are expected to last a long time, and are bought infrequently. (BRIT; in AM, use durable goods ) du|rable goods or durables [N-PLURAL] Durable goods or durables are goods such as televisions or cars which are expected to last a long time, and are bought infrequently. (mainly AM; in BRIT, usually use consumer durables )

du|ra|tion / djʊr'eɪʃ ə n, AM dʊr- / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft the N of n The duration of an event or state is the time during which it happens or exists. He was given the task of protecting her for the duration of the trial... Courses are of two years' duration. 2 [PHRASE] PHR after v If you say that something will happen for the duration , you mean that it will happen for as long as a particular situation continues. His wounds knocked him out of combat for the duration.

du|ress / djʊər'es, AM dʊr- / [N-UNCOUNT] usu under N To do something under duress means to do it because someone forces you to do it or threatens you. (FORMAL) He thought her confession had been made under duress.

♦♦♦ dur|ing / dj'ʊərɪŋ, AM d'ʊrɪŋ / 1 [PREP] If something happens during a period of time or an event, it happens continuously, or happens several times between the beginning and end of that period or event. Sandstorms are common during the Saudi Arabian winter... 2 [PREP] If something develops during a period of time, it develops gradually from the beginning to the end of that period. Wages have fallen by more than twenty percent during the past two months... 3 [PREP] An event that happens during a period of time happens at some point or moment in that period. During his visit, the Pope will also bless the new hospital.

dusk / d'ʌsk / [N-UNCOUNT] Dusk is the time just before night when the daylight has almost gone but when it is not completely dark. We arrived home at dusk. ≠ dawn

dusky / d'ʌski / 1 [ADJ] Dusky means rather dark. (LITERARY) He was walking down the road one dusky Friday evening. 2 [COMB in COLOUR] A dusky colour is soft rather than bright. (LITERARY) ...dusky pink carpet.

♦ dust / d'ʌst / (dusts dusting dusted) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Dust is very small dry particles of earth or sand. Tanks raise huge trails of dust when they move... 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Dust is the very small pieces of dirt which you find inside buildings, for example on furniture, floors, or lights. I could see a thick layer of dust on the stairs... 3 [N-UNCOUNT] oft n N Dust is a fine powder which consists of very small particles of a substance such as gold, wood, or coal. The air is so black with diesel fumes and coal dust, I can barely see. 4 [VERB] V n, V When you dust something such as furniture, you remove dust from it, usually using a cloth. I vacuumed and dusted the living room... She dusted, she cleaned, and she did the washing-up. ● dusting [N-UNCOUNT] I'm very fortunate in that I don't have to do the washing-up or the dusting. 5 [VERB] V n prep/adv, V adv/prep If you dust something with a fine substance such as powder or if you dus...

dust|bin / d'ʌstbɪn / (dustbins) [N-COUNT] A dustbin is a large container with a lid which people put their rubbish in and which is usually kept outside their house. (BRIT; in AM, usually use garbage can )

dust|er / d'ʌstə r / (dusters) [N-COUNT] A duster is a cloth which you use for removing dust from furniture, ornaments, or other objects. see also feather duster feath|er dust|er (feather dusters) [N-COUNT] A feather duster is a stick with a bunch of real or artificial feathers attached to one end. It is used for dusting and cleaning things.

dust|man / d'ʌstmən / (dustmen) [N-COUNT] A dustman is a person whose job is to empty the rubbish from people's dustbins and take it away to be disposed of. (BRIT; in AM, use garbage man )

dust|pan / d'ʌstpæn / (dustpans) [N-COUNT] A dustpan is a small flat container made of metal or plastic. You hold it flat on the floor and put dirt and dust into it using a brush.

dusty / d'ʌsti / (dustier dustiest) 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n If places, roads, or other things outside are dusty , they are covered with tiny bits of earth or sand, usually because it has not rained for a long time. They started strolling down the dusty road in the moonlight. 2 [ADJ] If a room, house, or object is dusty , it is covered with very small pieces of dirt. ...a dusty attic...

death duties [N-PLURAL] Death duties were a tax which had to be paid on the money and property of someone who had died. This tax is now called inheritance tax . (BRIT)

du|ti|ful / dj'uːtɪfʊl, AM d'uː- / [ADJ] If you say that someone is dutiful , you mean that they do everything that they are expected to do. The days of the dutiful wife, who sacrifices her career for her husband, are over. ● dutifully [ADV] ADV with v The inspector dutifully recorded the date in a large red book.

♦♦ duty / dj'uːti, AM d'uːti / (duties) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Duty is work that you have to do for your job. Staff must report for duty at their normal place of work... My duty is to look after the animals. 2 [N-PLURAL] Your duties are tasks which you have to do because they are part of your job. I carried out my duties conscientiously... 3 [N-SING] oft with poss If you say that something is your duty , you believe that you ought to do it because it is your responsibility. I consider it my duty to write to you and thank you. 4 [N-VAR] Duties are taxes which you pay to the government on goods that you buy. Import duties still average 30%. ...customs duties... 5 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR If someone such as a policeman or a nurse is off duty , they are not working. If someone is on duty , they are working. I'm off duty... Extra staff had been put on duty. ac|tive duty [N-UNCOUNT] oft on N Active duty means the same as active...

du|vet / d'uːveɪ, AM duːv'eɪ / (duvets) [N-COUNT] A duvet is a large cover filled with feathers or similar material which you put over yourself in bed instead of a sheet and blankets. (BRIT; in AM, use comforter ) = quilt

dwarf / dw'ɔː r f / (dwarfsor dwarves dwarfs dwarfing dwarfed) 1 [VERB] be V-ed, V n If one person or thing is dwarfed by another, the second is so much bigger than the first that it makes them look very small. His figure is dwarfed by the huge red McDonald's sign... The US air travel market dwarfs that of Britain. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Dwarf is used to describe varieties or species of plants and animals which are much smaller than the usual size for their kind. ...dwarf shrubs. 3 [N-COUNT] In children's stories, a dwarf is an imaginary creature that is like a small man. Dwarfs often have magical powers. 4 [N-COUNT] In former times, people who were much smaller than normal were called dwarfs . (OFFENSIVE, OLD-FASHIONED)

dweeb / dw'iːb / (dweebs) [N-COUNT] If you call someone, especially a man or a boy, a dweeb , you are saying in a rather unkind way that you think they are stupid and weak. (AM INFORMAL) = drip, nerd

dwell / dw'el / (dwells dwelling dweltor dwelled) 1 [VERB] V on/upon n If you dwell on something, especially something unpleasant, you think, speak, or write about it a lot or for quite a long time. I'd rather not dwell on the past. 2 [VERB] V prep/adv If you dwell somewhere, you live there. (FORMAL) They are concerned for the fate of the forest and the Indians who dwell in it... = live 3 see also dwelling

dwell|er / dw'elə r / (dwellers) [N-COUNT] supp N A city dweller or slum dweller , for example, is a person who lives in the kind of place or house indicated. The number of city dwellers is growing...

dwell|ing / dw'elɪŋ / (dwellings) [N-COUNT] A dwelling or a dwelling place is a place where someone lives. (FORMAL) Some 3,500 new dwellings are planned for the area... = home

dwelt / dw'elt / Dwelt is the past tense and past participle of dwell .

dwin|dle / dw'ɪnd ə l / (dwindles dwindling dwindled) [VERB] V, V-ing If something dwindles , it becomes smaller, weaker, or less in number. The factory's workforce has dwindled from over 4,000 to a few hundred... He is struggling to come to terms with his dwindling authority. = shrink

dye / d'aɪ / (dyes dyeing dyed) 1 [VERB] V n If you dye something such as hair or cloth, you change its colour by soaking it in a special liquid. The women prepared, spun and dyed the wool... 2 [N-MASS] Dye is a substance made from plants or chemicals which is mixed into a liquid and used to change the colour of something such as cloth or hair. ...bottles of hair dye.

dy|ing / d'aɪɪŋ / 1 Dying is the present participle of die . 2 [ADJ] ADJ n A dying person or animal is very ill and likely to die soon. ...a dying man. [N-PLURAL] the N The dying are people who are dying. The dead and the dying were everywhere. 3 [ADJ] ADJ n You use dying to describe something which happens at the time when someone dies, or is connected with that time. It'll stay in my mind till my dying day... 4 [ADJ] ADJ n The dying days or dying minutes of a state of affairs or an activity are its last days or minutes. The islands were seized by the Soviet army in the dying days of the second world war... = final 5 [ADJ] ADJ n A dying tradition or industry is becoming less important and is likely to disappear completely. Shipbuilding is a dying business.

dyke / d'aɪk / (dykes) The spelling dike is also used, especially for meaning 1 . 1 [N-COUNT] A dyke is a thick wall that is built to stop water flooding onto very low-lying land from a river or from the sea. 2 [N-COUNT] A dyke is a lesbian. (INFORMAL, OFFENSIVE)

dy|nam|ic / daɪn'æmɪk / (dynamics) 1 [ADJ] If you describe someone as dynamic , you approve of them because they are full of energy or full of new and exciting ideas. He seemed a dynamic and energetic leader... ● dynamically [ADV] ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v He's one of the most dynamically imaginative jazz pianists still functioning. 2 [ADJ] If you describe something as dynamic , you approve of it because it is very active and energetic. South Asia continues to be the most dynamic economic region in the world. 3 [ADJ] A dynamic process is one that constantly changes and progresses. ...a dynamic, evolving worldwide epidemic... ≠ static ● dynamically [ADV] usu ADV adj/-ed Germany has a dynamically growing market at home. 4 [N-COUNT] usu with supp The dynamic of a system or process is the force that causes it to change or progress. The dynamic of the market demands constant change and adjustment... 5 [N-PLURAL] usu with supp The dynami...

dy|na|mism / d'aɪnəmɪzəm / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] If you say that someone or something has dynamism , you are expressing approval of the fact that they are full of energy or full of new and exciting ideas. ...a situation that calls for dynamism and new thinking. = energy 2 [N-UNCOUNT] If you refer to the dynamism of a situation or system, you are referring to the fact that it is changing in an exciting and dramatic way. Such changes are indicators of economic dynamism.

dy|na|mite / d'aɪnəmaɪt / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Dynamite is a type of explosive that contains nitroglycerin. Fifty yards of track was blown up with dynamite. 2 [N-UNCOUNT] If you describe a piece of information as dynamite , you think that people will react strongly to it. (INFORMAL) Her diaries are political dynamite. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] If you describe someone or something as dynamite , you think that they are exciting. (INFORMAL) The first kiss is dynamite.

dy|na|mo / d'aɪnəmoʊ / (dynamos) [N-COUNT] A dynamo is a device that uses the movement of a machine or vehicle to produce electricity.

dy|nas|tic / daɪn'æstɪk / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Dynastic means typical of or relating to a dynasty. ...dynastic rule.

dyn|as|ty / d'ɪnəsti, AM d'aɪn- / (dynasties) 1 [N-COUNT] A dynasty is a series of rulers of a country who all belong to the same family. The Seljuk dynasty of Syria was founded in 1094. 2 [N-COUNT] with supp A dynasty is a period of time during which a country is ruled by members of the same family. ...carvings dating back to the Ming dynasty. 3 [N-COUNT] A dynasty is a family which has members from two or more generations who are important in a particular field of activity, for example in business or politics. ...the Kennedy dynasty.

dys|en|tery / d'ɪs ə ntri, AM -teri / [N-UNCOUNT] Dysentery is an infection in a person's intestines that causes them to pass a lot of waste, in which blood and mucus are mixed with the person's faeces.

dys|func|tion / dɪsf'ʌŋkʃən / (dysfunctions) 1 [N-COUNT] If you refer to a dysfunction in something such as a relationship or someone's behaviour, you mean that it is different from what is considered to be normal. (FORMAL) ...his severe emotional dysfunction was very clearly apparent. 2 [N-VAR] If someone has a physical dysfunction , part of their body is not working properly. (MEDICAL) ...kidney and liver dysfunction.

dys|func|tion|al / dɪsf'ʌŋkʃənəl / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Dysfunctional is used to describe relationships or behaviour which are different from what is considered to be normal. (FORMAL) ...the characteristics that typically occur in a dysfunctional family.

dys|lexia / d'ɪsl'eksiə / [N-UNCOUNT] If someone suffers from dyslexia , they have difficulty with reading because of a slight disorder of their brain. (TECHNICAL)

dys|lex|ic / d'ɪsl'eksɪk / [ADJ] If someone is dyslexic , they have difficulty with reading because of a slight disorder of their brain. (TECHNICAL)

dys|pep|sia / d'ɪsp'epsiə, AM -ʃə / [N-UNCOUNT] Dyspepsia is the same as indigestion . (MEDICAL)

dys|tro|phy / d'ɪstrəfi / see muscular dystrophy mus|cu|lar dys|tro|phy / m'ʌskjʊlə r d'ɪstrəfi / [N-UNCOUNT] Muscular dystrophy is a serious disease in which your muscles gradually weaken.

♦♦♦ each / 'iːtʃ / 1 [DET] DET sing-n If you refer to each thing or each person in a group, you are referring to every member of the group and considering them as individuals. Each book is beautifully illustrated... Each year, hundreds of animals are killed in this way... Blend in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. [PRON] Each is also a pronoun. ...two bedrooms, each with three beds... She began to consult doctors, and each had a different diagnosis. [PRON] Each is also an emphasizing pronoun. We each have different needs and interests. [ADV] amount ADV Each is also an adverb. The children were given one each, handed to them or placed on their plates... They were selling tickets at six pounds each. [QUANT] QUANT of def-pl-n Each is also a quantifier. He handed each of them a page of photos... Each of these exercises takes one or two minutes to do... The machines, each of which is perhaps five feet in diameter...

♦ eager / 'iːgə r / 1 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, ADJ to-inf, ADJ for n If you are eager to do or have something, you want to do or have it very much. Robert was eager to talk about life in the Army... When my own son was five years old, I became eager for another baby... The low prices still pull in crowds of eager buyers. = keen ● eagerness [N-UNCOUNT] ...an eagerness to learn. 2 [ADJ] If you look or sound eager , you look or sound as if you expect something interesting or enjoyable to happen. Arty sneered at the crowd of eager faces around him... Her voice was girlish and eager. = excited ● eagerly [ADV] `So what do you think will happen?' he asked eagerly. ● eagerness [N-UNCOUNT] ...a woman speaking with breathless eagerness. = excitement

eagle / 'iːg ə l / (eagles) 1 [N-COUNT] An eagle is a large bird that lives by eating small animals. 2 [PHRASE] usu with poss If you talk about a person's eagle eye , you mean that they are watching someone or something carefully or are very good at noticing things. He did the work under the eagle eye of his teacher... The Captain's eagle eye swept the room. bald eagle (bald eagles) [N-COUNT] A bald eagle is a large eagle with a white head that lives in North America. It is the national bird of the United States of America.

♦ ear / 'ɪə r / (ears) 1 [N-COUNT] Your ears are the two parts of your body, one on each side of your head, with which you hear sounds. He whispered something in her ear... I'm having my ears pierced. 2 [N-SING] with supp, usu N for n If you have an ear for music or language, you are able to hear its sounds accurately and to interpret them or reproduce them well. Moby certainly has a fine ear for a tune... An ear for foreign languages is advantageous. 3 [N-COUNT] oft adj N Ear is often used to refer to people's willingness to listen to what someone is saying. What would cause the masses to give him a far more sympathetic ear?... They had shut their eyes and ears to everything. 4 [N-COUNT] usu pl The ears of a cereal plant such as wheat or barley are the parts at the top of the stem, which contain the seeds or grains. 5 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR If someone says that they are all ears , they mean that they are ready and eager to lis...

ear|ache / 'ɪəreɪk / (earaches) [N-VAR] Earache is a pain in the inside part of your ear.

ear|drum / 'ɪə r drʌm / (eardrums) also ear drum [N-COUNT] Your eardrums are the thin pieces of tightly stretched skin inside each ear, which vibrate when sound waves reach them.

ear|ful / 'ɪə r fʊl / [N-SING] a N If you say that you got an earful , you mean that someone spoke angrily to you for quite an long time. (INFORMAL) I bet Sue gave you an earful when you got home.

earl / 'ɜː r l / (earls) [N-COUNT] oft N of n An earl is a British nobleman. ...the first Earl of Birkenhead.

earl|dom / 'ɜː r ldəm / (earldoms) [N-COUNT] An earldom is the rank or title of an earl.

♦♦ ear|li|er / 'ɜː r liə r / 1 Earlier is the comparative of early . 2 [ADV] ADV with v, ADV with cl, oft amount ADV Earlier is used to refer to a point or period in time before the present or before the one you are talking about. As mentioned earlier, the University supplements this information with an interview... Earlier, it had been hoped to use the indoor track. ...political reforms announced by the President earlier this year... Many years earlier, Grundy had given The Beatles their first television break. [ADJ] ADJ n Earlier is also an adjective. Earlier reports of gunshots have not been substantiated.

ear|li|est / 'ɜː r liɪst / 1 Earliest is the superlative of early . 2 [PHRASE] cl PHR At the earliest means not before the date or time mentioned. The first official results are not expected until Tuesday at the earliest.

ear|lobe / 'ɪə r loʊb / (earlobes) also ear lobe [N-COUNT] Your earlobes are the soft parts at the bottom of your ears.

♦♦♦ ear|ly / 'ɜː r li / (earlier earliest) 1 [ADV] ADV after v Early means before the usual time that a particular event or activity happens. I knew I had to get up early... Why do we have to go to bed so early? ≠ late [ADJ] ADJ n Early is also an adjective. I decided that I was going to take early retirement... I planned an early night. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Early means near the beginning of a day, week, year, or other period of time. ...in the 1970s and the early 1980s. ...a few weeks in early summer... She was in her early teens. ...the early hours of Saturday morning. ≠ late [ADV] ADV with cl, ADV n/prep Early is also an adverb. We'll hope to see you some time early next week. ...early in the season. 3 [ADV] ADV after v Early means before the time that was arranged or expected. She arrived early to secure a place at the front... The first snow came a month earlier than usual. ≠ late [ADJ] Early is also an adject...

ear|mark / 'ɪə r mɑː r k / (earmarks earmarking earmarked) 1 [VERB] be V-ed for n, V n for n, be V-ed to-inf If resources such as money are earmarked for a particular purpose, they are reserved for that purpose. ...the extra money being earmarked for the new projects... The education department has earmarked £6m for the new school... Some of the money has been earmarked to pay for the re-settlement of people from contaminated areas. = set aside 2 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed for n If something has been earmarked for closure or disposal, for example, people have decided that it will be closed or got rid of. Their support meant that he was not forced to sell the business which was earmarked for disposal last year...

ear|muffs / 'ɪə r mʌfs / also ear muffs [N-PLURAL] also a pair of N Earmuffs consist of two thick soft pieces of cloth joined by a band, which you wear over your ears to protect them from the cold or from loud noise.

♦♦ earn / 'ɜː r n / (earns earning earned) 1 [VERB] V n If you earn money, you receive money in return for work that you do. What a lovely way to earn a living... 2 [VERB] V n If something earns money, it produces money as profit or interest. ...a current account which earns little or no interest... 3 [VERB] V n, V n n If you earn something such as praise, you get it because you deserve it. Companies must earn a reputation for honesty... I think that's earned him very high admiration.

earn|er / 'ɜː r nə r / (earners) [N-COUNT] usu supp N An earner is someone or something that earns money or produces profit. ...a typical wage earner... Sugar is Fiji's second biggest export earner.

ear|nest / 'ɜː r nɪst / 1 [PHRASE] PHR after v If something is done or happens in earnest , it happens to a much greater extent and more seriously than before. Campaigning will begin in earnest tomorrow... = seriously 2 [ADJ] Earnest people are very serious and sincere in what they say or do, because they think that their actions and beliefs are important. Ella was a pious, earnest woman... ● earnestness [N-UNCOUNT] He was admired by many for his earnestness. 3 [PHRASE] usu v PHR, v-link PHR If you are in earnest , you are sincere in what you are doing and saying. No one could tell whether he was in earnest or in jest.

ear|nest|ly / 'ɜː r nɪstli / 1 [ADV] ADV with v If you say something earnestly , you say it very seriously, often because you believe that it is important or you are trying to persuade someone else to believe it. `Did you?' she asked earnestly... 2 [ADV] usu ADV with v, also ADV adj If you do something earnestly , you do it in a thorough and serious way, intending to succeed. She always listened earnestly as if this might help her to understand. 3 [ADV] ADV before v If you earnestly hope or wish for something, you hope or wish strongly and sincerely for it. I earnestly hope what I learned will serve me well in my new job.

♦ earn|ings / 'ɜː r nɪŋz / [N-PLURAL] Your earnings are the sums of money that you earn by working. Average weekly earnings rose by 1.5% in July... = pay, income

ear|phone / 'ɪə r foʊn / (earphones) [N-COUNT] usu pl Earphones are a small piece of equipment which you wear over or inside your ears so that you can listen to a radio or cassette recorder without anyone else hearing.

ear|piece / 'ɪə r piːs / (earpieces) [N-COUNT] The earpiece of a telephone receiver, hearing aid, or other device is the part that you hold up to your ear or put into your ear.

ear|plug / 'ɪə r plʌg / (earplugs) also ear plug [N-COUNT] usu pl Earplugs are small pieces of a soft material which you put into your ears to keep out noise, water, or cold air.

ear|ring / 'ɪərɪŋ / (earrings) [N-COUNT] Earrings are pieces of jewellery which you attach to your ears.

ear|shot / 'ɪə r ʃɒt / [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR, oft PHR of n If you are within earshot of someone or something, you are close enough to be able to hear them. If you are out of earshot , you are too far away to hear them. It is within earshot of a main road... Mark was out of earshot, walking ahead of them.

♦♦ earth / 'ɜː r θ / 1 [N-PROPER] oft the N Earth or the Earth is the planet on which we live. People usually say Earth when they are referring to the planet as part of the universe, and the Earth when they are talking about the planet as the place where we live. The space shuttle Atlantis returned safely to earth today. ...a fault in the Earth's crust. 2 [N-SING] the N The earth is the land surface on which we live and move about. The earth shook and the walls of neighbouring houses fell around them. = ground 3 [N-UNCOUNT] Earth is the substance on the land surface of the earth, for example clay or sand, in which plants grow. The road winds for miles through parched earth, scrub and cactus... = soil 4 [N-SING] The earth in an electric plug or piece of electrical equipment is the wire through which electricity can pass into the ground, which makes the equipment safe if something goes wrong with it. (BRIT; in AM, use ground ) The earth w...

earth|en / 'ɜː r ð ə n / 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Earthen containers and objects are made of clay that is baked so that it becomes hard. = earthenware 2 [ADJ] ADJ n An earthen floor, bank, or mound is made of hard earth.

earthen|ware / 'ɜː r ð ə nweə r / 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Earthenware bowls, pots, or other objects are made of clay that is baked so that it becomes hard. ...earthenware pots. = terracotta 2 [N-UNCOUNT] Earthenware objects are referred to as earthenware . ...colourful Italian china and earthenware. = terracotta

earth|ling / 'ɜː r θlɪŋ / (earthlings) [N-COUNT] usu pl Earthling is used in science fiction to refer to human beings who live on the planet Earth.

earth|ly / 'ɜː r θli / 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Earthly means happening in the material world of our life on earth and not in any spiritual life or life after death. ...the need to confront evil during the earthly life... 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Earthly is used for emphasis in phrases such as no earthly reason . If you say that there is no earthly reason why something should happen, you are emphasizing that there is no reason at all why it should happen. There is no earthly reason why they should ever change...

earth|quake / 'ɜː r θkweɪk / (earthquakes) [N-COUNT] An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by movement of the earth's crust.

earth|work / 'ɜː r θwɜː r k / (earthworks) [N-COUNT] usu pl Earthworks are large structures of earth that have been built for defence, especially ones which were built a very long time ago.

earth|worm / 'ɜː r θwɜː r m / (earthworms) [N-COUNT] An earthworm is a kind of worm which lives in the ground.

earthy / 'ɜː r θi / (earthier earthiest) 1 [ADJ] If you describe someone as earthy , you mean that they are open and direct, and talk about subjects which other people avoid or feel ashamed about. ...his extremely earthy humour. ● earthiness [N-UNCOUNT] He loved Gerard's peasant earthiness. 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n If you describe something as earthy , you mean it looks, smells, or feels like earth. I'm attracted to warm, earthy colours...

ear|wig / 'ɪə r wɪg / (earwigs) [N-COUNT] An earwig is a small, thin, brown insect that has a pair of claws at the back end of its body.

♦ ease / 'iːz / (eases easing eased) 1 [PHRASE] PHR after V If you do something with ease , you do it easily, without difficulty or effort. ...the ease with which young people could find work. ≠ difficulty 2 [N-UNCOUNT] N of n If you talk about the ease of a particular activity, you are referring to the way that it has been made easier to do, or to the fact that it is already easy to do. For ease of reference, only the relevant extracts of the regulations are included. 3 [N-UNCOUNT] Ease is the state of being very comfortable and able to live as you want, without any worries or problems. She lived a life of ease. = comfort 4 [VERB] V, V n, V-ing If something unpleasant eases or if you ease it, it is reduced in degree, speed, or intensity. Tensions had eased... I gave him some brandy to ease the pain. ...editorials calling for the easing of sanctions. 5 [VERB] V way prep/adv, V prep/adv, V n prep/adv, V pron-refl adv/prep, V n with adj ...

easel / 'iːz ə l / (easels) [N-COUNT] An easel is a wooden frame that supports a picture which an artist is painting or drawing.

♦ easi|ly / 'iːzɪli / 1 [ADV] usu ADV before v, also ADV n/adj You use easily to emphasize that something is very likely to happen, or is very likely to be true. It could easily be another year before the economy starts to show some improvement. 2 [ADV] ADV after v You use easily to say that something happens more quickly or more often than is usual or normal. He had always cried very easily... 3 see also easy

♦♦♦ east / 'iːst / also East 1 [N-UNCOUNT] also the N The east is the direction where the sun rises. ...the vast swamps which lie to the east of the River Nile... The principal range runs east to west. 2 [N-SING] usu the N, oft N of n The east of a place, country, or region is the part which is in the east. ...a village in the east of the country... 3 [ADV] ADV after v If you go east , you travel towards the east. To drive, go east on Route 9. 4 [ADV] usu ADV of n Something that is east of a place is positioned to the east of it. ...just east of the center of town. 5 [ADJ] ADJ n The east edge, corner, or part of a place or country is the part which is towards the east. ...a low line of hills running along the east coast. 6 [ADJ] ADJ n East is used in the names of some countries, states, and regions in the east of a larger area He had been on safari in East Africa with his son. 7 [ADJ] An east wind is a wind that blows from...

east|bound / 'iːstbaʊnd / [ADJ] ADJ n Eastbound roads or vehicles lead to or are travelling towards the east. (FORMAL) He caught an eastbound train to Tottenham Court Road.

east|er|ly / 'iːstə r li / 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n An easterly point, area, or direction is to the east or towards the east. He progressed slowly along the coast in an easterly direction. 2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n An easterly wind is a wind that blows from the east. ...the cold easterly winds from Scandinavia.

♦♦ east|ern / 'iːstə r n / 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Eastern means in or from the east of a region, state, or country. ...Eastern Europe. ...France's eastern border with Germany. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Eastern means coming from or associated with the people or countries of the East, such as India, China, or Japan. In many Eastern countries massage was and is a part of everyday life. see also Middle Eastern

east|ern|er / 'iːstə r nə r / (easterners) [N-COUNT] An easterner is a person who was born in or who lives in the eastern part of a place or country, especially an American from the East Coast of the USA. (mainly AM)

east|ern|most / 'iːstə r nmoʊst / [ADJ] usu ADJ n The easternmost part of an area or the easternmost place is the one that is farthest towards the east. (FORMAL)

east|ward / 'iːstwə r d / also eastwards [ADV] usu ADV after v, also n ADV Eastward or eastwards means towards the east. A powerful snow storm is moving eastward... They were pressing on eastwards towards the city's small airfield. = east [ADJ] Eastward is also an adjective. ...the eastward expansion of the City of London.

♦♦♦ easy / 'iːzi / (easier easiest) 1 [ADJ] oft it v-link ADJ to-inf, ADJ to-inf If a job or action is easy , you can do it without difficulty or effort, because it is not complicated and causes no problems. The shower is easy to install... This is not an easy task... = simple ≠ difficult ● easily [ADV] usu ADV with v Dress your child in layers of clothes you can remove easily. = simply 2 [ADJ] oft ADJ about n If you describe an action or activity as easy , you mean that it is done in a confident, relaxed way. If someone is easy about something, they feel relaxed and confident about it. He was an easy person to talk to. ...when you are both feeling a little easier about the break up of your relationship. ● easily [ADV] ADV with v They talked amiably and easily about a range of topics. 3 [ADJ] usu ADJ n If you say that someone has an easy life, you mean that they live comfortably without any problems or worries. She has not had an easy ...

♦♦ eat / 'iːt / (eats eating ate eaten) 1 [VERB] V n, V When you eat something, you put it into your mouth, chew it, and swallow it. She was eating a sandwich... We took our time and ate slowly. 2 [VERB] V adv If you eat sensibly or healthily, you eat food that is good for you. ...a campaign to persuade people to eat more healthily. 3 [VERB] V, V n If you eat , you have a meal. Let's go out to eat... We ate lunch together a few times. 4 [VERB] only cont, V n If something is eating you, it is annoying or worrying you. (INFORMAL) `What the hell's eating you?' he demanded. 5 [PHRASE] V and N inflect If you have someone eating out of your hand , they are completely under your control. She usually has the press eating out of her hand. 6 to have your cake and eat it: see cake dog eat dog: see dog to eat humble pie: see humble eat away [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P at n If one thing eats away another or eats a...

eat|en / 'iːt ə n / Eaten is the past participle of eat . eat|en up [ADJ] v-link ADJ with n If someone is eaten up with jealousy, curiosity, or desire, they feel it very intensely. (INFORMAL) Don't waste your time being eaten up with envy.

eat|er / 'iːtə r / (eaters) [N-COUNT] supp N You use eater to refer to someone who eats in a particular way or who eats particular kinds of food. I've never been a fussy eater... ...vegetarians and meat eaters.

eat|ery / i'ːtəri / (eateries) [N-COUNT] An eatery is a place where you can buy and eat food. (JOURNALISM) ...one of the most elegant old eateries in town.

eat|ing ap|ple (eating apples) [N-COUNT] An eating apple is an ordinary apple that is usually eaten raw rather than cooked. ≠ cooking apple

eaves / 'iːvz / [N-PLURAL] The eaves of a house are the lower edges of its roof. There were icicles hanging from the eaves.

eaves|drop / 'iːvzdrɒp / (eavesdrops eavesdropping eavesdropped) [VERB] V on n, V If you eavesdrop on someone, you listen secretly to what they are saying. The government illegally eavesdropped on his telephone conversations... The housemaid eavesdropped from behind the kitchen door. = listen in ● eavesdropping [N-UNCOUNT] ...foreign electronic eavesdropping on army communications. ● eavesdropper [N-COUNT] Modern technology enables eavesdroppers to pick up conversations through windows or walls.

ebb / 'eb / (ebbs ebbing ebbed) 1 [VERB] V When the tide or the sea ebbs , its level gradually falls. When the tide ebbs it's a rock pool inhabited by crustaceans. 2 [N-COUNT] usu the N The ebb or the ebb tide is one of the regular periods, usually two per day, when the sea gradually falls to a lower level as the tide moves away from the land. ...the spring ebb tide... 3 [VERB] V If someone's life, support, or feeling ebbs , it becomes weaker and gradually disappears. (FORMAL) Were there occasions when enthusiasm ebbed? [PHRASAL VERB] V P Ebb away means the same as ebb . Their popular support is ebbing away. 4 [PHRASE] v-link PHR If someone or something is at a low ebb or at their lowest ebb , they are not being very successful or profitable. ...a time when everyone is tired and at a low ebb... 5 [PHRASE] usu PHR of n You can use ebb and flow to describe the way that something repeatedly increases and decreases or rises and fal...

eb|ony / 'ebəni / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] oft N n Ebony is a very hard, heavy, dark-coloured wood. ...a small ebony cabinet. 2 [ADJ] Something that is ebony is a very deep black colour. (LITERARY) He had rich, soft ebony hair.

ebul|lient / ɪb'ʌliənt, -b'ʊl- / [ADJ] If you describe someone as ebullient , you mean that they are lively and full of enthusiasm or excitement about something. (FORMAL) ...the ebullient Russian President. ● ebullience [N-UNCOUNT] His natural ebullience began to return.

ec|cen|tric / ɪks'entrɪk / (eccentrics) [ADJ] If you say that someone is eccentric , you mean that they behave in a strange way, and have habits or opinions that are different from those of most people. He is an eccentric character who likes wearing a beret and dark glasses. = odd [N-COUNT] An eccentric is an eccentric person. On first impressions it would be easy to dismiss Duke as an eccentric. ● eccentrically [ADV] ...painters, eccentrically dressed and already half drunk.

ec|cen|tri|city / 'eksentr'ɪsɪti / (eccentricities) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Eccentricity is unusual behaviour that other people consider strange. She is unusual to the point of eccentricity. 2 [N-COUNT] usu pl, oft with poss Eccentricities are ways of behaving that people think are strange, or habits or opinions that are different from those of most people. We all have our eccentricities. = peculiarity

ec|cle|si|as|tic / ɪkl'iːzi'æstɪk / (ecclesiastics) [N-COUNT] An ecclesiastic is a priest or clergyman in the Christian Church. (FORMAL)

ec|cle|si|as|ti|cal / ɪkl'iːzi'æstɪk ə l / [ADJ] usu ADJ n Ecclesiastical means belonging to or connected with the Christian Church. My ambition was to travel upwards in the ecclesiastical hierarchy.

eche|lon / 'eʃəlɒn / (echelons) [N-COUNT] usu adj N, oft N of n An echelon in an organization or society is a level or rank in it. (FORMAL) ...the lower echelons of society.

♦ echo / 'ekoʊ / (echoes echoing echoed) 1 [N-COUNT] oft N of n An echo is a sound which is caused by a noise being reflected off a surface such as a wall. He heard nothing but the echoes of his own voice. 2 [VERB] V, V prep/adv If a sound echoes , it is reflected off a surface and can be heard again after the original sound has stopped. His feet echoed on the bare board floor... The bang came suddenly, echoing across the buildings, shattering glass. = reverberate 3 [VERB] V, V with/in n, V-ing In a place that echoes , a sound is reflected off a surface, and is repeated after the original sound has stopped. The room echoed... The corridor echoed with the barking of a dozen dogs. ...the bare stone floors and the echoing hall. 4 [VERB] V n If you echo someone's words, you repeat them or express agreement with their attitude or opinion. Their views often echo each other... 5 [N-COUNT] usu N of n A detail or feature which reminds you o...

ec|lec|tic / ɪkl'ektɪk / [ADJ] An eclectic collection of objects, ideas, or beliefs is wide-ranging and comes from many different sources. (FORMAL) ...an eclectic collection of paintings, drawings, and prints. = diverse

ec|lec|ti|cism / ɪkl'ektɪsɪzəm / [N-UNCOUNT] usu with supp Eclecticism is the principle or practice of choosing or involving objects, ideas, and beliefs from many different sources. (FORMAL) ...her cultural eclecticism.

eclipse / ɪkl'ɪps / (eclipses eclipsing eclipsed) 1 [N-COUNT] usu with supp, oft adj N, N of n An eclipse of the sun is an occasion when the moon is between the earth and the sun, so that for a short time you cannot see part or all of the sun. An eclipse of the moon is an occasion when the earth is between the sun and the moon, so that for a short time you cannot see part or all of the moon. ...an eclipse of the sun. ...the total lunar eclipse. 2 [VERB] be V-ed If one thing is eclipsed by a second thing that is bigger, newer, or more important than it, the first thing is no longer noticed because the second thing gets all the attention. The gramophone had been eclipsed by new technology such as the compact disc... = overshadow

eco|logi|cal / 'iːkəl'ɒdʒɪk ə l / 1 [ADJ] ADJ n Ecological means involved with or concerning ecology. Large dams have harmed Siberia's delicate ecological balance. ● ecologically [ADV] It is economical to run and ecologically sound. 2 [ADJ] ADJ n Ecological groups, movements, and people are concerned with preserving the environment and natural resources, so that they can be used in a sensible way, rather than being wasted. Ecological groups say that nothing is being done to tackle the problem.

ecolo|gist / ɪk'ɒlədʒɪst / (ecologists) 1 [N-COUNT] An ecologist is a person who studies ecology. Ecologists argue that the benefits of treating sewage with disinfectants are doubtful. 2 [N-COUNT] An ecologist is a person who believes that the environment and natural resources should be preserved and used in a sensible way, rather than being wasted. In the opinion polls the ecologists reached 20 per cent.

ecol|ogy / ɪk'ɒlədʒi / (ecologies) 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Ecology is the study of the relationships between plants, animals, people, and their environment, and the balances between these relationships. ...a senior lecturer in ecology. 2 [N-VAR] usu with supp When you talk about the ecology of a place, you are referring to the pattern and balance of relationships between plants, animals, people, and the environment in that place. ...the ecology of the rocky Negev desert in Israel.

♦♦♦ eco|nom|ic / 'iːkən'ɒmɪk, 'ek- / 1 [ADJ] usu ADJ n Economic means concerned with the organization of the money, industry, and trade of a country, region, or society. ...Poland's radical economic reforms... The pace of economic growth is picking up. ● economically [ADV] ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v, ADV with cl ...an economically depressed area... Economically and politically, this affair couldn't come at a worse time. 2 [ADJ] If something is economic , it produces a profit. The new system may be more economic but will lead to a decline in programme quality. = profitable

eco|nomi|cal / 'iːkən'ɒmɪk ə l, 'ek- / 1 [ADJ] oft ADJ to-inf, it v-link ADJ to-inf Something that is economical does not require a lot of money to operate. For example a car that only uses a small amount of petrol is economical . ...plans to trade in their car for something smaller and more economical... It is more economical to wash a full load. ● economically [ADV] ADV after v Services could be operated more efficiently and economically. 2 [ADJ] Someone who is economical spends money sensibly and does not want to waste it on things that are unnecessary. A way of life that is economical does not need a lot of money. ...ideas for economical housekeeping. 3 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ Economical means using the minimum amount of time, effort, or language that is necessary. His gestures were economical, his words generally mild.

♦ eco|nom|ics / 'iːkən'ɒmɪks, 'ek- / 1 [N-UNCOUNT] Economics is the study of the way in which money, industry, and trade are organized in a society. He gained a first class Honours degree in economics. see also home economics 2 [N-UNCOUNT] The economics of a society or industry is the system of organizing money and trade in it. ...the economics of the third world. home eco|nom|ics [N-UNCOUNT] Home economics is a school subject dealing with how to run a house well and efficiently.

econo|mies of scale [N-PLURAL] Economies of scale are the financial advantages that a company gains when it produces large quantities of products. (BUSINESS) Car firms are desperate to achieve economies of scale.