1essential_esl_dictionary_9_000_words_for_learners_of_english

N n /en/ The fourteenth letter of the alphabet: The
n
name "Nicholas" begins with an "N".

nail1 /neɪl/ [㐗] 1 The hard part at the end of

your fingers or your toes: I need to cut my nails. 2
A thin piece of metal with a point: Would you
pass me the hammer and the nails?

nail2 /neɪl/ [㐘] To fix things with a nail: I'm going

to nail the shelf to the wall.

naked /ˈneɪ.kɪd/ [㐀] Without clothes on: He was

alone and swam naked in the sea. ■ Be careful with
the pronunciation of this word. The "e" is pro-
nounced like the "i" in "did".

name1 /neɪm/ [㐗] 1 The word that you use to

refer to a person or a thing: That little girl's name
is Lesley. 2 Christian name The name or names
that go before the family name: My Christian
name is Ruth. ■ Be careful! "Christian name" has a
capital "C". ■ The same meaning: "first name". 3
family name or last name The name that you
share with other people in your family: My teach-
er's family name is "Jones". ■ In this use, the same
meaning: "surname".

name2 /neɪm/ [㐘] To give a name to somebody or

something: They're going to name their dog "Mo-
mo".

namely /ˈneɪm.li/ [㐄] That is to say: Only one stu-

dent, namely Sarah, is missing this morning.

nanny /ˈnæn.i/ [㐗] A woman who looks after

the children of a family: The Smiths need a nanny
for the summer vacation. ■ The plural is "nannies".

nap /næp/ [㐗] A short sleep: I felt tired so I took

a nap on the sofa.

NAP

napkin /ˈnæp.kɪn/ [㐗] A piece of cloth or paper

to clean your hands or lips when you are eating:
Put a napkin beside each plate, please. ■ The same
meaning: "serviette".

nappy /ˈnæp.i/ [㐗] See diaper. ■ This word is

British English. ■ The plural is "nappies".

narrate /nəˈreɪt/ [㐘] To relate a story or commen-

tary: The radio presenter narrated the wedding.

narrow /ˈnær·oʊ/ [㐀] Not wide, with a short

distance from side to side: This road is very nar-
row and passing is difficult. ■ Compare with "wide"
(that is large from one side to another).

nasal 250

a nasal /ˈneɪ.zəl/ [㐀] Referring to the nose: His by day. 2 The qualities of a person or a thing: Jack

b voice is quite nasal because he has a cold. would never hurt anybody; it's not in his nature.

nasty US: /ˈnæs.ti/ UK: /ˈnɑː.sti/ [㐀] Unpleasant, nature reserve [㐗] An area of land which

unkind: There's a nasty smell coming from the is protected and managed in order to maintain its

c bathroom. ■ The comparative form is "nastier" and flora and fauna: Nature reserves are an important
the superlative form is "nastiest". aspect of conservation.

d nation /ˈneɪ.ʃən/ [㐗] A country and its people: naught [㐗] The number 0: 0.9 is normally
Canada is an American nation. read "naught point nine".

e national /ˈnæʃ.ən.əl, ˈnæʃ.nəl/ [㐀] Belonging to naughty US: /ˈnɑː.ti̬ / UK: /ˈnɔː.ti/ [㐀] Bad in be-
one country: Tomorrow is a national vacation and havior: If you're naughty I won't buy you an ice

f we're going to the seaside for the day. ■ Compare cream. ■ This word is normally used when we talk
with "international" (between different nations). about a child or to a child. The comparative form is

g national anthem [㐗] The official piece of "naughtier" and the superlative form is "naughtiest".
music of a country: "The Star-Spangled Banner" is nautical /ˈnɔ·t̬ɪ·kəl/, /ˈnɑt̬·ɪ-/ [㐀] Referring to

h the national anthem of the United States of Ameri- sailing: Old sailors love to tell nautical stories.
ca. ■ We also say "anthem". naval /ˈneɪ.vəl/ [㐀] Belonging to a navy: The US

i nationality /ˌnæʃ·əˈnæl·ɪ·ti̬ / [㐌] The state of be- Navy beat Spain in the naval battle in 1888.
longing to a country: What's your friend's nation- navel /ˈneɪ.vəl/ [㐗] The small hollow in the

j ality? He's Chilean. ■ The plural is "nationalities". ■ middle of the stomach where there used to be the
See box on the following page. cord attaching a baby to his mother: He shows a

native1 /ˈneɪtɪv/ [㐀] Belonging to the place small navel where the Doctor cut the umbilical cord

k where you were born: Her grandmother's native at his birth. ■ The same meaning: "belly-button".
land is Norway. navigate /ˈnæv.ɪ.geɪt/ [㐘] To guide or direct a
l native2 /ˈneɪtɪv/ [㐗] A person who was born in ship or an aircraft: Stars and compasses were used
a particular place: The girl you met yesterday is a by early sailors to navigate their way from one part

m native of California. of the world to another.

Native American [㐍] Referring to the na- navigation /ˌnævɪˈgeɪʃən/ [㐖] The act of nav-

n tive people of America: The Native Americans lost igating: Navigation is difficult in these waters be-
almost all of their land to the white man. ■ Be care- cause of the currents.

o ful! "Native American" has capital letters. ■ We also navy /ˈneɪ.vi/ [㐌] The part of the armed forces
say "American Indian, Indian". that fights at sea: My grandfather served in the na-

p Nativity [㐖] 1 The birth of Jesus Christ: vy during the war. ■ The plural is "navies".
This play shows the Nativity story. 2 Nativity navy blue [㐍] Dark blue: Our team now wears

q scene A miniature representation of Christ's navy blue shirts and socks.
birth scene: Crowds of people visited the Nativity near1 /nɪər/ [㐀] Not far: The nearest bus station

r scene at Christmas. is next to the church. ■ Be careful! "Near" is not used

NATO Referring to an international military or- before a noun except in the comparative and superla-

s ganization consisting of the US, Canada and ma- tive forms ("nearer" and "nearest"). "Nearby" can be
ny European countries: NATO members will be used before a noun.
meeting this Tuesday in Belgium to discuss the in- near2 /nɪər/ [㐄] Not far: We can go on foot be-

t cident. ■ "NATO" is an abbreviation for "North At- cause Lee lives very near. ■ Be careful! We say "near
lantic Treaty Organization". ■ See box at abbrevia- a place". (We don't say "near to a place").

u tions. near3 /nɪər/ [㐓] Not far from: The cat's sleep-

natural /ˈnætʃ·ər·əl/ [㐀] 1 Made by nature: Our ing on the carpet near the fire. ■ Careful. We say

v new stove works on natural gas. 2 Usual, normal: "near the table". (We don't say "near of the table").
It's natural to be nervous on the first day of school. nearby1 /ˌnɪəˈbaɪ/ [㐀] Not far away: They stay at

w naturally /ˈnætʃ·ər·ə·li/ [㐄] 1 Normally: Please, a nearby hotel when they come to see us.
try to behave naturally when you see the Princess. nearby2 /ˌnɪəˈbaɪ/ [㐄] Not far away: They have

x 2 By nature: Tigers are naturally aggressive. 3 As put a new bus stop nearby.
you would expect, of course: Naturally, I hope nearly /ˈnɪər·li/ [㐄] Almost: My parents nearly

y you'll join us for the trip to Russia. missed their plane yesterday.

nature /ˈneɪ·tʃər/ [㐖] 1 Everything that is not neat /niːt/ [㐀] Tidy, carefully arranged: Make

z made by man: One of the best things about living sure that your uniforms look neat and clean for the
in the country is being able to observe nature day concert this evening.

251

Nationalities a
b
country adjective person from the country c
d
Algeria Algerian Algerian e
Argentina Argentinian Argentinian f
Australia Australian Australian g
Bolivia Bolivian Bolivian
Brazil Brazilian Brazilian h
Bulgaria Bulgarian Bulgarian i
Canada Canadian Canadian j
Chile Chilean Chilean k
China Chinese Chinese l
Colombia Colombian Colombian m
Cuba Cuban Cuban n
Dominican Republic Dominican Dominican o
Egypt Egyptian Egyptian p
El Salvador Salvadoran Salvadoran q
France French Frenchman, Frenchwoman r
Germany German German s
Greece Greek Greek t
Guatemala Guatemalan Guatemalan u
Haiti Haitian Haitian v
Honduras Honduran Honduran w
India Indian Indian x
Iran Iranian Iranian y
Iraq Iraqi Iraqi z
(the) Irish Republic Irish Irishman, Irishwoman
Israel Israeli Israeli
Italy Italian Italian
Jamaica Jamaican Jamaican
Japan Japanese Japanese
Mexico Mexican Mexican
(the) Netherlands Dutch Dutchman, Dutchwoman
New Zealand New Zealand New Zealander
Panama Panamanian Panamanian
Paraguay Paraguayan Paraguayan
Peru Peruvian Peruvian
Puerto Rico Puerto Rican Puerto Rican
Portugal Portuguese Portuguese
Russia Russian Russian
Saudi Arabia Saudi, Saudi Arabian Saudi, Saudi Arabian
South Africa South African South African
Spain Spanish Spaniard
Turkey Turkish Turk
(the) United Kingdom British Brit
(the) United States of America American American
Uruguay Uruguayan Uruguayan
Venezuela Venezuelan Venezuelan

The plural for the person from a particular country is usually formed by adding -s. But words ending in -ese stay the same (for
example, the Japanese), and words like Frenchman or Frenchwoman become Frenchmen or Frenchwomen.
Be careful! We always begin these words with a capital letter: we write Mexican (and not mexican).

neatness 252

a neatness /ˈniːt.nəs/ [㐖] The quality of being ing affected by the increase in street violence. ■ We

b tidy: The content of your compositions is of course usually say "area".
very important, but don't forget neatness, too! neighboring [㐀] Being near: We tried to

necessary /ˈnes.ə.ser.i/ [㐀] What is needed: hitchhike to the neighboring town but nobody

c I'm not feeling very well today but I don't think it's stopped to pick us up.
necessary to call the doctor. neither1 US: /ˈniːðər/ UK: /ˈnaɪðər/ [㐄] 1 Not: Peter
d necessity /nəˈses·ɪ·ti̬ / [㐖] Something that is never makes his bed, and neither does his brother.
needed: We'll only borrow his car in case of neces- 2 neither... nor... Not and not: As it was raining

e sity. ■ The plural is "necessities". yesterday we played neither soccer nor tennis. ■ Be

neck /nek/ [㐗] The part of your body between careful! We use "neither" with a positive verb and

f the head and the shoulders: Giraffes have very "either" with a negative verb.
long necks. 㐀 See page 421. neither2 US: /ˈniːðər/ UK: /ˈnaɪðər/ [㐂] Not one

g necklace /ˈnek.ləs/ [㐗] A piece of jewelry that and not the other of two people or things: Neither
goes round your neck: My aunt sometimes wears team scored any goals in the game yesterday. ■ Be

h an emerald necklace around her neck. 㐀 See pic- careful! We use "neither" with a positive verb and
ture at jewelry. "either" with a negative verb.

i need1 /niːd/ [㐖] 1 Something that is neces- nephew /ˈnef.juː, ˈnev-/ [㐗] The son of your
sary: There is great need for food in many parts of brother or sister: My nephew is only seven years

j the world. 2 in need of Lacking in something: A old and he can play the piano beautifully. ■ We say
lot of African countries are in need of doctors. "niece" for a girl. 㐀 See picture at family.

need2 /niːd/ [㐘] To require or to be necessary: You Neptune /ˈneptjuːn/ [㐗] A planet of the solar

k need to do more exercise if you want to keep fit. ■ system that is eighth in order from the Sun: Nep-
This verb can be a modal verb. tune is the farthest planet from the Sun. 㐀 See pa-
l needle /ˈniːdl/ [㐗] 1 A small thin piece of met- ge 447.
al used for sewing: Here's a needle and thread; nerve US: /nɝːv/ UK: /nɜːv/ ❚ [㐗] 1 One of the
m sew the button on your coat. 2 A long thin piece of long thin parts of the body that carries feel-
metal or plastic used for knitting: I had to use a ings to your brain and messages from it: Mes-

n pair of very fine needles to make this tiny sweater sages travel along the nerves as a series of tiny
for my sister's baby. electrical impulses. ❚ [㐖] 2 Courage: She
showed a lot of nerve under pressure. 3 The
o needless /ˈniːd.ləs/ [㐀] Not necessary: Need- cheek or lack of shame necessary to do some-
less to say, Patsy told Dana about the problem. thing rude or outrageous: She had the nerve to
ask me to lend her $20, after insulting me in
p needn't /ˈniː.dənt/ The contraction of "need not".
negation /nɪˈgeɪʃən/ [㐖] The act of denying:

q Negation of the facts will get you nowhere. front of my friends.

negative1 /ˈnegətɪv/ [㐀] Indicating "no", "not", nerves US: /nɝːvz/ UK: /nɜːvz/ [㐑] The state of

r "never" and so on: "They didn't go shopping" is a being worried or afraid: My grandma says that
negative sentence. grandpa has suffered with his nerves ever since the

s negative2 /ˈnegətɪv/ [㐗] A piece of film from car accident he had last year.
which you can make a photograph: Keep the neg- nervous /ˈnɜr·vəs/ [㐀] 1 Worried or afraid: The
atives in case you need more copies. mysterious phone calls made everyone in the house
t neglect1 /nɪˈglekt/ [㐖] A failure to give atten- nervous. 㐀 See picture at emotions. 2 Belonging
tion to somebody or something: The local church to the nerves in the body: The nervous system con-
u is in a terrible state of neglect.
trols the activities of your body.

neglect2 /nɪˈglekt/ [㐘] To give little attention to Nessie [㐌] A popular nickname for a monster

v somebody or something: Some people have pets that is supposed to live in a lake in Scotland: If
and when they get tired of them they neglect them. you ever go to Loch Ness, Nessie may give you a

w neigh [㐘] To make the sound that a horse fright. ■ Be careful! "Nessie" has a capital "N".
makes: The pony started neighing when it saw the nest /nest/ [㐗] A place built by birds or small

x field. animals to live in: Birds lay their eggs in nests.

neighbor [㐗] A person who lives near you: net /net/ [㐌] A material made of crossed over

y She always says "Hello" to the neighbors when she string, rope and so on, with holes: Margaret must
meets them in the elevator. have been nervous in the tennis game because she

z neighborhood [㐗] The area round the kept hitting the ball into the net.
place where you live: The neighborhood is becom- nettle /ˈnet.l/̩ US: /ˈnet̬-/ [㐗] A wild plant with

253 nightgown

stinging leaves: Be careful with those nettles when newsstand [㐗] A store that sells newspa- a
b
you walk through this part of the field. pers: I'm going to buy a magazine at the news- c
d
network /ˈnetˌwɜrk/ [㐗] A system of people or stand. ■ In British English they say "newsagent's". e
f
things that are linked together over some dis- 㐀 See picture at street. g

tance: Internet is a large computer network. next1 /nekst/ [㐀] 1 Coming after this one, the h
i
neuron /ˈnjʊərɒn/ [㐗] A nerve cell that con- following: Turn right at the next crossroads and j
you'll see the shopping center on your left. 2 next k
nects the brain to another part of the body: Neu- to Beside: If you want to make a phone call you'll l
m
rons transmit impulses. find a call box next to the bookstore. ■ Be careful! n
o
neuter [㐀] In certain languages, of the gender We say: "I'd like to go to Italy next year". We don't p
q
which is neither masculine nor feminine: a neu- say: "I'd like to go to Italy the next year". 㐀 See pic- r
s
ter noun. ture at preposition. t
u
neutral /ˈnu·trəl/ [㐀] 1 Not committed to one next2 /nekst/ [㐄] Coming after something: I've v
w
side or the other: Switzerland remained neutral done the exercise, Miss Furlow. What shall I do x
during the Second World War. 2 In chemistry, nei- y
next? z
ther acid nor alkali: Some substances, like water,
are neutral. 3 In physics, having no charge, nei- next-door [㐀] In the next building: Our

ther positive nor negative: Neutrons are neutral next-door neighbors are very nice.
atoms. 4 Having no particular or strong charac-
nib /nɪb/ [㐗] The pointed end of a fountain
teristics: a neutral color.
pen: I have a special pen with a gold nib.
never /ˈnev·ər/ [㐄] Not at any time: My father
nice /naɪs/ [㐀] 1 Pleasant, good: We had very
never takes the car when he goes to the city center.
nice weather during our stay in Majorca. 2 Kind,
■ "Never" usually goes before the main verb and af-
friendly: Be nice to your brother because he's ner-
ter auxiliary verbs like "be", "do" or "have". We don't
vous about his tests. ■ The comparative form is "nic-
use "never" with a negative verb. ■ See box at fre-
er" and the superlative form is "nicest".
quency.
nickel /ˈnɪk.l̩/ ❚ [㐖] 1 A shiny metal with a
nevertheless /ˌnev·ər·ðəˈles/ [㐄] Despite that,
special color that is white with a little silver:
however: He feels down but nevertheless he says
Nickel occurs naturally and is used in steel-mak-
that he is going to continue in the race. ing. ❚ [㐗] 2 A five cents coin: The storekeeper
gave me back a nickel.
new US: /nuː/ UK: /njuː/ [㐀] 1 Recently made,
nickname /ˈnɪk.neɪm/ [㐗] An informal name
bought for the first time: Come home with me and
used instead of your real name, especially by
I'll show you my new CD player. 㐀 See picture at
opposite. 2 Seen or met for the first time: I saw friends and family: William F. Cody's nickname
the new teacher in the supermarket this morning. 3
New Year's Day See "New Year's Day" in the word was "Buffalo Bill" because he was a buffalo hunter.
year. 4 New Year's Eve See "New Year's Eve" in
niece /niːs/ [㐗] The daughter of your brother
the word year.
or sister: Mrs. Brown's niece is coming to spend
newly US: /ˈnuː.li/ UK: /ˈnjuː.li/ [㐄] Recently: Don't
Christmas with her. ■ We say "nephew" for a boy.
touch the door because it's newly painted.
㐀 See picture at family.
news US: /nuːz/ UK: /njuːz/ [㐖] Information
night /naɪt/ [㐌] 1 The part of the day when it is
about new events: There is no interesting news in
dark: Nights are shorter in summer than in winter.
today's paper. ■ Be careful! We don't say "a news". 2 good night An expression that you use before

We say "the news", "some news" or "a piece of going to bed: Say "good night " and go to bed. ■

news". Compare "good night" with "good evening" (a greet-

newsagent /ˈnjuːzˌeɪ.dʒənt/ US: /ˈnuːz-/ [㐗] A ing that is used in the evening).

person who has a store that sells newspapers: I nightclub /ˈnaɪt.klʌb/ [㐗] A place for enter-

always have a little conversation with the newsa- tainment that opens at night: My parents went to

gent when I go to buy the newspaper. a nightclub to see a musical show yesterday.

newsagent's UK: /ˈnjuːzˌeɪdʒənt/ [㐗] See nightdress /ˈnaɪt.dres/ [㐗] A kind of thin

newsstand. ■ This word is British English. dress that women wear in bed: They gave me a

newspaper US: /ˈnuːzˌpeɪ.pɚ/ UK: /ˈnjuːzˌpeɪ.pər/ beautiful nightdress with pink spots. ■ The same

[㐗] Sheets of printed paper with news, opin- meaning: "nightgown". "Nightie" is informal for
ion, pictures and so on: Have a look at the weather
"nighdress".
report in the newspaper. ■ The same meaning: "pa-
nightgown [㐗] A kind of thin dress that
per".
women wear in bed: My sister prefers pajamas to

nightgown. ■ The same meaning: "nightdress".

nightie 254

a nightie /ˈnaɪ.ti/ US: /-t̬i/ [㐗] See nightdress. ■ noble2 /ˈnoʊ·bəl/ [㐀] 1 Morally fine, unselfish
and admirable: It was a very noble gesture. 2 Hav-
b This word is informal.
nightingale /ˈnaɪ.tɪŋ.geɪl/ US: /-t̬ɪŋ-/ [㐗] A ing a high social rank: She has noble origins.

small bird that is known for its beautiful singing: nobleman /ˈnəʊblmən/ [㐗] A male member of
c Nightingales usually sing at night.
the nobility: The nobleman ruled over his proper-

nightmare /ˈnɑɪtˌmeər/ [㐗] A bad dream: Last ties. ■ The plural is "noblemen". ■ A female member
d night I had a nightmare about Dracula running af- of the nobility is a "noblewoman".
ter me. noblewoman /ˈnəʊblˌwʊmən/ [㐗] A female

e night table [㐗] A small low table which is member of the nobility: The main role of a noble-
placed next to a bed: Mary switched off the alarm woman in the Middle Ages was to give her husband

f clock on her night table. ■ The same meaning: "bed- a son. ■ The plural is "noblewomen". ■ A male mem-
side table", "side table". ber of the nobility is a "nobleman".

g night-time /ˈnaɪt.taɪm/ night-time The time nobody US: /ˈnoʊ.bɑː.di/ UK: /ˈnəʊ.bə.di/ [㐕] No
when it is dark: We saw a lot of bats near the river person: There's nobody you can speak to just now.

h at night-time. ■ The same meaning: "no one". ■ Be careful! We use

nil /nɪl/ [㐖] Nothing; zero: Houston won the "nobody" with a positive verb. ■ "Nobody" is used

i game by one goal to nil. ■ We usually say "nil" in with a singular verb. ■ See box at anybody.
scores in sport. nocturnal /nɒkˈtɜːnəl/ [㐀] Of the night or that

j nine /naɪn/ [㐐] The number 9: I've done nine takes place or is active at night: The owl is a noc-
of the ten parts of the exercise. One more and I've turnal bird.
finished. nod US: /nɑːd/ UK: /nɒd/ [㐘] To move your head up
k nineteen /ˌnaɪnˈtiːn/ [㐐] The number 19: and down: Don't just nod when I ask you a ques-
My sister is nineteen years old. tion. Answer properly. ■ This word describes an ac-
l nineteenth /ˌnaɪnˈtiːntθ/ [㐍] Referring to nine- tion with a positive meaning. ■ Look at the spelling
teen: Queen Victoria lived in the nineteenth centu- of these forms: "nodded", "nodding".

m ry. ■ "Nineteenth" can also be written "19th". noise /nɔɪz/ [㐌] An unpleasant or load sound:

ninetieth /ˈnɑɪn·ti·əθ/ [㐍] Referring to ninety: This vacuum cleaner makes a lot of noise.

n They're celebrating their grandmother's ninetieth noisy /ˈnɔɪ.zi/ [㐀] Making lots of noise, very
birthday tomorrow. ■ "Ninetieth" can also be written loud: Our street is very noisy on weekdays. ■ The

o "90th". comparative form is "noisier" and the superlative

ninety /ˈnɑɪn·ti/ [㐐] The number 90: The form is "noisiest".

p post office building is ninety years old. nomad /ˈnoʊ·mæd/ [㐗] A member of a tribe

ninth /naɪntθ/ [㐍] Referring to nine: The com- which does not live in one fixed place, moving

q pany offices are on the ninth floor. ■ "Ninth" can al- around, or an individual who does the same: In
so be written "9th". the paleolithic era the people were nomads and

r nitrogen /ˈnaɪtrədʒən/ [㐖] A gaseous element lived by hunting, fishing and gathering wild plants.
which makes up 80 per cent of the atmosphere: non- /nɒn-/ [㐒] An addition to the beginning of a

s Nitrogen is an essential part of biological mole- word that changes a word's meaning into its op-
cules. posite: A "non-alcoholic drink" is a drink that does

no1 /nəʊ/ [㐄] 1 The opposite of yes: "Do you not contain alcohol.

t speak German?" "No, I don't". 2 no longer Not any none /nʌn/ [㐕] Not one; not any: None of my
more, in a past time but not now: I no longer go friends can run faster than me.
u swimming every morning; with the tests there's no nonsense US: /ˈnɑːn.sents/ UK: /ˈnɒn.sənts/ [㐖]
time. Foolish or silly things: Don't talk nonsense!

v no2 [㐀] 1 Not any, zero: No animals were hurt in non-stop US: /ˌnɑːnˈstɑːp/ UK: /ˌnɒnˈstɒp/ [㐁]
the fire at the zoo last week. ■ See box at some. 2 A Without a stop: They flew non-stop from Boston to

w word that shows you cannot do something: The Tokyo.
sign on the wall says "No parking". noon /nuːn/ [㐖] Midday, twelve o'clock in the

x nobility US: /noʊˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/ UK: /nəʊˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ [㐖] midday: The sun is at its highest at noon.
Members of society belonging to a high rank: The no one [㐕] See nobody. ■ Be careful! We use "no

y nobility lost a lot of its power after the Industrial one" with a positive verb. ■ "No one" is used with a
Revolution. singular verb. ■ See box at anybody.

z noble1 /ˈnəʊbl/ [㐗] A member of the aristocra- nor US: /nɔːr/ UK: /nɔːr/ [㐈] 1 And not also: I like
cy: In the past, the nobles were the ruling class. neither football nor basketball. 2 Not either: I do

255 noticeboard

not know how to use this computer and nor do you. moved house. 3 not at all 1 Not even, a little: I a
■ "Nor" is used after phrases with "neither" or "not". b
don't remember his face at all. 2 A polite way of c
normal /ˈnɔr·məl/ [㐀] Usual; common: Storms d
answering when somebody says "thank you": e
are quite normal in summer around here. f
Thanks for your help. "Not at all". ■ In this use, the g
north US: /nɔːrθ/ UK: /nɔːθ/ [uncountable 㐏]
same meaning: "you're welcome". h
The direction on your left when the sun rises: i
You'll find the lake if you keep going north. ■ See note1 /nəʊt/ [㐗] 1 Written words that help j
box at abbreviations. k
your memory: He made a note of the things he had l
northeast [㐖] In between the north and the to buy for the trip. 2 A written message: I'm going m
n
east: Brazil's a very large country in the northeast to leave a note for my mom to say I'll be back at six. o
of South America. ■ See box at abbreviations. 3 A sound in music: Tracy can't sing a note. p
㐀 See page 460. 4 to take notes To make notes: q
northern US: /ˈnɔːr.ðɚn/ UK: /ˈnɔː.ðən/ [㐀] Of the r
He took a lot of notes at the lecture. s
north: There are a lot of lakes in northern United t
States. note2 /nəʊt/ [㐘] 1 To give attention to something: u
v
North Pole [㐌] The most northern place of the I noted from her tone of voice that Marie seemed to
be rather depressed. 2 to note (something) down
earth: The Norwegian Explorer Roald Amundsen
reached the North Pole in 1926. ■ Be careful! "North To write something to help your memory: I'll just
Pole" has capital letters.
note down your telephone number.
northwest [㐖] In between the north and
notebook /ˈnoʊtˌbʊk/ [㐗] A small book where
the west: Oregon is in the northwest of United
States. ■ See box at abbreviations. you make notes: She keeps all her friends' address-

nose US: /noʊz/ UK: /nəʊz/ [㐗] 1 The part of your es in a notebook. 㐀 See picture at book.

face that is just above your mouth: Tommy fell off notepad /ˈnəʊtpæd/ [㐗] Pieces of paper joined
his bike and broke his nose. 㐀 See picture at face.
2 to blow your nose To blow air through your together where you make notes: You'll find a note-
nose to clean it: You make a lot of noise when you
blow your nose. 3 to turn your nose up at (some- pad next to the telephone.
thing) To think that something is not good
enough for you or to refuse it because you don't notepaper US: /ˈnoʊtˌpeɪ.pɚ/ UK: /ˈnəʊtˌpeɪ.pər/
like it: Why did you turn your nose up at the tie I
bought you? [㐖] Paper for writing letters: I need some
notepaper to write to Pat.
nostalgia /nɑˈstæl·dʒə/, /nə-/, /nəˈstɑl-/ [㐖] A
nothing /ˈnʌθɪŋ/ [㐕] 1 Not anything: There's
longing for things that happened before: I often
feel nostalgia for where I lived before. ■ Be careful nothing we can do but wait until he calls. ■ Be care-
with the pronunciation of this word!
ful! We say: "I have nothing" or "I haven't anything".
nostril US: /ˈnɑː.strəl/ UK: /ˈnɒs.trəl/ [㐗] One of
(We don't say: "I haven't nothing"). 2 for nothing For
the two holes in the nose that admit air and
smells: My left nostril is blocked. 㐀 See page 425. no money: Simon gave me the comics for nothing.

not US: /nɑːt/ UK: /nɒt/ [㐄] 1 A word that makes notice1 /ˈnəʊtɪs/ [㐗] A public announcement:

another word negative: She's not happy here. 2 The notice says "Visitors must not feed the animals".
not any longer Not any more, in a past time but
not now: He doesn't live there any longer. He has notice2 /ˈnəʊtɪs/ [㐘] 1 To see and note somebody

NOTE or something: Have you noticed the new table-
cloth? 2 to take no notice To give no attention:

She took no notice of what I told her at lunch.

noticeable /ˈnoʊ·t̬ɪ·sə·bəl/ [㐀] Easy to notice:

The woman we met had a noticeable French accent.

noticeboard US: /ˈnoʊ.tɪ̬ s.bɔːrd/ UK: /ˈnəʊ.tɪs.bɔːd/

[㐗] See bulletin board. ■ This word is British
English.

w

x
y

z

noun 256

a noun /naʊn/ [㐗] A word by which you name are numbered, in the future there will only be elec-

b somebody or something: "Pamela" and "ship" are tronic typewriters. ■ Be careful with the pronuncia-
nouns. tion of the end of this word. The last "e" is not pro-

novel US: /ˈnɑː.vəl/ UK: /ˈnɒv.əl/ [㐗] A book that nounced.

c tells a story about people or things: What's your number plate [㐗] See license plate. ■ This
favorite novel? word is British English.

d novelist [㐗] Somebody who writes novels: Ma- numerous /ˈnu·mər·əs/ [㐀] A lot of: I've seen
ny novelists now write on the computer, but not all. that movie on television on numerous occasions.

e November US: /noʊˈvem.bɚ/ UK: /nəʊˈvem.bər/ [㐌] nun /nʌn/ [㐗] A woman who lives in a religious
The eleventh month of the year: November has community: Her aunt is a nun and lives in a con-

f thirty days. ■ Be careful! "November" has a capital vent.
"N". 㐀 See picture at calendar. nurse1 /nɜːs/ [㐗] A person who looks after sick

g now1 /naʊ/ [㐄] 1 At the present moment: I can't people: A nurse put a bandage on my ankle after I
say anything now. 2 A word that you use to intro- fell off my bicycle.

h duce a request, an explanation, a new subject nurse2 /nɜːs/ [㐘] To look after people who are
and so on: Now listen here! 3 from now on After sick or hurt: The patients here are nursed by Red

i this moment: From now on I'll walk to school Cross members.
alone. 4 now and then Sometimes: Uncle Fred nursery /ˈnɜr·sər·i/ [㐗] 1 A place where chil-

j comes to visit us now and then. dren are looked after: Tim goes to a nursery while

now2 /naʊ/ [㐈] Since it is the case: Now that his parents are at work. 2 A room where young

he's poor, he has very few friends. children play and sleep: Debbie is playing with
k nowadays /ˈnaʊ.ə.deɪz/ [㐄] At the present time: her toys in the nursery. 3 A place where young
Nowadays almost everybody has a television set. trees and plants are grown and sold: Let's go to
l nowhere US: /ˈnoʊ.wer/ UK: /ˈnəʊ.weər/ [㐄] To no the nursery and buy some plants for the backyard.
place or in no place: You'll be going nowhere this ■ The plural is "nurseries".

m evening because you have to study for your test on nursery rhyme [㐗] A short poem or song
Monday. ■ Be careful! We use "nowhere" with a posi- for young children: When I was young, my mother

n tive verb. used to sing to me the nursery rhyme "Cackle, cack-

nuclear US: /ˈnuː.kliː.ɚ/ UK: /ˈnjuː.klɪər/ [㐀] Using le". ■ The plural is "nursery rhymes". ■ The same

o the power of atomic energy: Nuclear tests are a meaning "lullaby".
danger to the environment. 㐀 See page 439. nursery school [㐗] A school for children

p nucleus /ˈnu·kli·əs/ [㐗] 1 The central part of between three and five years old: Helen's brother
an atom or a cell: The nucleus controls the cell. 2 still goes to nursery school. ■ The plural is "nursery

q The most important part of a group, around schools".
which other parts or people cohere: Julie and nut /nʌt/ [㐗] 1 A dry kind of fruit that consists

r Anne form the nucleus of the drama group. ■ The of a seed inside a hard shell: You shouldn't crack
plural is "nuclei". those nuts with your teeth. 2 A small piece of met-
al with a big hole in the middle: Use a wrench for
s nude US: /nuːd/ UK: /njuːd/ [㐀] Without any turning that nut! 3 A word you use to say that
clothes on: Look! The children are bathing nude in
the pool! somebody is mentally disturbed: Quentin is a bit
t nuisance /ˈnu·səns/ [㐌] Somebody or something of a nut; he's always doing mad things. ■ This use
that annoys you: Don't be a nuisance. I'm trying to is informal.
u do some work.
nutrient /ˈnu·tri·ənt/ [㐗] Substance that helps
number1 /ˈnʌmbər/ ❚ [㐗] 1 A word or a figure living things to develop and grow: Mother's milk

v that is used in counting: Seven is the favorite num- is rich in nutrients.
ber of many people. ❚ [㐌] 2 An amount: A large nutrition /nuˈtrɪʃ·ən/ [㐖] The process of tak-

w number of people visit New York City every year. ing in and assimilating food, or the study of this:

number2 /ˈnʌmbər/ [㐘] To give a number to: We There is a new guide about health and nutrition

x should number all these rows from 1 to 20. during pregnancy.

numbered [㐀] 1 With a number: The tickets nylon /ˈnaɪlɒn/ [㐖] A strong material that is

y in this movie theater are numbered. 2 That cannot used for making clothes: I hate the nylon shirts
go on for long: The days of the manual typewriter that my mother buys me.

z

O o US: /oʊ/ UK: /əʊ/ 1 The fifteenth letter of the alpha-
o
bet: The name "Oliver" begins with an "O". 2 A way

of saying the number zero: "My telephone number

is: seven six two five o three". "Let me see...762503".

oak or oak tree US: /oʊk/ UK: /əʊk/ [㐗] 1 A

large tree that produces acorns: Oak was used in

the past to build the hull and masts of sailing
ships. 2 oak forest A big group of these trees: We

went for a walk in the oak forest. 㐀 See page 435.

oar US: /ɔːr/ UK: /ɔːr/ [㐗] A long piece of wood

that you use to make rowboats move: You take

one oar and I'll take the other.

oasis /oʊˈeɪ·sɪs/ [㐗] A place in a desert where

there is water: Palm trees and plants can grow in

an oasis. ■ The plural is "oases".

oats US: /oʊts/ UK: /əʊts/ [㐑] A kind of cereal

plant: She feeds her horse with oats.

obedience /oʊˈbid·i·əns/ [㐖] Being obedient:

Army officers expect obedience from lower rank sol-

diers.

obedient /oʊˈbid·i·ənt/ [㐀] Ready to do what

you are told: We are trying to teach our dog to be

obedient.

obey /oʊˈbeɪ/ [㐘] To do what people tell you to do:

If you don't obey the doctor's orders you'll never get

better.

object1 /ˈɒbdʒɪkt/ [㐗] 1 A thing that you can

see or touch: Can you see that strange object on
top of the mountain? 2 An aim, a purpose: His ob-
ject is to climb the mountain alone. 3 The person

or the thing that is affected by the action in a

sentence: In the sentence "Janet threw the ring out

of the window", "the ring" is the object.

object2 /əbˈdʒekt/ [㐘] To be against something:

Many people object to the new law.

objection /əbˈdʒek.ʃən/ [㐗] A reason against

doing something: They have no objection to our

joining them on their expedition.

objective /əbˈdʒek.tɪv/ [㐗] A purpose towards

which you work: What's your real objective in life?

obligation /ˌɑb·ləˈgeɪ·ʃən/ [㐗] What you must

do: It's your obligation to study hard.

obligatory [㐀] Required by law or rule: It is

obligatory to show your passport to go through cus-

toms. ■ The same meaning: "mandatory".

oblige /əˈblaɪdʒ/ [㐘] To make somebody do some-

thing: The PE teacher obliged us to run around the

playing field twenty times.

oboe US: /ˈoʊ.boʊ/ UK: /ˈəʊ.bəʊ/ [㐗] A musical in-

strument which has the shape of a tube and is

played by blowing into its top: The oboe has a dis-

tinctive sound. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation

of this word! "Boe" rhymes with "go". 㐀  See page

459.

observation 258

a observation /ˌɑb·zərˈveɪ·ʃən/ [㐗] An examina- ful with the spelling of these forms: "occurred", "oc-

b tion: They took the stones to the laboratory for ob- curring".
servation. ocean /ˈoʊ·ʃən/ [㐖] A very large extension of

observe /əbˈzɜrv/ [㐘] To watch or examine some- sea: The Pacific Ocean is between Asia and Ameri-

c body or something: I sometimes observe the stars ca. 㐀 See page 444.
through my telescope at night. oceanic /ˌoʊ·ʃiˈæn·ɪk/ [㐀] Referring to the
d obstacle /ˈɑb·stə·kəl/ [㐗] Something that ocean: The oceanic currents vary constantly.
stops or delays you: She didn't let her physical dis- ocean liner [㐗] A large ship that carries

e ability be an obstacle to her success. people across oceans: Have you ever been on an

obstinate /ˈɑb·stə·nət/ [㐀] Not willing to ocean liner? ■ We also say "liner".

f change your mind: She'll never apologize because o'clock /əˈklɑk/ [㐄] A word that you use for tell-
she's very obstinate. ing the time: Wendy starts school at nine o'clock. ■

g obstruct /əbˈstrʌkt/ [㐘] To be in the way of some- Be careful! "O'clock" is only used with full hours. We
body or something: The neighbor's van often ob- say: "5 o'clock". We don't say: "5.20 o'clock".

h structs our garage door. October US: /ɑːkˈtoʊ.bɚ/ UK: /ɒkˈtəʊ.bər/ [㐌] The

obstruction /əbˈstrʌk.ʃən/ [㐗] A thing that tenth month of the year: My mother's birthday is

i stops something moving freely: There's an ob- in October. ■ Be careful! "October" has a capital "O".
struction in the sink. 㐀 See picture at calendar.

j obtain /əbˈteɪn/ [㐘] To get something: My brother octopus US: /ˈɑːk.tə.pəs/ UK: /ˈɒk.tə.pəs/ [㐗] A
obtained a diploma after doing a swimming course. sea creature with eight arms: They fish for octo-
k obvious /ˈɑb·vi·əs/ [㐀] Easy to see or to under- puses in the Atlantic Ocean. ■ The plural is "octo-
stand: It's quite obvious that Stephen isn't as tall puses" or "octopi".
as his sister. odd1 /ɒd/ [㐀] 1 Strange: I don't think she's mad
l occasion /əˈkeɪ.ʒən/ [㐗] 1 A particular time: but she's certainly odd. 2 odd number A number
We have already talked to the principal about the that can't be divided by two: 1, 3, 5, 7 are all odd

m gym on three occasions. 2 A special event: Dad's numbers. ■ Compare with "even number" (a number
fiftieth birthday will be quite an occasion. that can be exactly divided by two).

n occasional /əˈkeɪ.ʒən.əl, -ˈkeɪʒ.nəl/ [㐀] Happen- odd2 [㐄] Approximately, more or less: I got a
ing sometimes: We have occasional conversations postcard from Philip twenty odd days ago.

o about football with our teacher. odd man out [㐖] One that is not like the

occipital [㐀] Relating to the back of the head: others: "Castle", "chair", "cottage", "house"; which

p He received a blow in the occipital area. is the odd man out?

occupant /ˈɑk·jə·pənt/ [㐗] Somebody who oc- odor US: /ˈoʊ.dɚ/ [㐗] A distinctive smell: There

q cupies a place or a seat, or lives in a particular was a strong odor of cigarette smoke in the room. ■
room or house: The occupants of the car were The British English spelling is "odour".
odorless /ˈoʊ·dər·ləs/ [㐀] Without a smell:
r saved by their seat belts.
occupation /ˌɑk·jəˈpeɪ·ʃən/ [㐗] 1 Job, area of They gave us an odorless liquid to drink. ■ Compare

s work: "What's your father's occupation?" "He's a with "scented" (having a pleasant smell).
clerk.". 2 Pastime: Reading is Jim's favorite occu- odour /ˈəʊdər/ [㐗] See odor. ■ This is a British
pation. English spelling.
t occupied /ˈɑk·jəˌpɑɪd/ [㐀] 1 Busy: I am very oc- of US: /ɑːv/ UK: /əv/ [㐓] 1 Belonging to some-
cupied at the moment. Can you call me back later thing: The end of the movie is a bit surprising. 2
u tonight? 2 Taken: The back row of the movie the- Containing: There's another bottle of milk in the
ater is mostly occupied by young people. fridge. 3 Indicating quantity: I bought five liters of

v occupy /ˈɑk·jəˌpɑɪ/ [㐘] 1 To live or to be in a lemonade for the children's party. 4 Indicating what
place: Who occupies the spare bedroom? 2 To fill something is made from: Mom gave us another bar

w space or time: This table occupies most of the of chocolate. 5 Indicating a date: They're opening
kitchen. 3 To invade a place: The Germans occu- the new shopping center on the first of June. 6 Indi-

x pied Poland in 1939. ■ Be careful with the spelling cating a cause: My grandfather died of cancer last
of these forms: "occupies", "occupied". summer. 7 About: What did you think of the story

y occur /əˈkɜr/ [㐘] 1 To happen: The fire occurred she told us? 㐀 See picture at preposition.
when there was no one in the store. 2 To come into off1 /ɒf/ [㐀] Not fresh: Don't cook that fish be-

z your mind suddenly: The idea for the song oc- cause it's a bit off. ■ Be careful! "Off" never goes be-
curred to me while I was taking my bath. ■ Be care- fore a noun.

259 old-fashioned

off2 /ɒf/ [㐅] 1 Away from a place or down offside [㐀] In some sports, especially in soc- a
b
from a place: The town we're looking for is still ten cer and hockey, in a position which is not allowed c
miles off. 2 Not on, not being used: It's cold in the d
house because the heat is off. 3 Free: We have two by the rules between the ball and the opponents' e
weeks off at Easter. 4 No longer fresh: That meat's f
goal: The goal was disallowed because the player g
gone off. 㐀 See picture at preposition.
was offside. h
offence /əˈfents/ [㐗] 1 Something that goes i
offspring /ˈɒfsprɪŋ/ [㐗] The children or de- j
against the law: Drug dealing is a serious offence. k
2 to take offence To be angry: He takes offence if scendants of an individual, or the young of an l
m
you don't say "Hello" to him. animal: Their offspring all go to good schools. ■ n
o
offend /əˈfend/ [㐘] To make somebody angry or The plural is also "offspring". p
q
unhappy: Her words offended everybody at the often /ˈɔ·fən/, /ˈɔf·tən/, /ˈɑf·ən/, /ˈɑf·tən/ [㐄] Many r
s
party. times, frequently: I often meet my friends at the t
u
offensive [㐀] 1 Insulting: offensive remarks. 2 bowling alley. ■ "Often" usually goes before the v
w
Disgusting: an offensive smell. main verb and after auxiliary verbs like "be", "do" or x
y
offer1 /ˈɒfər/ [㐗] 1 Something that you propose "have": "I'm often late for school". ■ See box at fre- z

to do or give to help somebody: Thanks for your of- quency.
fer to help with the dishes. 2 Something that you
oh US: /oʊ/ UK: /əʊ/ [㐋] An expression of sur-
propose to give somebody to get something: Tim
prise, disagreement, pleasure or when you sud-
made me an offer for my surfboard this morning.
denly remember something: Oh no, not the phone
offer2 /ˈɒfər/ [㐘] 1 To be willing to give somebody
again!
something they need: She offered me her new rack-
et because mine was broken. 2 To be willing to oil1 /ɔɪl/ [㐖] 1 A greasy liquid that is used in

help somebody: My father offered to take us to the cooking: This salad needs a little more oil. 2 A

game. greasy liquid that comes from under the ground:
Put some oil into the engine. 3 oil painting A pic-
office US: /ˈɑː.fɪs/ UK: /ˈɒf.ɪs/ [㐗] 1 A room or a
ture painted in oil colors: We saw many beautiful
building where people do business, clerical work
and so on: Tom's mother works in a big office. 2 oil paintings at the MoMA last year.

head office See head office. oil2 [㐘] To grease something with oil: You should

officer US: /ˈɑː.fɪ.sɚ/ UK: /ˈɒf.ɪ.sər/ [㐗] 1 A person oil your bike from time to time.

with authority in the armed forces or the police: oily /ˈɔɪ.li/ [㐀] Like oil or covered with oil: This

The soldiers opened fire when the officer gave the fish is very oily. ■ The comparative form is "oilier"
order. 2 A person who does a public job with
and the superlative form is "oiliest".
some responsibility: The prison officers took him
OK /ˈoʊˈkeɪ/, /ˌoʊˈkeɪ/, /ˈoʊˌkeɪ/ A written abbrevia-
down to his cell.
tion for okay. ■ Be careful! "OK" is always written in
official1 /əˈfɪʃəl/ [㐀] Done or approved by the
capital letters. ■ See box at abbreviations.
government or another authority: The news of the
okay /ˈoʊˈkeɪ/, /ˌoʊˈkeɪ/, /ˈoʊˌkeɪ/ [㐁] 1 Yes; all
President's illness became official two days ago.
right: "Let's have a coke". "Okay". 2 All right; well:
official2 /əˈfɪʃəl/ [㐗] A person in a position of
Is your sister okay this morning? ■ The abbreviation
authority in a public organization: Mrs. Montfort
"OK" is only used in written language.
is an important official in the Civil Service.
old US: /oʊld/ UK: /əʊld/ [㐀] 1 That has lived a long
offline /ɒfˈlaɪn/ [㐁] Not connected to the in-
time: Diana's grandmother is very old. 㐀 See pictu-
ternet or to a central system: an offline system. ■ re at opposite. 2 Made a long time ago: The town
church is very old. 3 Known for a long time: The
Compare with "online1" (connected to the internet or doctor is an old friend of my parents. 4 Of age: Lynn

to a computer). is fifteen years old. ■ The comparative form is "older"

offshore /ˌɒfˈʃɔːr/ [㐀] 1 Situated at sea at some and the superlative form is "oldest". When people's

distance from the coast: An offshore platform was ages are compared, especially the ages of members of
built by the oil company. 2 Referring to the wind,
a family, "elder" and "eldest" can be used: "John is the
blowing from the land towards the sea: Offshore
elder of the two". "Ann is my eldest sister".
winds tend to occur in the early evening, when the
older [㐀] The comparative form of old.
air over the ocean is warmer than the air over land. oldest [㐀] The superlative form of old.
3 Based in a different country, which offers tax old-fashioned /ˈoʊldˈfæʃ·ənd/ [㐀] Not in use

advantages: Offshore accounts are popular among any more, belonging to former times: The music

people who do not want to pay taxes. my brother likes is a bit old-fashioned. ■ Be careful

with the pronunciation of this word. The "e" is not

pronounced.

olfactory 260

a olfactory US: /ɑːlˈfæk.ter.i/ UK: /ɒlˈfæk.tər.i/ [㐀] once2 /wʌns/ [㐈] As soon as: I'll relax once I've

b Referring to the sense of smell: The olfactory found the keys.
sense is very powerful in dogs. ■ This word is for- one1 [㐍] 1 The number 1: She's got a big num-
mal. ber one on her T-shirt. 2 A single thing or person:

c olive US: /ˈɑː.lɪv/ UK: /ˈɒl.ɪv/ [㐗] A small black or There's only one disco in the town. 3 Some: One
green fruit which produces oil and is used as day I'll be a famous rock singer. 4 Only: I've found
d food: Those olives taste very bitter.
the one book I need: "How To Do Everything".

olive oil [㐖] Oil made from olives: Fry the one2 /wʌn/ [㐕] 1 A word that represents a per-

e fish in olive oil for ten minutes. son or a thing already mentioned: I don't want the

Olympic [㐀] Relating to the Olympic Games: blue tie. Give me the red one. 2 Anybody: One must

f She is an Olympic gold medalist. always help a friend in need. 3 one another Words
Olympic Games or Olympics /əˈlɪmpɪkˌgeɪmz/ that show that people do the same thing or feel
the same way: They always kiss one another when
g [㐑] An international sports competition: The they meet. ■ In this use, the same meaning: "each
Olympic Games are held every four years. ■ Be care-

h ful! "Olympic Games" has capital letters. other".

omelette US: /ˈɑː.mə.lət/ UK: /ˈɒm.lət/ [㐗] Eggs oneself /ˌwʌnˈself/ [㐕] 1 A word that refers to a

i that you beat and fry in oil: My father often makes person in general when "one" is the subject of a
us an omelette for breakfast. sentence: One never knows oneself very well. 2 A

j omit /oʊˈmɪt/ [㐘] 1 To leave something out: Let's word that makes "one" stronger: It would be easi-
omit the last verse of the song. 2 Not to do some- er to do it oneself. 3 by oneself 1 Alone: It doesn't
thing: She omitted to put her address on her appli- sound like fun to spend a whole week camping by

k cation form. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these oneself. 2 Without help: It is difficult to do these
forms: "omitted", "omitting". math problems by oneself.
l omnivore US: /ˈɑːm.nɪ.vɔːr/ UK: /ˈɒm.nɪ.vɔːr/ [㐗] onion /ˈʌn.jən/ [㐗] A root vegetable with a
An animal which is both herbivore and carnivore: strong taste and smell: You've put too much onion

m Chimpanzees and chickens are omnivores. 㐀  See in this salad. 㐀 See page 437.
page 427. online1 US: /ˌɑːnˈlaɪn/ UK: /ˌɒnˈlaɪn/ [㐀] 1 Connect-

n on US: /ɑːn/ UK: /ɒn/ [㐅] 1 Showing position: ed to or controlled by a computer: an online sys-
Nicola sat on the teacher's desk. 2 Showing direc- tem. ■ Compare with "offline" (not connected to the

o tion: You'll see the underground entrance on your internet or to a central system). 2 On the internet:
left. 3 Showing when: We're going to a rock con- Many people like online shopping.

p cert on Saturday. 4 Being used, working: The online2 US: /ˌɑːnˈlaɪn/ UK: /ˌɒnˈlaɪn/ [㐄] 1 Do on the
lights are still on in my parents' bedroom. 5 Inside internet, or buy from it: All the members of the

q a bus, train, boat or plane: She saw a movie on team work online. 2 to {go/come} online Refer-
the plane. 6 At the time of: On leaving the muse- ring to a system, start operating: The new factory

r um, Mr. Thomas remembered that he had to go went online last month.
and pick up his coat from the dry-cleaner's. 7 Cov- only1 /ˈəʊnli/ [㐀] Being one and no more: Be

s ering a part of your body: Timothy had his new careful with it. It's the only skateboard I have.
sneakers on. 8 Showing that something contin- only2 /ˈəʊnli/ [㐄] 1 With nothing or no one else:
ues: She read on through the morning. 9 About: At There are only two customers in the supermarket. 2

t the moment I'm reading a book on astronomy. 10 Used to show that something happened very re-
Taking place; happening: What's on at the movies cently: They came from Tokyo only this morning.
u this week? 11 on and on Without stopping: Rich- only3 /ˈəʊnli/ [㐈] But: I'd buy the video, only
ard talks on and on and never lets you speak. ■ it's a bit expensive.

v See box at time: prepositions. 㐀  See picture at onomatopoeia /ˌɑn·əˌmɑt̬·əˈpi·ə/, /-mæt·̬ ə-/ [㐗]
preposition. The formation of a word which resembles the

w once1 /wʌns/ [㐄] 1 One time: Take these pills sound which it names: "Splash" is an onomato-
once a day. 2 At one time in the past: She only poeia.

x brought her car here once. 3 at once 1 Immediate- onomatopoeic /ˌɒn.əʊˌmæt.əˈpiː.ɪk/ US:

ly: Stop making that noise at once! 2 At the same /ˌɑː.noʊˌmæt.̬ oʊ-/ [㐀] Referring to the use of a

y time: Don't all get into the car at once. 4 once up- word which resembles the sound it names:
on a time The words that are often used at the "Vroom" is an onomatopoeic word.

z beginning of a story: Once upon a time there were onto US: /ˈɑːn.tu/ UK: /ˈɒn.tu/ [㐓] To a position
three little pigs. on something or on somebody: The cat jumped

261 option

onto the table in a flash. 㐀 See picture at preposi- operator US: /ˈɑː.pə.reɪ.tɚ̬ / UK: /ˈɒp.ər.eɪ.tər/ [㐗] a
b
tion. 1 A person who controls a machine: My uncle is a c
computer operator. 2 A person who connects tele- d
onwards US: /ˈɑːn.wɚdz/ UK: /ˈɒn.wədz/ [㐄] 1 e
phone calls: Call the operator if you need Karen's f
Ahead, in a forward direction: Keep moving on- g
wards. 2 After a particular moment: From then on- phone number.
h
wards they were friends. opinion /əˈpɪn.jən/ [㐗] An idea or a belief i
j
opal /ˈəʊ.pəl/ US: /ˈoʊ-/ [㐗] A precious stone about something: What's your opinion of the new k
l
made of a compound similar to quartz: Opal Math teacher? m
n
changes color depending on your position. opponent /əˈpoʊ·nənt/ [㐗] A person who is o
p
opaque /oʊˈpeɪk/ [㐀] 1 That you cannot see against you in something: Our opponents de- q
r
through, the opposite of transparent: A film ap- served their victory because they played better s
t
plied to windows protects them against the sun by than we did. u
v
making them opaque from outside. ■ Compare with opportunity US: /ˌɑː.pɚˈtuː.nə.ti̬ / UK: /ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nə.ti/ w
"transparent" (that you can see through). 2 Unclear, x
[㐗] A chance, possibility: I'll give you an op- y
difficult to understand: a very opaque explana- portunity to beat me at chess. ■ The plural is "op- z

tion. portunities".

open1 /ˈəʊpən/ [㐀] 1 In a position that allows oppose /əˈpoʊz/ [㐘] To go against something: All

passage, not closed: It's cold in here because the the neighbors are opposed to the loss of the park.

windows have been open all morning. 㐀  See pic- opposite1 /ˈɒpəzɪt/ [㐀] Completely different:
ture at opposite. 2 Ready for customers or visi-
"Hot" is the opposite word of "cold".
tors: The supermarket isn't open on Monday after-
noons. 3 Not covered: The best way to see Miami is opposite2 /ˈɒpəzɪt/ [㐗] Somebody or some-
from an open bus. 4 in the open air Out of doors,
thing that is completely different: The opposite
outside: I like doing exercise in the open air.
of black is white. 㐀 See picture on the following
open2 /ˈəʊpən/ [㐘] 1 To move something so that it
page.
is not covered or closed: Open the car door when I
tell you, please. 2 To become open: The windows opposite3 /ˈɒpəzɪt/ [㐓] In a position directly
opened with the wind last night. 3 To make a place
on the other side of somebody or something: The
open to the public: They've opened a new comput-
girl sitting opposite us is Luke's girlfriend. 㐀  See
er store very near here.
picture at preposition.
opener US: /ˈoʊ.pən.ɚ/ UK: /ˈəʊ.pən.ər/ [㐗] 1 An
optic1 /ˈɑp·tɪk/ [㐗] A device which is attached
instrument that opens something: There's a bottle
opener in the kitchen cupboard. 2 can opener See to a bottle of spirits: The optic releases a specific

can opener. quantity of spirit when pressed.

opening US: /ˈoʊp.nɪŋ/ UK: /ˈəʊ.pən.ɪŋ/ [㐗] 1 A optic2 /ˈɑp·tɪk/ [㐀] Referring to the eye: the op-

hole or a gap in something: The neighbors' chil- tic nerve.
dren come in through an opening in the wall. 2 A
optical /ˈɑp·tɪ·kəl/ [㐀] 1 Referring to the sense
beginning: Hardly anybody came to the opening of
of sight: Glasses are fitted with optical lenses. 2
the new bookstore.
optical fiber A long, thin cable made of glass,
opera US: /ˈɑː.pɚ.ə/ UK: /ˈɒp.ər.ə/ [㐗] A musical
that is used to communicate data: The data sent
play where the actors sing the words: "Carmen" is in optical fiber is in the form of light. 3 optical illu-

a famous opera by Bizet. sion Something that you think you see, which is

operate US: /ˈɑː.pə.reɪt/ UK: /ˈɒp.ər.eɪt/ [㐘] 1 To not really there: I thought I saw a castle on the

work, when talking about a machine or instru- other side of the lake, but it was only an optical il-

ment: This stove operates on both gas and electric- lusion.
ity. 2 To control a machine: Do you know how to
operate this camera? 3 To cut open somebody's optician /ɑpˈtɪʃ·ən/ [㐗] A person who sells

body in order to make part of it healthy again: glasses and contact lenses: You should see an op-

Doctor Green operated on my leg after the accident. tician if you can't see the screen from here.

■ Be careful! We say: "operate on (somebody or optimist /ˈɑp·tə·mɪst/ [㐗] A person who al-

something)". ways has positive views about things: An optimist

operation /ˌɑp·əˈreɪ·ʃən/ [㐗] The act of cutting tends to see the best in other people. ■ Compare

a person's body to make part of it healthy again: I with "optimistic" (adjective).

had an operation on my elbow last month. optimistic /ˌɑp·təˈmɪs·tɪk/ [㐀] Seeing the best

in things: Stuart is now much more optimistic

about his future. ■ Compare with "optimist" (noun).

option /ˈɑp·ʃən/ [㐗] A choice: I don't have any

option; I have to go.

262

a hot – cold
b OPPOSITES
c heavy – light
d
e wet – dry old – new
f sweet – salty
g big – small short – long

h expensive – cheap tidy – untidy
i
j curly – straight
k
l short – tall
m
n
o

p open – closed
q
r
s
t
u
v full – empty
w
x
y
z

263 ornate

optional /ˈɑp·ʃə·nə·l/ [㐀] That you can choose: strument like a piano, with tubes: There's an or- a
b
Medieval history is an optional subject in my school. gan concert in the cathedral this evening. c
d
or /ɔːr/ [㐈] A word showing a choice: Is your organelle [㐗] A part of a cell: Organelle is a e
f
friend coming by train or by bus? specialized structure which is a part of a cell. g

oral US: /ˈɔːr.əl/ UK: /ˈɔː.rəl/ [㐀] Spoken, not writ- organic /ɔrˈgæn·ɪk/ [㐀] 1 Referring to living h
i
ten: The teacher told us to do the oral exercises in things, found in or produced by them: Organic j
waste must be put in a separate container. 2 Refer- k
pairs. l
ring to food production, without the use of chem- m
orange1 /ˈɒrɪndʒ/ [㐗] A round fruit: I'd like an icals: These vegetables are organic. 3 Referring to n
o
orange for dessert, please. ■ Be careful with the pro- an illness, affecting the structure of an organ or p
q
nunciation of this word! The "a" is pronounced as the part of the body: Biology studies organic diseases, r
among many other subjects. 4 In chemistry, refer- s
"i" in "did". 㐀 See page 436. t
ring to a compound that contains carbon: organic u
orange2 /ˈɒrɪndʒ/ [㐍] With a color between red v
compounds. w
and yellow: The sun is often orange at sunset. ■ Be x
organism /ˈɔr·gəˌnɪz·əm/ [㐗] A single living y
careful with the pronunciation of this word! The "a" z
being: All plants and animals are individual or-
is pronounced as the "i" in "did".
ganisms.
orange tree [㐗] An evergreen tree which
organization or organisation /ˌɔːgənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
bears oranges: Orange trees are very common in
❚ [㐗] 1 A group of people who work together
warm regions. 㐀 See page 435. for a purpose: "Greenpeace" is an organization for
the defense of the environment. ❚ [㐖] 2 A way
orbit /ˈɔr·bɪt/ [㐗] The curved route of an object of planning or arranging things: The organization

moving through space: The earth's orbit around of the painting exhibition was a disaster.

the sun takes 365 days. organized or organised /ˈɔr·gəˌnɑɪzd/ [㐀] 1

orbiting [㐀] Revolving around a larger object: Clean and tidy: Her closet is always well orga-
nized. 2 Efficient and able to do things well: My
An orbiting spacecraft travels on a closed, curved
sister won't forget my message because she's very
course.
organized. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of
orchard US: /ˈɔːr.tʃɚd/ UK: /ˈɔː.tʃəd/ [㐗] A place
the end of this word. The "e" is not pronounced.
with a lot of fruit trees: They've planted some ap-
organize or organise /ˈɔːgənaɪz/ [㐘] To give
ple trees in their orchard.
something a structure or put into good order: We
orchestra /ˈɔr·kə·strə/, /-kes·trə/ [㐗] A group of
need to organize ourselves so that we can start to
people who play musical instruments: The or-
save money.
chestra's going to play music by Beethoven this
oriental US: /ˌɔːr.iˈen.tə̬ l/ UK: /ˌɔː.riˈen.təl/ [㐀] Re-
evening. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this
ferring to the eastern countries like India, China
word! The "ch" is pronounced as a "k".
and so on: I like oriental food.
orchid /ˈɔr·kɪd/ [㐗] A flower with beautiful,
origin /ˈɔr·ə·dʒɪn/, /ˈɑr-/ [㐌] The beginning of
bright colors: There are some rare orchids in the
something: We know very little about the origin of
lower areas of Ecuador. 㐀 See page 433.
life on earth.
order1 /ˈɔːdər/ [㐌] 1 The way in which things are
original /əˈrɪdʒ.ɪ.nəl/ [㐀] 1 Created for the first
arranged: All the words in this dictionary are in al-
phabetical order. 2 A command: The officer gave time, not a copy: The original text of the play was
the soldiers the order to attack the enemy lines. 3 A written in Latin. 2 New and different: The plot of

request: When will the waiter come to take our or- that movie is very original.
der? 4 in order to With the intention of, to make
originally /əˈrɪdʒ.ɪ.nə.li/ [㐄] At first: The Bingo
possible: She went to Chile in order to visit her
cousin. 5 out of order Not working, not in opera- Hall was originally a movie theater.

tion: We'll have to walk up to the seventh floor be- originate /əˈrɪdʒəneɪt/ [㐘] 1 To come from a par-

cause the elevators are out of order. ticular place or time: Where did that idea origi-
nate? 2 To start something new: He originated
order2 /ˈɔːdər/ [㐘] 1 To give instructions to some-
that phrase on a TV program.
body: She ordered Nigel to be quiet. 2 To tell some-
ornament /ˈɔr·nə·mənt/ [㐗] Something that is
body to make or bring you something: I'm going
beautiful but not useful: I have lots of little orna-
to order lamb chops with vegetables.
ments on my desk.
ordinary /ˈɔr·də·nˌer·i/ [㐀] Common; normal:
ornate /ɔrˈneɪt/ [㐀] Highly adorned: The ornate
We've had an ordinary day at school.
ceilings in the Royal Palace are very impressive.
organ /ˈɔr·gən/ [㐗] 1 A part of the body with a

special purpose: The heart is an organ that makes
the blood flow around the body. 2 A musical in-

orphan 264

a orphan /ˈɔr·fən/ [㐗] A child whose parents are outdo /ˌaʊtˈduː/ [㐘] To do better than: Keith's proj-

b dead: Pat became an orphan when she was only ect was good, but Dee outdid him, hers was bril-
three years old. liant.

ostrich US: /ˈɑː.strɪtʃ/ UK: /ˈɒs.trɪtʃ/ [㐗] A large outdoor /ˈɑʊtˌdɔr/, /-ˌdoʊr/ [㐀] Done, happening

c bird with long legs and a long neck: Ostriches can or kept outside: Kate doesn't like to be indoors, she
run very fast but they cannot fly. prefers outdoor activities.
d other /ˈʌð·ər/ [㐂] 1 Different: There will be outdoors /ˌɑʊtˈdɔrz/, /-ˈdoʊrz/ [㐄] In the open
other programs on television apart from the foot- air: If the weather's fine we'll have dinner outdoors.

e ball game. 2 Remaining: I've just found one sock outer /ˈɑʊt·tər/ [㐀] On the outside, further out:
under the bed, but... where's the other? ■ Be care- The outer part of an orange is called the peel.

f ful! We say "another", (not "an other"): "I need an- outer space [㐖] See space.
other piece of paper". Compare with "another1" (one outfit [㐗] A person's clothing: Please wear ap-

g more person or thing or an extra amount). propriate outfit for the occasion.

otherwise /ˈʌð·ərˌwɑɪz/ [㐄] 1 If not: Call your outgrew Past tense of outgrow.

h mother now, otherwise she'll be worried. 2 In other outgrow, outgrew, outgrown /ɑʊtˈgroʊ/ [㐘]
ways: The car was a bit old, but it was otherwise in To become too big for something: Jackie needs a

i good condition. 3 In a different way: No one can new coat now that she's outgrown her old one.
make my sister act otherwise. outgrown Past participle of outgrow.

j otter US: /ˈɑː.tɚ̬ / UK: /ˈɒt.ər/ [㐗] A small swim- outing /ˈɑʊ·tɪ̬ ŋ/ [㐗] A short trip for pleasure:
ming animal with short legs and a long tail: Ot- We went on an outing to the beach.
ters are playful animals. outlaw /ˈaʊtlɔː/ [㐗] A person in hiding be-
k ouch /aʊtʃ/ [㐋] A word you say when you feel cause he has broken the law: They announced a $
sudden pain: Ouch! You hurt me! 5,000 reward for the outlaws.
l ought to [㐘] 1 Words that you use to show what outline /ˈaʊtlaɪn/ [㐗] 1 A line that shows the
you think is right: You ought to take a taxi if you shape of something: We saw the outline of a ship on

m want to get to the concert on time. 2 Words that the horizon. 2 The most important points of some-
you use to show what you think is probable: Pa- thing: He gave the press an outline of his speech.

n mela ought to be home by now, let's call her. out of /aʊt əv/ [㐓] 1 From: He made a fire out

ounce /aʊnts/ [㐗] A small unit of weight equal of bits of wood. 2 Among: Ten out of the class

o to 28.35 grams: There are 16 ounces in one pound. stayed at home today with flu. 3 Without: They're
■ The abbreviation "oz" is only used in written lan- out of breath from climbing so many stairs. 4 Away

p guage. See box at abbreviations. from: Thanks to the doctors the child is now out of

our US: /aʊɚ/ UK: /aʊər/ [㐀] Of us; belonging to danger. 5 From: He did it out of spite.

q us: My brother and I study in our bedroom. out-of-date /ˌaʊtəvˈdeɪt/ [㐀] No more in use,

ours US: /aʊɚz/ UK: /aʊəz/ [㐕] Of us; belonging to unfashionable: Uncle John! Those pants are really

r us: Their apartment is newer than ours. out-of-date!

ourselves /ɑʊərˈselvz/, /ɑr-/ [㐕] 1 A word that outrageous /ˌaʊtˈreɪ.dʒəs/ [㐀] Shocking, mak-

s refers to "us" when we are the subject of a sen- ing you very angry: She tried to charge me $7.00
tence: If we fall off this wall we'll hurt ourselves. 2 for an ice cream. It's outrageous.
A word that underlines that we are the people the outside1 /ˌaʊtˈsaɪd/ [㐗] The exterior or outer

t verb refers to: We're going to repair the bike our- part of something: The outside of the school's sur-
selves. 3 by ourselves 1 Alone: We stayed at home rounded by huge yards.
u by ourselves when our parents went away for the outside2 /ˌaʊtˈsaɪd/ [㐀] Out of a building or on
weekend. 2 Without help: We'll paint the gate by its exterior: The outside walls need painting.

v ourselves. outside3 /ˌaʊtˈsaɪd/ [㐄] Out of a building: Let's
out1 /aʊt/ [㐄] 1 Outside: Is there anybody out go outside for a bit of fresh air.
w there? 2 Away from home or from the place where outside4 /ˌaʊtˈsaɪd/ [㐓] Out of a building: If
you work: You can't see my mother now because you're bored wait for us outside the museum.

x she's out. 3 Aloud: Read the names out slowly, outsider /ˌaʊtˈsaɪdər/ [㐗] 1 Somebody who
please. does not live in a particular place: It is difficult for

y out2 /aʊt/ [㐀] 1 Not lit: The lights are still out in outsiders to understand how people here feel. 2
her bedroom. 2 In sight: The sun will be out in a Somebody who does not want to be part of a

z few minutes. 3 Finished: We'll travel to Canada be- group, or is not accepted by the group: Mark is
fore the summer's out. very independent: a real outsider.

265 over

outskirts /ˈɑʊtˌskɜrts/ [㐑] The areas on the organ: The ovary is the part of the female body a
b
borders of a town: There's a large shopping center which produces eggs. ■ The plural is "ovaries". c
d
on the outskirts of Sheffield. 㐀 See page 425. e
f
outstanding /ˌaʊtˈstæn.dɪŋ/ [㐀] Excellent, bet- oven /ˈʌv.ən/ [㐗] 1 A heated box for cooking g

ter than the rest: Neil's mother is an outstanding food or making pottery: The fish is baking in the
oven. 2 microwave oven See microwave. 㐀  See
pianist.
picture at kitchen.
outstretched /ˌaʊtˈstretʃt/ [㐀] Extended: I
over1 /ˈəʊvər/ [㐄] 1 Above and across: Don't jump
took his outstretched hand and shook it.
over until I tell you. 2 Above the top of something
outward /ˈɑʊt·wərd/ [㐁] Towards the outside: and down: Look! The milk's boiling over. 3 More

You can't open this door outward. than: The book has over two hundred pages.

oval /ˈəʊvəl/ [㐀] Shaped like an egg: There's an over2 /ˈəʊvər/ [㐓] 1 Above and across: There's

oval mirror in their hall. a new bridge over the river. 2 On top of: She put on

ovary /ˈoʊ·vər·i/ [㐗] The female reproductive

OVER AND ABOVE When one thing is not directly over h
Sometimes “above” and “over” have another, we use “above”: i
the same meaning: j
The village is above the lake. k
The lamp is hanging over/above l
your head. m
n
When there is movement, we normally o
use “over”: p
q
The airplane flew over the houses. r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z

over- 266

a a sweater over her shirt. 3 To the other side of: I overtake, overtook, overtaken /ˌəʊvəˈteɪk/
b dare you to jump over that fence. 4 During: We [㐘] To pass somebody or something that is slow-
painted the kitchen over the weekend. 5 More than: er than you: My mom looks in the mirror before she
This sack weighs over 20 kilos. 6 When using ra- overtakes the car in front.

c dio, indicating that you have finished speaking: overtaken Past participle of overtake.
"I'm losing fuel rapidly. Where can I land? Over". 7 overtime /ˈoʊ·vərˌtɑɪm/ [㐖] Extra hours that

d to be over Be finished: The lessons are over for to- you do at work: My mother is working overtime to
day. 8 all over Everywhere: I've got pimples all pay for the new apartment.

e over my body. 9 over and over Many times: Joan- overtook /ˌoʊ·vərˈtʊk/ Past tense of overtake.
na did the exercise over and over again until she overweight /ˈoʊ·vərˈweɪt/ [㐀] Too fat: Gary is

f did it correctly. 10 over there On the other side, overweight because he eats too many chocolates.
that place: I think I've put your purse over there. overwhelm /ˌoʊ·vərˈhwelm/, /-ˈwelm/ [㐘] To defeat

g 㐀 See picture at preposition. somebody in a crushing way, to be too much for:

over- /əʊvər/ [㐒] An addition to the beginning of Bears overwhelmed Patriots in the Super Bowl.

h a word that usually means "too much": To over- overwork US: /ˌoʊ.vɚˈwɝːk/ UK: /ˌəʊ.vəˈwɜːk/ [㐘] 1
sleep is to sleep too much or too long. To work too hard: If you overwork you'll make your-

i overall /ˈəʊvərɔːl/ [㐀] Total, everything includ- self ill. 2 To make somebody or something work
ed: The overall price of the furniture is too high. too hard: Don't overwork your muscles; we can

j overboard US: /ˈoʊ.vɚ.bɔːrd/ UK: /ˈəʊ.və.bɔːd/ [㐄] work tomorrow as well.
Over the side of a boat and into the water: She oviparous [㐀] Born from an egg outside the
k nearly fell overboard when the storm began. mother: All birds are oviparous. ■ Compare with

overcoat US: /ˈoʊ.vɚ.koʊt/ UK: /ˈəʊ.və.kəʊt/ [㐗] "viviparous" (developing inside the mother's body

A heavy coat that you wear when it is cold: Don't before being born). 㐀 See page 427.
l go out without an overcoat because it's freezing to- ovule /ˈɑv·jul/, /ˈoʊv-/ [㐗] A mature female re-
day. productive cell: The ovule is the part of the plant

m overhead1 /ˌəʊvəˈhed/ [㐀] Above your head: where the seed is formed. ■ The same meaning:
Look at that bird on the telegraph line overhead. "ovum". 㐀 See page 433.

n overhead2 /ˌəʊvəˈhed/ [㐄] Above your head: ovum /ˈoʊ·vəm/ [㐗] A mature female reproduc-
There are some black clouds flying overhead. tive cell: The ovum is produced by the ovary. ■ The

o overhear, overheard, overheard US: plural is "ova". ■ The same meaning: "ovule".
/ˌoʊ.vɚˈhɪr/ UK: /ˌəʊ.vəˈhɪər/ [㐘] To hear other per- owe US: /oʊ/ UK: /əʊ/ [㐘] 1 To have to give back

p sons talking when they do not see you: She over- sometime money that you have borrowed: My
heard us talking about her boyfriend. parents still owe the bank a lot of money. 2 To be

q overheard Past tense and past participle forms grateful to somebody for something they have do-
of overhear. ne to help you: I owe you everything.

r overland1 /ˈoʊ·vərˌlænd/, /-lənd/ [㐀] By land: owing to /əʊɪŋ tuː/ [㐓] Because of: We
We're making an overland trip to the West Coast couldn't play tennis owing to the rain. ■ We usually

s this summer. say "because of".

overland2 /ˈoʊ·vərˌlænd/, /-lənd/ [㐄] By land: My owl /aʊl/ [㐗] A big bird with large eyes that

cousin traveled overland to Greece last summer. hunts at night: Owls can see very well in the dark.
t overlook /ˌəʊvəˈlʊk/ [㐘] 1 To have a view of own1 /əʊn/ [㐂] 1 Belonging to a particular
something from above: The balcony overlooks a person or a thing: Sean has his own computer in
u very large yard. 2 Not to notice something: The his room. 2 on your own 1 Alone: I like going
teacher overlooked a mistake in the dictation. shopping on my own. 2 Without help: Can you lift

v overnight /ˈoʊ·vərˈnɑɪt/ [㐀] Lasting one night: that armchair on your own?
We had an overnight stay in Vienna on our way to own2 /əʊn/ [㐘] To possess something: They own a

w Istanbul. little cottage in Canada.

overseas /ˌəʊ.vəˈsiːz/ [㐀] Across the sea: This owner US: /ˈoʊ.nɚ/ UK: /ˈəʊ.nər/ [㐗] A person

x university receives a lot of students from overseas. who possesses something: Does anybody know
oversleep, overslept, overslept /ˌoʊ·vərˈslip/ who is the owner of this dog?

y [㐘] To sleep more than you had planned: I over- ox US: /ɑːks/ UK: /ɒks/ [㐗] A male animal of the
slept and missed the morning train. cattle family kept for its meat and for doing

z overslept Past tense and past participle forms heavy work on a farm: That animal pulling the
of oversleep. cart is an ox. ■ The plural is "oxen".

267 ozone layer

oxidation /ˌɑk·sɪˈdeɪ·ʃən/ [㐖] The process of oz A written abbreviation for ounce. ■ See box at a
b
combining with oxygen to form another sub- abbreviations. c
stance: Metal changes color with oxidation. d
ozone US: /ˈoʊ.zoʊn/ UK: /ˈəʊ.zəʊn/ [㐖] A type e
oxide /ˈɑk·sɑɪd/ [㐖] A chemical compound of f
of oxygen: Ozone is in the atmosphere above the g
oxygen and another element: The oxide stains on
the iron staircase are due to the rain. ■ The same surface of the earth.
meaning: "rust1".
ozone layer [㐖] A layer of gas in the atmo-
oxygen /ˈɑk·sɪ·dʒən/ [㐖] A gas in the air: Ani-
sphere: The ozone layer protects us from the sun's
mals and plants need oxygen in order to live.
harmful rays. 㐀 See page 449.
oyster /ˈɔɪ·stər/ [㐗] A shellfish that you can

eat: Pearls are sometimes found in oysters.

OYSTER

h
i
jpearl
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z

P p /piː/ The sixteenth letter of the alphabet: The
p
name "Penelope" begins with a "P".

p. 1 A written abbreviation for page. 2 A written

or spoken abbreviation for penny or pence. ■ See

box at abbreviations.

pace1 /peɪs/ [㐗] A step: Go forward two paces. ■

We usually say "step".

pace2 /peɪs/ [㐘] To walk backwards and forwards:

Mr. Powell paced the floor, wondering what to do.

pacifier [㐗] A rubber or plastic device for ba-

bies to suck or bite: The baby goes to sleep suck-

ing its pacifier. ■ In British English they say "dum-

my".

pack1 /pæk/ [㐗] 1 A group of things that go to-

gether: I'm going to buy a pack of colored pencils
at the store. 2 A bundle or bag that you carry on

your back: Don't forget to take your pack with you.
3 A group of animals that hunt together: The

pack of wolves attacked the sheep. 㐀 See picture

at groups.

pack2 /pæk/ [㐘] 1 To put your clothes in a bag,

suitcase or other container for traveling: Have
you packed for the trip yet? 2 To put things into a

container: The store assistant packed the glasses

carefully into the box.

package /ˈpæk.ɪdʒ/ [㐗] 1 A number of things

packed together firmly, a parcel: He was very hap-

py when the large package of books arrived. ■ Be

careful with the pronunciation of this word. The last
"a" is pronounced like the "i" in "did". 2 package

tour or vacation package A vacation with every-

thing included in the price: We went on a vacation

package to Mexico and had a great time!

packaging /ˈpæk.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/ [㐖] The paper,

string, plastic and so on that is used for wrap-

ping: Products in supermarkets often have too

much packaging.

packet /ˈpæk.ɪt/ [㐗] A small container with

things in it: Get me a packet of fruit candies at the

store, please.

pad /pæd/ [㐗] 1 A thick piece of soft material:

In cricket, you wear pads to protect your legs be-
cause the ball is very hard. 2 Sheets of paper stuck

together at one end: Where's the pad for telephone

messages? It should be here by the phone.

paddle1 /ˈpædl/ [㐗] A wooden object with a

large wide end that moves a boat through water:

You use a paddle to move a canoe through the wa-

ter.

paddle2 /ˈpædl/ [㐘] 1 To move a boat through wa-

ter using a paddle: The children really enjoyed
paddling up the canal. 2 To walk in shallow wa-

ter: We took our shoes and socks off and paddled

in the river.

269 pan

paella /paɪˈel.ə/ US: /pɑːˈjel-/ [㐗] A typical Span- that has two identical parts: Can you lend me a a
pair of scissors? I want to cut something out of the b
ish dish: Paella is usually made with rice, saffron newspaper. 3 Two people or animals that are c
and seafood or chicken. closely connected with each other: The pair from d
Cincinnati won the dancing competition. 4 in e
page /peɪdʒ/ [㐗] A sheet of paper in a book: pairs In groups of two: Do this exercise in pairs. 5 f
pair up with (somebody) To form into a pair to g
Turn page 109. ■ The abbreviation "p." is only used do something together: He was paired up with my
in written language. See box at abbreviations. sister in the tennis tournament. h
㐀 See picture at book. i
pajamas [㐑] Pants and a jacket that you j
paid /peɪd/ Past tense and past participle forms of k
wear in bed: Put your pajamas on and get into bed. l
pay2. ■ The British English spelling is "pyjamas". m
n
pain /peɪn/ [㐌] 1 A feeling of hurt: I've got an aw- pal /pæl/ [㐗] Friend: My dad's going to meet his o
p
ful pain in my stomach. 2 Sadness, emotional old pals from school tonight. ■ This word is infor- q
hurt: Mrs. MacDonald's death caused her husband mal. r
a lot of pain. s
palace /ˈpæl.ɪs/ [㐗] A big and luxurious house, t
painful /ˈpeɪn.fəl/ [㐀] Giving pain: This bruise u
especially where a king or a queen lives: The Pal- v
on my arm is rather painful. ace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is one of the most w
beautiful buildings in California. x
painkiller /ˈpeɪnˌkɪl·ər/ [㐗] A drug that takes y
pale /peɪl/ [㐀] 1 Light in color: Pale blue is my z
away pain: When I have a headache, my dad gives
me a painkiller. favorite color. 2 Without color in your face: You
look pale. Are you ill, or just tired?
painless /ˈpeɪn.ləs/ [㐀] Without pain: The den-
palm /pɑːm/ [㐗] The flat part of your hand:
tist gave me an injection so that it would be pain-
less. Some people think you can tell somebody's future
by studying the lines on their palms. 㐀 See pictu-
paint1 /peɪnt/ [㐖] A thick liquid that is used re at hand.

to color things: We need a can of blue paint. palm or palm tree /pɑːm/ [㐗] A tall, tropi-

PAINT cal tree: Dates and coconuts come from palm trees.
㐀 See page 435.
paint2 /peɪnt/ [㐘] 1 To put paint on something:
pamphlet /ˈpæm.flət/ [㐗] A small thin book
We've painted the old chair blue and it looks great.
2 To make a picture with paint: Hugh painted a with a paper cover that contains information:
beautiful portrait of my mother. Have you got a pamphlet about vacations in Mexi-
co?
paintbox /ˈpeɪnt.bɒks/ US: /-bɑːks/ [㐗] A small
pan /pæn/ [㐗] A container for cooking in: Don't
container with blocks of paint: Aunt Jane gave me
a big paintbox on my birthday. forget to take the pan off the heat when the pota-
toes are ready.
paintbrush /ˈpeɪnt.brʌʃ/ [㐗] A brush for
PAN
painting: You can buy paintbrushes in different
sizes. 㐀 See picture at brush. saucepan frying pan
pressure
painter /ˈpeɪn·tər/ [㐗] 1 A painter of pictures: cooker

Joe Coleman is one of the greatest painters in Amer-
ica. 2 A person who paints buildings: We'll have
to call the painter when the wet patch on the ceiling
dries.

painting /ˈpeɪn·tɪŋ/ [㐗] 1 A picture done with

paint: My favorite painting is Guernica, by Picasso.
2 oil painting See "oil painting" in the word oil1.

pair US: /per/ UK: /peər/ [㐗] 1 Two things that

are almost the same and are used together: Kit-
ty's got four pairs of shoes in her closet. 2 An object

Panamanian 270

a Panamanian1 [㐀] Referring to Panama: Pan- pantyhose [㐑] A piece of clothing that girls

b ama City is the Panamanian Capital. ■ Be careful! and women wear on their legs: Do you like these
"Panamanian" has a capital "P". new shiny pantyhose that I've bought for the Christ-
Panamanian2 [㐗] A person from Panama: mas Party? ■ When we talk about two or more
"pantyhose", we use the word "pairs": "I bought
c The storekeeper of this grocery store is Panamani-
an. ■ Be careful! "Panamanian" has a capital "P". three pairs of pantyhose".

d pancake /ˈpæn.keɪk/ [㐗] A thin cake made paper /ˈpeɪ·pər/ [㐌] 1 A material that you can
with eggs, flour and milk: My mom makes deli- write on: We should try not to waste paper so that

e cious pancakes, that we eat with maple syrup. ■ Be we don't have to cut down so many trees. ■ In this
careful with the pronunciation of this word! "cake" use "paper" is an uncountable noun. We say "some

f rhymes with "make". paper", "a piece of paper" or "a sheet of paper". (We

pancreas /ˈpæŋ.kri.əs/ [㐗] A gland close to the don't say: "a paper"). 2 A newspaper: Have you

g stomach: The pancreas provides substances which bought the paper today? 3 A piece of written
help in digestion. 㐀 See page 424. schoolwork: What was the chemistry paper like? 4

h panda /ˈpæn.də/ [㐗] A large black and white toilet paper See toilet paper. 5 wrapping paper
animal like a bear: Pandas mainly eat bamboo but See wrapping paper.

i they sometimes eat other plants too. paperback /ˈpeɪ·pərˌbæk/ [㐗] A book with a

panel /ˈpæn.əl/ [㐗] 1 A long flat piece on a paper cover: Paperbacks are much cheaper. 㐀 See

j door: Let's paint the outside of the door brown and picture at book.
the panel yellow. 2 The part of a machine where paperclip [㐗] A small wire object that holds
k the controls are: What a lot of buttons there are on papers together: Where are those colored paper-
this control panel! clips that were on my desk yesterday?

panic1 /ˈpænɪk/ [㐖] A feeling of great fear: In papers /ˈpeɪ·pərz/ [㐑] Pieces of paper that

l a fire, panic can be more dangerous than the have information written on them, often impor-
flames. tant or official: May I see your papers, please?

m panic2 /ˈpænɪk/ [㐘] To suffer from panic: Don't paperwork /ˈpeɪ·pərˌwɜrk/ [㐖] The work of
panic! Stay calm! ■ Be careful with the spelling of reading and writing letters, filling in forms, pre-

n these forms: "panicked", "panicking". paring reports and so on: I've lots of paperwork to

pant /pænt/ [㐘] To breathe quickly: The dog came do, but I don't want to do it!

o in panting after his run on the hills. parachute /ˈpærəʃuːt/ [㐗] A thing that is used

panther /ˈpæn·θər/ [㐗] A large wild animal of when you jump out of a plane: She thought that

p the cat family, black in color: Panthers can run her parachute was never going to open when she
very fast. 㐀 See page 428. jumped out of the plane.

q panties /ˈpæn·tiz/ [㐑] An article of woman's parade /pəˈreɪd/ [㐗] A procession that people
clothing that is worn under other clothes be- watch: There are lots of musical bands in the Saint

r tween the waist and the top of the leg: Annie says Patrick's parade in New York.
that she only likes white panties. ■ When we talk paradise /ˈpær·əˌdɑɪs/, /-ˌdɑɪz/ [㐌] 1 An ideal or

s about two or more "panties", we use the word beautiful place: Lying on a beautiful beach is my
"pairs": "I bought three pairs of panties". ■ In British idea of paradise. 2 Heaven: According to the Bible,
English they say "knickers". Adam and Eve lived in paradise.
t pantomime /ˈpæn·təˌmɑɪm/ [㐗] A particular paraffin /ˈpær.ə.fɪn/ US: /ˈper-/ [㐖] An oil used
kind of funny, musical play produced at Christ- for cooking and heating: Open the window, please;
u mas: It's quite traditional to go to see a pantomime the gas from that paraffin stove is giving me a
at Christmas. headache.

v pantry /ˈpæn.tri/ [㐗] A small room where food paragraph US: /ˈper.ə.græf/ UK: /ˈpær.ə.grɑːf/
is kept: Go and get the bread out of the pantry. ■ [㐗] A few lines of writing without a break: I

w The plural is "pantries". had to write a paragraph describing somebody I

pants /pænts/ [㐑] 1 See underpants. 2 A piece admired.
x of clothing that you wear on the lower part of Paraguayan1 [㐀] Referring to Paraguay:
your body: I've bought a new pair of pants. ■ In Trinidad is a Paraguayan city. ■ Be careful! "Para-

y this use, in British English we say "trousers". ■ When guayan" has a capital "P".
we talk about two or more "pants", we use the word Paraguayan2 [㐗] A person from Paraguay:

z "pairs": "I bought three pairs of pants". 㐀 See pic- There are three Paraguayan staying at our hotel. ■
ture at clothes. Be careful! "Paraguayan" has a capital "P".

271 particularly

parakeet [㐗] A bird like a small parrot: My parking lot [㐗] An area or building for park- a
b
aunt's kept a parakeet for years. 㐀  See page ing cars: The hospital staff usually park their vehi- c
d
429. cles at the parking lot. ■ Compare with "parking" e
f
parallel1 /ˈpær·əˌlel/, /-ləl/ [㐀] That run side by (leaving a vehicle somewhere). ■ In British English g

side in exactly the same direction: A rectangle they say "car park". 㐀 See picture at street. h
i
has two sets of parallel lines. 㐀 See page 457. parliament /ˈpɑr·lə·mənt/ [㐌] The group of people j
k
parallel2 /ˈpær·əˌlel/, /-ləl/ [㐗] 1 Any of the imag- who are responsible for making the laws in some l
m
inary lines on a map which are parallel to the countries: The equivalent of the British and Canadi- n
o
equator: Parallels help to establish latitude on the an parliaments in the United States is the Congress. p
Earth's surface. 㐀 See page 449. 2 A similar case: I q
parliamentary /ˌpɑːləˈmentəri/ [㐀] Referring r
can't see any parallel between the two situations. s
to the group of people who govern a country: Par- t
paralysis /pəˈræləsɪs/ [㐖] The state of being u
liamentary debate is an essential part of democrat- v
unable to move your body or part of it: Paralysis w
ic government. x
is a result of damage to the motor nerves. ■ The plu- y
parrot /ˈpær·ət/ [㐗] A large, colorful bird: Par- z
ral is "paralyses".
rots live in tropical forests and eat seeds and fruit.
parasite /ˈpærəsaɪt/ [㐗] An organism which
㐀 See page 429.
lives on another one and feeds from it: Some
parrot-fashion /ˈpær.ətˌfæʃ.ən/ US: /ˈper-/ [㐄]
climbing plants are parasites.
Repeating something without understanding it:
parcel /ˈpɑr·səl/ [㐗] A thing or things wrapped
Think about things; don't just learn everything par-
in paper and tied to be sent or carried to some-
rot-fashion.
body: She took the parcel and began to tear off the
parsley /ˈpɑr·sli/ [㐖] A herb used in cooking:
wrapping paper.
One of my favorite dishes is fish with parsley sauce.
pardon1 /ˈpɑːdən/ [㐗] A word used when a per-
parsnip /ˈpɑr·snɪp/ [㐗] A vegetable consisting
son has not heard something: Pardon? Did you
of a long white root: On Sunday we had roast lamb
say "5 o'clock" or "9 o'clock"? ■ Compare with "ex-
with potatoes and parsnips for dinner.
cuse me" (used before we interrupt somebody) and
part1 /pɑːt/ [㐌] 1 Some, but not all; a piece of a
"sorry" (used for apologizing).
whole: I liked the first part of the program but the
pardon2 /ˈpɑːdən/ [㐘] To forgive somebody and rest of it was boring. 2 A piece of a machine: It's

release them from punishment: In some countries difficult to get parts for this make of car. It's very
old. 3 A character in a play or a film: Who's got
it is traditional to pardon one prisoner on one par- the part of Hamlet in the school play? 4 to take

ticular day of the year. part in To participate: Our school is taking part in

parent US: /ˈper.ənt/ UK: /ˈpeə.rənt/ [㐗] 1 A moth- a sponsored walk for the local hospital.

er or a father: My parents have gone away for the part2 /pɑːt/ [㐘] To separate: We parted in Dallas;
weekend. 2 parents-in-love When you are mar-
she went west and I went to the south coast.
ried, your wife's parents or your husband's par-
participant /pɑrˈtɪs·ə·pənt/ [㐗] A person who
ents: His parents-in-love live next-door to him. ■
does something with other people: How many
This word is more common in the plural.
participants are there in the swimming race?
park1 /pɑːk/ [㐗] 1 A place with trees and grass
participate /pɑrˈtɪs·əˌpeɪt/ [㐘] To do something
where people can relax or play: I often play with
my friends in the park near my house. 2 amuse- with other people: Five schools participated in the
ment park A place in the open air with rides and
sports competition.
stalls: I like amusement park. It's great. ■ In this
particle /ˈpɑːtɪkl/ [㐗] An extremely small
use, in British English we say "funfair". 㐀 See pic-
piece of matter: Often particles can only be seen
ture at street.
with a microscope.
park2 /pɑːk/ [㐘] To put and leave a car, truck or
particular US: /pɚˈtɪk.jə.lɚ/ UK: /pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/ [㐀]
other vehicle somewhere: It's difficult to park in
1 Special: Have you got a particular friend you'd
the center of town on Saturday mornings. like to bring to the party? 2 One only: On that par-
ticular day I was going to meet Patricia. 3 Difficult
parka [㐗] A warm coat with a hood: My mom
to please: Don't be so particular. The pizza's not so
bought me a new parka for winter. bad! 4 in particular More than the others: Henry

parking /ˈpɑr·kɪŋ/ [㐖] Leaving a car, truck or likes all sports, football in particular.

other motor vehicle somewhere: It says "no park- particularly US: /pɚˈtɪk.jə.lɚ.li/ UK: /pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lə.li/

ing" here so we'll have to look for a parking lot. ■ [㐄] Especially: I don't particularly like Ann, she's
rather mean.
Compare with "parking lot" (an area or building for

parking cars).

partly 272

a partly /ˈpɑrt·li/ [㐄] To some extent: It's partly my body in a game: Larry passed the ball to Stuart,
who then got the winning goal. 5 To go by: Our con-
b fault that she's so angry, because I said she was versation was so interesting that the time passed
cheating. very quickly. 6 To spend time: He just sits there in
partner US: /ˈpɑːrt.nɚ/ UK: /ˈpɑːt.nər/ [㐗] 1 A per- the park, passing the time.
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to pass (something) on To
c son who does something with you: Vincent was give something you receive to another person:
always my partner in the dancing class. 2 A hus- Can you pass the message on to Martha, please? ·

d band, wife, boyfriend or girlfriend: My cousin Bob
and his partner Hazel are coming to stay with us

e for a week. 3 One of the people who owns a busi- to pass through To go through a place: The Bos-
ness: My mom has just been made senior partner in ton to New York train passes through Waterbun but

f a law firm. it doesn't always stop there. ■ Be careful with the

part of speech [㐗] A type of word in gram- spelling of the 3rd person singular present tense

g mar like noun, adjective, verb and so on: It is form: "passes".
sometimes difficult to know what part of speech a passage /ˈpæs.ɪdʒ/ [㐗] 1 A narrow way in a

h particular word is. building or outside: I don't like going along that

partridge /ˈpɑː.trɪdʒ/ US: /ˈpɑːr-/ [㐗] A wild passage at night; it's too dark. 2 Part of a text:

i bird with red legs: I think partridges are delicious. Read the passage on page 35 of the text book and
part-time /ˈpɑrtˈtɑɪm/ [㐀] For part of the work- then answer the questions on it. ■ Be careful with

j ing week: My mom had a part-time job as a wait- the pronunciation of this word. The last "a" is pro-
ress when she was a student. nounced like the "i" in "did".

party /ˈpɑːti/ [㐗] 1 A meeting of friends, with passenger /ˈpæs·ən·dʒər/ [㐗] A person who

k food and drink: We had a party to celebrate the travels on a train, bus or other means of transport:
end of the school year. 2 A group of people with A Boeing 747 jumbo jet carries over 530 passengers.

l similar political ideas: Clive's dad is the secretary passer-by /ˈpæs·ərˈbɑɪ/ [㐗] A person in the
of the local Republican Party. 3 A group of people street who is walking past: A passer-by helped the

m doing something together: The waiter had a table old lady to cross the road. ■ The plural is "pass-
ready for a party of five. 4 the Democratic Party ers-by".

n One of the main political parties in the United passion /ˈpæʃ.ən/ [㐖] A very strong emotion:
States of America that originally supported the Romeo and Juliet loved each other with great pas-

o interests of the working people: Barack Obama is sion.
one of the most famous leaders the Democratic Par- passive /ˈpæs.ɪv/ [㐌] The form of a verb when

p ty has had in recent times. ■ Be careful! "the Demo- the action is done to the subject of the sentence:
cratic Party" and "the Republican Party" have capital The verb is in the passive in the sentence "The crim-

q letters. ■ The plural is "parties". 5 the Republican inal was arrested by the police".
Party One of the main political parties in the passport US: /ˈpæs.pɔːrt/ UK: /ˈpɑːs.pɔːt/ [㐗] A

r United States of America, that supports the free document that identifies you: You should take
market and is against state intervention: Reagan your passport with you when you go abroad.
s and Bush were important figures in the Republican password US: /ˈpæs.wɝːd/ UK: /ˈpɑːs.wɜːd/ [㐗] A
Party. secret word: The other day, I forgot my password

pass1 /pɑːs/ [㐗] 1 A success in an exam: There and I couldn't get into my computer.

t were only ten passes in a class of forty students. 2 past1 /pɑːst/ [㐀] 1 Of a time before the present:
Kicking or throwing a ball to somebody in a We're not interested in your past behavior. 2 Last;
u game: He's a great player! What a brilliant pass recent: I've been feeling ill the past two weeks.
that was! 3 A card that lets you go somewhere: past2 /pɑːst/ [㐖] The time before now: In the

v You need a special pass to get into that disco. 4 A past, many children had to work in factories. Can
very high mountain road: After two days of snow, you imagine it?

w the pass was completely blocked. ■ The plural is past3 /pɑːst/ [㐅] A word that tells you the
"passes". number of minutes after the hour: "Is it six

x pass2 /pɑːs/ [㐘] 1 To go past something: When you o'clock?" "No, It's twenty-five past six". ■ Be careful!
go to the station, you pass the market on your left. We say: "twenty-five past four". We don't say: "four

y 2 To give something to somebody: Pass me the past twenty-five". 㐀 See picture at preposition.
ketchup, please. 3 To be successful in an exam: pasta US: /ˈpɑː.stə/ UK: /ˈpæs.tə/ [㐖] An Italian

z Hurray! I've passed my piano exam! 㐀 See picture food made from flour and water: Spaghetti is my
at exam. 4 To kick or to throw the ball to some- favorite pasta.

273 pay

past continuous [㐖] A form of a verb that pâté US: /pætˈeɪ/ UK: /ˈpæteɪ/ [㐖] A paste made a
b
is made with the past tense of "be" and the "-ing" from meat, fish and so on: Have you tried that c
d
form: In the sentence "We were watching the news duck pâté that dad bought the other day? e
f
on TV when she arrived", the past continuous is path US: /pæθ/ UK: /pɑːθ/ [㐗] A small way for g

"were watching". walking on: Little Red Riding Hood walked along h
i
paste /peɪst/ [㐖] 1 A soft, wet mixture: Al- the path through the wood. j
k
mond paste is often used for making cakes at pathogen /ˈpæθ.ə.dʒən/ [㐗] Any microorgan- l
Christmas. 2 A substance that is used for sticking m
ism which causes a disease: Bacteria and viruses n
paper: Put paste on the back of your drawing and o
are pathogens. p
stick to the wall. q
pathogenic /ˌpæθ.əˈdʒen.ɪk/ [㐀] Referring to r
pastel1 [㐗] A soft, light color, or a stick of s
pathogens: pathogenic bacteria. t
this color used for drawing and painting: The u
patience /ˈpeɪ.ʃənts/ [㐖] Being calm when v
landscape was painted with pastels. w
something takes time: You need to have a lot of x
pastel2 US: /pæsˈtel/ UK: /ˈpæstəl/ [㐀] With a soft, y
patience to learn to play chess well. z
light color: Her bedroom has pastel blue walls.
patient1 /ˈpeɪʃənt/ [㐀] Calm when something
pastime /ˈpæsˌtɑɪm/ [㐗] An activity that you
takes time: I have a good English teacher; she ex-
do in your free time: My favorite pastime is read-
plains everything and is very patient with us.
ing.
patient2 /ˈpeɪʃənt/ [㐗] A person who is being
past participle [㐖] A form of a verb used
treated by a doctor: There are about twenty pa-
after "have" to form perfect tenses or used as an
tients on this floor of the hospital.
adjective or noun: "Played", "gone" and "listened"
patrol /pəˈtrəʊl/ [㐘] To go round a place to protect
are examples of the past participle.
it: The guards patrolled the factory to make sure
past perfect [㐖] A form of a verb that is
that the thieves didn't break in again.
made with the past tense of "have" and the past
patron /ˈpeɪ.trən/ [㐗] Somebody who gives
participle of the verb: In the sentence "We had eat-
support to a cause or institution: Special exhibi-
en all the cake by the time they finally arrived", the
tions often depend on the support of patrons.
past perfect is "had eaten".
pattern US: /ˈpæt̬.ɚn/ UK: /ˈpæt.ən/ [㐗] 1 A re-
pastry /ˈpeɪ.stri/ [㐖] A mixture that is used
peated design of colors or shapes: I love the pat-
for making pies: My grandma makes delicious tern on your jumper. 2 A thing that you copy to

pastry. ■ The plural is "pastries". make something: Can I borrow the pattern for that

past tense [㐗] A form of a verb used to de- skirt you made for the party?

scribe an action that happened at a time before pause1 [㐗] A short time when you stop doing

now: In the sentence "Yesterday I ate too much", something: He talked for half an hour without a

"ate" is the past tense. ■ The past tense of a regular pause.

verb is formed by adding "-ed" to the infinitive: pause2 /pɔːz/ [㐘] To stop for a short time in

"walk", "walked". But there are many irregular verbs! something: The President paused in the middle of

pasture US: /ˈpæs.tʃɚ/ UK: /ˈpɑːs.tʃər/ [㐗] A field his sentence.

where animals can eat grass: These fields make pavement /ˈpeɪv.mənt/ [㐗] See sidewalk. ■

marvelous pastures for our cows. This word is British English.

pat1 /pæt/ [㐗] A gentle touch with the hand: paw US: /pɑː/ UK: /pɔː/ [㐗] The foot of an ani-

The old man gave the boy a pat on the shoulder mal: My dog always has muddy paws.

and said "goodbye". pawn US: /pɑːn/ UK: /pɔːn/ [㐗] The lowest piece

pat2 /pæt/ [㐘] To give a person or an animal a pat: in chess: Charles thought for a while and then

Alex patted his dog when he brought him the news- moved his pawn. 㐀 See picture at chess.

paper. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these forms: Pax /pæks/ [㐖] A peace greeting or a call for

"patted", "patting". an end to hostilities: Children call "Pax!" to stop a

patch1 /pætʃ/ [㐗] 1 An area that is different fight or a game.

from the rest of something: Our cat's got a white pay1 /peɪ/ [㐖] The money that a person re-
patch above one eye. 2 A piece of material added
ceives for working: My sister bought a dress for my
to clothing: Can you help me sew these patches on
mother with her first week's pay.
my jacket?
pay2, paid, paid /peɪ/ [㐘] 1 To give money for
patch2 /pætʃ/ [㐘] To sew a patch on something:
something: I paid $25 for these sneakers. 2 To give
I'm going to patch these jeans with some material
money to a person for doing something: My mom
left over from when we made the drapes.
paid the painters for painting our house. ■ Be care-

payment 274

a ful. We say: "to pay somebody for something". 3 pay peach /piːtʃ/ [㐗] A soft fruit with a red and

b attention To listen or to watch carefully: Pay at- yellow skin: Peaches are great with cream. 㐀 See
tention everyone because the next step is compli- page 436.
cated. 4 to pay (somebody or something) a visit peach or peach tree /piːtʃ/ [㐗] A decidu-

c To visit: When is grandma going to pay us a visit? ous tree which bears peaches: The peach tree is of
5 to pay through the nose To pay a lot of money Chinese origin.
d for something, much more than is reasonable: He peacock /ˈpiˌkɑk/ [㐗] A large bird with beauti-
paid through the nose for the table because he ful feathers in its huge tail: The peacock lives in

e thought it was a valuable antique. the jungles and forests of India and China. 㐀 See

◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to pay (somebody) back To page 429.

f return money that you have borrowed: Can you pay peak /piːk/ [㐗] 1 The top of a mountain: Mount
me back the fifty dollars that I lent you last week? · to Whitney, whose peak is at 14,400 feet, is the highest

g pay off Referring to an effort made or a risky deci- mountain in the United States. 2 The time when
sion, to have a successful result: The extra training something is at its maximum: You have to pay more

h this month has paid off because our results are im- money for your flight if you travel during the peak pe-
proving. · to pay (something) off Referring to a riod of the summer. 3 The part of a hat that goes out

i debt, to finish paying the money you owe: She has in front of your eyes and protects them from the
finally paid off her debt. · to pay (somebody) off 1 sun: Baseball players wear a cap with a peak.

j To give somebody their last payment because you peanut /ˈpiː.nʌt/ [㐗] A small, popular nut: I'm
are not going to continue to employ them: She was going to get a packet of salted peanuts from the
paid off and is now unemployed. 2 To give somebody store at the corner.

k money so that they do not talk about something or pear US: /per/ UK: /peər/ [㐗] A fruit that has a
do not cause trouble: It is believed that the suspect green or a yellow skin and is white inside: What

l paid off the person who saw the robbery. · to pay out do you want for dessert, pears or peaches? 㐀 See
1 To give the money of a prize: The lottery paid out page 436.

m over a million dollars in prize money on Saturday. 2 pearl US: /pɝːl/ UK: /pɜːl/ [㐗] A small, round
To spend a lot of money on something: They had to and white thing that grows inside an oyster: My

n pay out thousands to repair the barge. uncle gave my aunt a beautiful pearl bracelet for

payment /ˈpeɪ.mənt/ [㐗] An amount of money her birthday. 㐀 See picture at oyster.

o that somebody pays: When we make this month's pear or pear tree /peər/ [㐗] A tree which
payment on the car, it will be ours. bears pears: Most pear trees are deciduous.

p PC /ˌpiːˈsiː/ [㐗] A small computer: My mom's peasant /ˈpez.ənt/ [㐗] 1 An agricultural labor-
just bought a new PC and she's learning how to use er with very low social position and few rights:

q it. ■ Be careful. "PC" is always written in capital let- Please call Mr. Ramsbottom a "farmer" and not a
ters. "PC" is an abbreviation for "personal comput- "peasant" when you speak to him. It's much more

r er". ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! polite. ■ Be careful! We usually use this word to talk
The "p" is pronounced "pee" and the "c" as "see". about people who lived in the past. 2 A person

s PE /ˌpiːˈiː/ [㐖] Learning how to do athletics without education or manners ■ Be careful! This
and play sports in school: Great! We've got PE to- use is an insult.
day! ■ Be careful. "PE" is always written in capital pebble /ˈpeb.l/̩ [㐗] A small stone: The children

t letters. "PE" is an abbreviation for "physical educa- enjoyed themselves collecting pebbles on the
tion". ■ See box at abbreviations. beach.

u pea /piː/ [㐗] A small, round, green vegetable: pectoral /ˈpek.tər.əl/ US: /-tɔːr-/ [㐀] Referring to
My aunt Carol makes delicious pea and ham soup. the chest: The pectoral muscles are on each side of

v 㐀 See page 437. the chest. 㐀 See page 423.

peace /piːs/ [㐖] 1 A time when there is no pectorals or pecs /ˈpek.tər.əlz/ US: /-tɔːr-/

w war: The two countries signed an agreement to live [㐑] Chest muscles: He goes to the gym to de-
in peace. 2 A calm, quiet time: I need some peace velop his pectorals.

x if I'm going to do my homework. peculiar /pɪˈkjul·jər/ [㐀] Strange: What a pecu-

peaceful /ˈpiːs.fəl/ [㐀] 1 Calm and quiet: We liar person William is. You never know what he's

y had a very peaceful Christmas. 2 Without vio- going to do next.
lence: The march was peaceful, and there were no pedal1 /ˈpedəl/ [㐗] A part of a machine that

z problems. ■ Compare with "violent" (aggressive and you move with your feet: My feet don't reach the
harmful). pedals of this bike. 㐀 See page 441.

275 pension

pedal2 [㐘] To move the pedals on a machine: You to put the animals in a pen every night. 3 ballpoint a
pen See ballpoint. 4 felt pen or felt tip pen See b
don't have to pedal when you go downhill on a bike. felt pen. 5 fountain pen See fountain pen. c
d
pedestal /ˈpedɪstəl/ [㐗] 1 The base of a statue: penalty /ˈpen·ə·l·ti/ [㐗] 1 A punishment for e
f
The column has a pedestal at its base. 2 to knock doing something wrong: There's a $20 penalty for g
pulling the emergency cord without a reason. 2 A
somebody off their pedestal To show people that h
punishment in sport in the form of a shot at goal i
somebody is not as superior or perfect as they ap- j
given to the opposite team: The referee gave us a k
peared to be: The scandal has really knocked him l
penalty in the last minute of the game. ■ The plural m
off his pedestal. n
is "penalties". o
pedestrian /pəˈdes.tri.ən/ [㐗] A person walking p
pence /pents/ The plural of penny. ■ "p." is an ab- q
down the street: They've closed the center of town to r
breviation for "pence". See box at abbreviations. s
traffic and turned it into an area for pedestrians only. t
pencil /ˈpent.səl/ [㐗] 1 An object with a lead u
pedestrian crossing [㐗] See crosswalk. ■ v
center for drawing or writing with: This is a spe- w
This word is British English. x
cial soft pencil I use in my drawing class. 㐀  See y
pediment /ˈped.ɪ.mənt/ [㐗] The triangular page 456. 2 pencil case A container for pencils, z

section at the top of the horizontal part of a pens and so on: What an enormous pencil case.

building, common in ancient Greek and Roman How many pencils does it hold?

architecture: Pediments are usually supported by pencil sharpener [㐗] An object used to

columns. sharpen pencils: Can I borrow your pencil sharp-

peel1 /piːl/ [㐖] The outside part of a fruit or a ener?

vegetable: Please put that orange peel into the gar- penetrate /ˈpen.ɪ.treɪt/ [㐘] To go into something:

bage. Unfortunately the glass had penetrated John's leg

peel2 /piːl/ [㐘] 1 To take the peel off a vegetable and we had to take him to the hospital.

or a piece of fruit: Peel those potatoes and then cut penguin /ˈpeŋ.gwɪn/ [㐗] A black and white
them into slices. 2 To fall off slowly in small piec-
bird that lives in the Antarctic region: Although
es: We'll have to redecorate this room because the
penguins can't fly, they are very graceful in water.
paint's beginning to peel off.
㐀 See page 429.
peep1 [㐗] A quick look: The baby's asleep but
penicillin /ˌpen.əˈsɪl.ɪn/ [㐖] A drug that
you can come and have a peep at her if you like. ■
treats infections: Penicillin began to be used after
We say: "to take a peep" or "to have a peep".
the Second World War.
peep2 /piːp/ [㐘] To look at something quickly: We
peninsula /pəˈnɪn·sə·lə/ [㐗] An area of land
peeped over the backyard wall and saw the old
that projects into the sea: The Iberian Peninsula is
man picking apples.
surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic and on the
peephole [㐗] A small hole through which
other by the Mediterranean.
you can look: By looking through the peephole he
penis /ˈpiː.nɪs/ [㐗] The male reproductive or-
could see into the room.
gan: The penis is used to eliminate urine. ■ The plu-
peer US: /pɪr/ UK: /pɪər/ [㐘] To look hard, carefully
ral is "penises" or "penes". 㐀 See page 425.
or with effort at something: The old lady peered at
penknife /ˈpen.naɪf/ [㐗] A small knife that
me over her glasses.
you can carry in your pocket: It's always very use-
peg /peg/ [㐗] 1 A small object on the wall to
ful to have a good penknife with you when you go
hang things on: Hang your coats up on the pegs as
soon as you come into the classroom. 2 A wooden or camping. ■ The plural is "penknives". ■ The same

plastic object used for hanging clothes on a line: meaning: "pocketknife".

Pass me the pegs and I'll hang the sheets up to dry. penny /ˈpen.i/ [㐗] The smallest unit of British

pelican /ˈpel.ɪ.kən/ [㐗] 1 A large waterbird money, a hundred of which make a pound: You

which catches and holds fish with the lower part can't buy anything for one penny these days. ■ The

of its beak: Pelicans eat not only fish but also am- plural is "pence" or "pennies". We use "pennies"
phibians and crustaceans. 2 pelican crossing A
when we are talking about one penny coins. ■ "p." is
place where pedestrians can stop the traffic and
an abbreviation for "penny".
cross the road by pressing a button that controls
penpal [㐗] A person that you write to regu-
the stoplights: It is better to go to the pelican
larly: I've been writing to my Italian penpal, Piero,
crossing in order to cross this busy road.
for four years now.
pen /pen/ [㐗] 1 An object for writing with: Can I
pension /ˈpent.ʃən/ [㐗] Money that the govern-
borrow your pen for a minute? 2 A small place for
ment gives you when you finally stop working:
animals: When I stayed on my friend's farm we used

pentagon 276

a My grandpa goes to the bank for his pension every ■ A perfect tense can describe an action in the past,
general present or future. 2 past perfect See past
b month.
pentagon /ˈpentəgɒn/ [㐗] A shape with five perfect. 3 present perfect See present perfect.

sides: The United States military headquarters is a perforate [㐘] To make a hole or several holes in
c building in the shape of a pentagon.
something: He uses a hole punch to perforate his

people /ˈpiː.pl̩/ [㐑] More than one person: sheets of papers.
d How many people shall we invite to the party? ■ Be perform US: /pɚˈfɔːrm/ UK: /pəˈfɔːm/ [㐘] 1 To ap-
careful! "People" is a countable noun. We say: "There pear in a play, concert and so on: Yehudi Menuhin,

e are many people here". (We don't say: "There is ma- the violinist, has performed in many of the world's
ny people here"). most famous concert halls. 2 To function or to do a

f pepper /ˈpep·ər/ [㐌] 1 A light brown or black job: My computer's not performing very well at the
powder that gives food a hot taste: I like salt and moment. There must be something wrong with it.

g pepper on my meat. 2 A green, red or yellow vege- performance /pərˈfɔr·məns/ [㐌] 1 A time when a
table: Red peppers are good in salads. 㐀 See page play or a concert is performed: We went to Strat-

h 437. ford to see the Royal Shakespeare Company's first
per /pɚ/ US: /pɝː/ UK: /pɜːr/ [㐓] For each: There performance of the season. 2 How well a person or

i is one seat per student. a thing does something: My sister's new car has a

perceive /pərˈsiv/ [㐘] To note, see or become high performance engine.

j aware of: I think she perceives that I am not happy. performer US: /pɚˈfɔːr.mɚ/ UK: /pəˈfɔː.mər/ [㐗]
per cent /pəˈsent/ [countable 㐏] Parts in A person who is in a show, play, concert and so
every hundred: Did you know that the human body on: What a marvelous performer Charlie Chaplin

k is about sixty-five per cent water? ■ With figures we was.
normally write the sign "%" instead of writing "per perfume US: /pɝːˈfjuːm/ UK: /ˈpɜː.fjuːm/ [㐖] 1

l cent". Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! A liquid that you put on to smell nice: We gave
The "c" is pronounced like an "s". the teacher some perfume for her birthday. 2 A nice

m percentage US: /pɚˈsen.tɪ̬ dʒ/ UK: /pəˈsen.tɪdʒ/ smell: The perfume from the roses filled the room.
[㐗] Proportion out of a hundred: The percent- perhaps US: /pɚˈhæps/ UK: /pəˈhæps/ [㐄] Maybe,

n age of people who smoke is decreasing. ■ Be careful possibly: Are you coming to the party tonight? Per-
with the pronunciation of this word. The "c" is pro- haps, I don't know. ■ This word is more formal than

o nounced like an "s" and the "a" is pronounced like "maybe".
the "i" in "did". period /ˈpɪər·i·əd/ [㐗] 1 A length of time: My

p perception /pərˈsep·ʃən/ [㐌] 1 The act of perceiv- family lived abroad for a long period of time when I
ing: Perception depends on attention, but also on was a child, so they sent me to a boarding school. 2

q memory and mood. 2 The way of interpreting or A time in the history of a country: The nineteenth
understanding something: Our perception of the century was a period of great industrial develop-

r world is constantly changing. ment in United States. 3 A mark used at the end of

perch1 /pɜːtʃ/ [㐗] A place where a bird rests: a sentence or after some abbreviations [.]: Don't

s Your canary likes the top perch better than all the forget the periods in your letter. ■ In this use, in
others, doesn't he? British English we say "full stop".

perch2 /pɜːtʃ/ [㐘] To sit on a perch: The robin flew periodic US: /ˌpɪr.iˈɑː.dɪk/ UK: /ˌpɪə.riˈɒd.ɪk/ [㐀] 1
t down and perched on the fence.
Occurring regularly or at intervals: He has peri-

percussion /pəˈkʌʃən/ [㐖] A group of musi- odic attacks of malaria. 2 periodic table A list of
u cal instruments which are played by hitting them the chemical elements organized according to
with the hand or with a stick or by shaking them: their atomic number and to their chemical prop-

v Drums, maracas and tambourines are percussion erties: We have to study the periodic table for the
instruments. 㐀 See page 459. next chemistry test.

w perfect /ˈpɜr·fɪkt/ [㐀] Without any faults: The peripheral /pəˈrɪfərəl/ [㐀] On the outer edge of
party was a perfect way to end the vacation. something, or less important: With this illness, it

x perfection /pərˈfek·ʃən/ [㐖] Being perfect: is your peripheral vision that is affected first.
My piano teacher is really demanding; she always periscope /ˈper·əˌskoʊp/ [㐗] A device on a

y expects perfection. submarine which permits the surface to be seen:

perfect tense [㐗] 1 A form of a verb with The commander ordered the periscope to be raised.

z "have" and the past participle of the verb: "I have permanent /ˈpɜr·mə·nənt/ [㐀] Lasting or in-
seen you" is an example of a verb in a perfect tense. tended to last, for a period without end; not tem-

277 pet

porary: My mom's got a permanent job in Austra- personality US: /ˌpɝː.sənˈæl.ə.ti̬ / UK: /ˌpɜː.sənˈæl.ə.ti/ a
lia, so we're going to live there. b
[㐌] 1 Somebody's character: Emily's got a very c
permission /pərˈmɪʃ·ən/ [㐖] The allowing a cheerful personality, hasn't she? 2 A famous per- d
e
person to do something: Did you get permission son: There were a lot of sports and television person- f
from the teacher to leave early? g
alities at the concert. ■ The plural is "personalities".
permit1 /ˈpɜːmɪt/ [㐗] A card or a piece of paper h
perspective /pərˈspek·tɪv/ [㐗] 1 Point of i
that allows a person to do something: My friend j
from Mexico needed a work permit to be able to view: Because I am older, I see things from a differ- k
work in the United States. ent perspective. 2 A technique in two-dimension- l
m
permit2 /pəˈmɪt/ [㐘] To allow a person to do al drawing which gives an apparent three-dimen- n
o
something: Eating in class is not permitted. ■ Be sional view: The perspective of the drawing allows p
careful with the spelling of these forms: "permitted", q
us to imagine how the space would be in real life. r
"permitting". ■ This word is formal and is mainly s
perspiration /ˌpɜr·spəˈreɪ·ʃən/ [㐖] The ac- t
used in written language. We usually say "allow". u
tion of producing sweat, or the sweat itself: His v
peroxide /pəˈrɑkˌsɑɪd/ [㐖] A chemical used w
forehead was covered in perspiration.
to kill bacteria and to dye hair blonde: Household
detergents contain peroxide. ■ The same meaning: persuade /pərˈsweɪd/ [㐘] To cause somebody to
"hydrogen peroxide".
do something by talking to him or her: Tanya per-
perpendicular /ˌpɜːpənˈdɪkjʊlər/ [㐀] Referring
suaded me to sell her my bike and I regret it now.
to a line or surface, that forms a right angle with
another line or surface: The x axis is perpendicu- persuasion /pərˈsweɪ·ʒən/ [㐖] Persuading or
lar to the y axis. 㐀 See page 457.
being persuaded: You'll have to use a lot of persua-
persecute /ˈpɜːsɪkjuːt/ [㐘] 1 To pursue somebody
sion if you want her to go to the party with you!
continually, in an irritating way: The journalists
persecuted the young woman who had just become Peruvian1 [㐀] Referring to Peru: Next Satur-
famous. 2 To treat somebody cruelly and unjustly
because of their religion, race, beliefs or sexuali- day, we'll go to have dinner in a Peruvian Restau-
ty: Religious minorities have been persecuted
throughout history. rant. ■ Be careful! "Peruvian" has a capital "P".

persistent /pərˈsɪs·tənt/, /-ˈzɪs-/ [㐀] 1 Being Peruvian2 [㐗] A person from Peru: My grand-

very determined, and not stopping: She always ma is Peruvian and lives in Lima. ■ Be careful! "Pe-
achieves her goals because she is very persistent. 2
Continuing, lasting a long time: There have been ruvian" has a capital "P".
persistent gossips about their relationship.
pessimist /ˈpes.ɪ.mɪst/ [㐗] A pessimistic per-
person /ˈpɜr·sən/ [㐗] A man or a woman: Vicky
son: Vince is a real pessimist. He always thinks
is a very nice person. ■ Be careful! For the plural we
usually say "people". that the worst will happen.

personal US: /ˈpɝː.sən.əl/ UK: /ˈpɜː.sən.əl/ [㐀] 1 Of pessimistic /ˌpes.ɪˈmɪs.tɪk/ [㐀] Thinking that

a person or for a person: I have my own personal bad things will happen: Don't be so pessimistic.
copy of the dictionary. 2 Private: Mrs. Carey, may I
talk to you about something personal, please? You'll pass the test all right.

personal computer [㐗] See PC. pest /pest/ [㐗] An animal that causes damage

PET to crops or to food: Some insects are pests that can

devastate a farmer's crops.

pet /pet/ [㐗] 1 An animal that you have in the

house: We keep a lot of pets: a cat, two parrots and

several hamsters. ■ Compare with "mascot" (an ob-

ject, person or animal that people think brings good
luck). 2 teacher's pet A student who is treated as

a favorite by a teacher: Irene gets called on a lot

because she's the teacher's pet.

puppy dog

hamster kitten x
goldfish y
cat z

petal 278

a petal /ˈpet·ə·l/ [㐗] One of the colored parts of a Hot springs are a natural phenomenon. ■ The plural

b flower: We played at pulling off the daisy petals. is "phenomena".
㐀 See page 433. philosopher /fɪˈlɑs·ə·fər/ [㐗] A person who

petition /pəˈtɪʃ.ən/ [㐗] A request that is signed studies philosophy: The great philosopher Plato

c by a lot of people: My parents have signed a peti- lived in ancient Athens.
tion for a park in our area. philosophical /ˌfɪl·əˈsɑf·ɪ·kəl/ [㐀] Referring to
d petrol /ˈpet.rəl/ [㐖] See gasoline. ■ This word philosophy: "What is truth?" is a very philosophi-
is British English. cal question.

e petroleum /pəˈtroʊ·li·əm/ [㐖] 1 A dark, thick philosophy /fɪˈlɑs·ə·fi/ [㐌] 1 The study of the
oil which is found in the upper layers of the meaning of life, of ways of thinking and so on: I

f Earth: Petroleum is treated for use as fuel. 㐀 See find philosophy difficult but interesting. 2 A per-
page 439. 2 petroleum jelly Substance obtained son's ideas about how to live: My philosophy is to

g from petroleum, used on the skin to grease or do what I feel is right, not what other people think.
moisturize: Petroleum jelly is often used on the ■ The plural is "philosophies".

h lips. phloem US: /ˈfloʊ.em/ UK: /ˈfləʊ.em/ [㐗] A tissue
pet store [㐗] A store where you can buy which carries food from the leaves to the rest of

i pets: Last week, we went to the pet store and the plant: Phloem cells are connected to one anoth-
bought Caruso, our canary. er. ■ Compare with "xylem" (a tissue which trans-

j phalanx US: /ˈfeɪ.læŋks/ UK: /ˈfæl.æŋks/ [㐗] 1 A ports water and other nutrients from the roots to the
group of people that stand together to form a rest of the plant).
k compact mass: In Classical times, Macedonian sol- phone1 /fəʊn/ [㐗] 1 An instrument for talking
diers formed into a phalanx. 2 In anatomy any of to somebody over long distances: Can I use your
the of the bones of the finger or toes: Breaking a telephone for a minute? 2 on the phone Speaking
l phalanx is much less painful than breaking a main to somebody on the telephone: Don't be too long
bone. ■ The plural is "phalanges" or "phalanxes". on the phone, will you? ■ "Phone" is short for "tele-

m phantom /ˈfæn·təm/ [㐗] A ghost: I like the mu- phone". 㐀 See page 443.
sical "The Phantom of the Opera". phone2 /fəʊn/ [㐘] To talk to somebody by tele-

n pharaoh /ˈfeərəʊ/ [㐗] A ruler in ancient Egypt: phone: My father has telephoned to say he isn't
The pharaohs ordered the construction of the pyra- coming to dinner tonight. ■ "Phone" is short for

o mids. "telephone". ■ In British English they say "to

pharmacist /ˈfɑr·mə·sɪst/ [㐗] A person who ring".

p prepares and sells medicines: Can you go to the phone book [㐗] A book with a list of names
pharmacist and get my medicine for me? ■ In Brit- and telephone numbers: Her number is in the

q ish English they say "chemist". phone book, I think. ■ The same meaning: "tele-

pharmacy /ˈfɑr·mə·si/ [㐗] A store that sells phone directory".

r medicines: I got some cough syrup at the pharma- phone booth [㐗] A public telephone in the
cy. ■ The plural is "pharmacies". ■ The same mean- street: Is there a phone booth round here, please? ■

s ing: "drugstore". ■ In British English they say "chem- "Phone booth" is short for "telephone booth". ■ In
ist's". British English they say "phone box".

pharynx /ˈfær.ɪŋks/ [㐗] The part of the phone box [㐗] See phone booth. ■ This word

t alimentary canal behind the nose and mouth: is British English.
The pharynx connects the mouth to the esophagus. phonecard [㐗] A card used instead of coins
u ■ The plural is "pharynges" or "pharynxes". 㐀  See in a public phone booth: This phone box only
page 424 and 425. takes phonecards.

v phase /feɪz/ [㐗] One part or stage in a longer phone number [㐗] The number of some-
process: The first phase of the job has been com- body's telephone: "Here's my phone number. Now,

w pleted. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this don't forget to phone me tonight". ■ "Phone num-
word! "pha" rhymes with "day" and the "e" is not pro- ber" is short for "telephone number".

x nounced. phonetic /fəˈnet̬·ɪk/ [㐀] Using a special code

pheasant /ˈfez.ənt/ [㐗] A large bird with a to show how you pronounce something: There

y long tail: Some people hunt pheasants and eat are phonetic symbols for all the words in this dic-
them. tionary.

z phenomenon /fɪˈnɑm·əˌnɑn/, /-nən/ [㐗] A photo US: /ˈfoʊ.t̬oʊ/ UK: /ˈfəʊ.təʊ/ [㐗] See photo-
physical event or an especially remarkable thing: graph.

279 pickup

photocopy US: /ˈfoʊ.t̬oʊˌkɑː.pi/ UK: /ˈfəʊ.təʊˌkɒp.i/ beautifully. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of a
this word! 㐀 See page 458. b
[㐗] A copy of a piece of paper made by a ma- c
chine: I'm going to make a photocopy of this poem pick1 /pɪk/ [㐗] A choice: There are five different d
e
and give it to Tommy. ■ The plural is "photocopies". types of cakes. Take your pick. f
g
photograph US: /ˈfoʊ.t̬oʊ.græf/ UK: /ˈfəʊ.tə.grɑːf/ pick2 /pɪk/ [㐘] 1 To choose: We picked James as
h
[㐗] A picture taken with a camera: I have a our class representative on the school council; I i
lovely photograph of my mother when she was picked the red one. 2 To take a flower or a fruit j
from where it is growing: We pick flowers in the k
young. ■ "Photo" is short for "photograph". ■ Com- woods every spring. 3 to pick a fight with some- l
body To provoke a fight with somebody: Be care- m
pare with "photography" (the art or technique of tak- ful, he is in a bad mood and wants to pick a fight n
with somebody. 4 to pick somebody's brains To o
ing photos). take advantage of somebody's knowledge: Can I p
pick your brains? I want to know the best way to... q
photographer /fəˈtɑg·rə·fər/ [㐗] A person 5 to pick your nose To put your finger up your r
nose to clean it: Stop picking your nose. s
who takes photos: The photographer took about ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to pick at (something) 1 To t
eat only a little of the food you are given, without u
fifty photos at my cousin's wedding. enthusiasm: Eric picked at his food and left most of v
it on the plate. 2 To touch a pimple or scab repeat- w
photography /fəˈtɑg·rə·fi/ [㐗] The art or edly, trying to remove it: Stop picking at your pim- x
ples! · to pick off To shoot at and eliminate one y
technique of taking photos: We are going to start particular animal, person or object from a group z
of targets: Kate picked off the targets in the game
having photography classes at school. ■ Compare one by one. · to pick on (somebody) To choose
one particular person to treat badly: Stop picking
with "photograph" (a picture taken with a camera). ■ on me, you bully! · to pick (somebody or some-
thing) out To recognize one person or thing in a
The plural is "photographies". group: I picked my dad out immediately in the pho-
to of his school football team. · to pick (some-
photosynthesis /ˌfəʊ.təʊˈsɪnt.θə.sɪs/ US: /ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊ-/ thing) out To play a melody slowly on an instru-
ment, note by note: I can pick out some tunes on
[㐖] A process by which green plants and al- the piano but that is all. · to pick (something) up
gae use sunlight to get nutrients from carbon di- 1 To learn something without formal lessons:
Laurent has only been in the United States for
oxide and water: Photosynthesis is a process about three months and he's already picked up a
lot of English. 2 To buy or obtain something: I
which occurs above all in green plants. picked up this leather jacket very cheap in a street
market. · to pick (somebody or something) up 1
phrasal verb /ˈfreɪ·zəl ˈvɜrb/ [㐗] An expres- To take somebody or something in your hand or
arms and lift it up: She picked up the books which
sion that consists of a verb and an adverb or had fallen on the floor; He picked up the phone and
dialed the number. 2 To collect somebody or some-
preposition: Phrasal verbs are one of the most dif- thing from a place: I'll pick you up from the party
at 11 o'clock; My mom is going to pick up my uncle
ficult aspects of English. from the airport.

phrase /freɪz/ [㐗] A group of words that go to- pickpocket /ˈpɪkˌpɑk·ɪt/ [㐗] A person who

gether but are not a complete sentence: "In the steals from people's pockets: Be careful when you
go to the fair because there are often pickpockets
beginning" and "to be or not to be" are phrases. there.

physical /ˈfɪz.ɪ.kəl/ [㐀] Referring to the body: pickup or pickup truck [㐗] A motor vehi-

The doctor says that my father should do more cle with an open-top cargo area in the back: Many
people who fix roofs drive a pickup truck where
physical exercise. they transport all their tools.

physical education [㐖] See PE.
physical fitness [㐖] See fitness.
physically /ˈfɪz.ɪ.kli/ [㐀] In a physical way:

Pete is physically similar to his father.

physician /fɪˈzɪʃ.ən/ [㐗] A doctor: The Royal

College of Physicians is an association of doctors. ■

It is now more common to say "doctor".

physicist /ˈfɪz.ɪ.sɪst/ [㐗] A person who studies

physics: Marie Curie was a famous physicist who

won the Nobel prize in 1911.

physics /ˈfɪz.ɪks/ [㐖] The study of forms of

substance and of natural forces: In physics, we

are studying Newton's law of gravity. ■ It is usually

used with a singular verb.

physique /fɪˈziːk/ [㐌] The general appearance of

a person's body: He has a splendid physique.

pianist /ˈpiː.ən.ɪst/ [㐗] A person who plays the

piano: Beethoven was a brilliant pianist as well as

a composer.

piano /piˈæn·oʊ/, /ˈpyæn·oʊ/ [㐗] An instrument

with black and white keys: Sarah plays the piano

picnic 280

a picnic /ˈpɪk.nɪk/ [㐗] A meal outside in the pilgrimage /ˈpɪl.grɪ.mɪdʒ/ [㐗] A journey that

b country: Let's go for a picnic in the woods. people make to a special place for religions or

picture /ˈpɪk·tʃər/ [㐗] 1 A painting, a drawing emotional reasons: Muslims try to go on a pilgrim-

or a photograph: What a lovely picture! Let's buy it age to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. ■ Be

c for mom for her birthday. 㐀  See pictures at be- careful with the pronunciation of this word. The "a"
droom and living room. 㐀  See page 456. 2 the is pronounced like the "i" in "did".
d pictures See "the movies" in the word movie. ■ pill /pɪl/ [㐗] A small, round item of medicine:
This word is more common in British English. Don't forget to take your pill after dinner.

e pie /paɪ/ [㐗] A dish made of pastry filled with pillar /ˈpɪl·ər/ [㐗] A column that holds a build-
meat, vegetables or fruit: Dou you want a slice of ing up: The Parthenon, a famous temple on a hill in

f pumpkin pie or apple pie? ■ Be careful with the pro- Athens, has many pillars around it.
nunciation of this word. "Pie" rhymes with "my". ■ pillow /ˈpɪl·oʊ/ [㐗] A cushion that you put

g Compare with "tart1" (a piece of pastry with a sweet your head on in bed: I like sleeping with two pil-
food on top). lows. 㐀 See picture at bedroom.

h piece /piːs/ [㐗] 1 A part of something: Do you pilot /ˈpaɪ.lət/ [㐗] A person who flies a plane or
want a piece of cake? 2 One single thing, a bit: She guides a boat: My great-grandfather was a pilot

i cleaned her bike piece by piece. during the Second World War. ■ Be careful with the

pier US: /pɪr/ UK: /pɪər/ [㐗] A large wooden or pronunciation of this word. The beginning is pro-

j metal structure built out into the sea, that is used nounced like the "pi" in "pipe".
as a place of entertainment: Let's walk to the end pimple [㐗] A small mark on a person's skin: I
of the pier. have a pimple on my nose and it huts a lot.
k pierce US: /pɪrs/ UK: /pɪəs/ [㐘] To make a hole in pin1 /pɪn/ [㐗] 1 A piece of metal used for fix-
something: To kill a vampire you have to pierce its ing things together: My grandma uses a little
cushion to stick her pins in while she sews. 2
l heart with a stake! drawing pin A short pin with a big top used for
piercing ❚ [㐖] 1 The process of making example to put a notice on the wall: In class we
put our drawings on the walls with drawing pins.
m holes in some parts of the body for wearing jew-
elry: She works in a store where they do body pierc-

n ing. ❚ [㐗] 2 A hole made in the body for wear- 3 safety pin A type of bent metal pin whose
ing a piece of jewelry on it: My grandma doesn't point goes under a cover so that it is not dan-

o want me to wear piercings. ■ We also say "body gerous: When my mother was a baby, her diapers
piercing". were fastened with a safety pin.

p pig /pɪg/ [㐗] 1 A fat animal with short legs that PIN
is kept for its meat: Pigs will eat almost anything

q that they can find in the ground. ■ Compare with
"pork" (the meat of a pig). 㐀  See page 428. 2 A

r greedy person: Billy's eaten all the sandwiches.
What a pig he is! pin

s pigeon /ˈpɪdʒ.ən/ [㐗] A gray bird that often safety pin
lives in towns: That old lady feeds the pigeons ev-
ery day at the same time. 㐀 See page 429.

t piglet /ˈpɪg.lət/ [㐗] A young pig: Have you seen
the piglets that the pig had last week?
hairpin
u pigpen [㐗] The place where pigs live: Pig-
pens usually smell horrible. ■ The same meaning:

v "pigsty", "sty". pin2 /pɪn/ [㐘] To stick something together with

pigsty /ˈpɪg.staɪ/ [㐗] The place where pigs live: pins: I stood on the chair while my grandmother

w Pigsties usually smell horrible. ■ The plural is "pig- pinned my dress up. ■ Be careful with the spelling of
sties". ■ The same meaning: "pigpen", "sty". these forms: "pinned", "pinning".

x pile1 /paɪl/ [㐗] A lot of things that are on top of pincer /ˈpɪnsər/ [㐗] A tool for gripping or
each other: What a huge pile of laundry there is! picking something up: Crabs have two pairs of

y pile2 [㐘] To put things on top of each other: Let's pincers.
pile these chairs up to make more room for every- pinch1 /pɪnʃ/ [㐗] 1 Taking something between

z one to dance. ■ Be careful! We usually say: "to pile your thumb and finger: Peter gave me a really
(something) up". hard pinch while we were playing basketball.

281

A PIECE OF... a
BIG, SOLID b
c
a piece of wood a block of stone/wood a clump of earth d
SMALL, THIN e
f
a slice of cake a piece or sheet of a bar of chocolate/soap g
WET paper
h
a drop of water a squeeze of lemon i
VERY SMALL j
k
a bread crumb a pinch of salt a splinter of wood a snowflake l
BUNCH m
n
a bunch of grapes a bunch of roses o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z

pinch 282

a 2 A small amount of something: Put a pinch of pistil /ˈpɪs.tɪl n/ [㐗] The female organs of a

b salt on the potatoes when you put them on to boil. flower: The pistil is made up of the stigma, the
㐀 See picture at a piece of.... style and the ovary. 㐀 See page 433.

pinch2 /pɪnʃ/ [㐘] To give somebody a pinch: Stop pistol /ˈpɪs.təl/ [㐗] A small gun: We had great
c pinching me! That hurts!
fun playing with water pistols on the beach.

pineapple /ˈpaɪnˌæp.l̩/ [㐗] A big fruit with a pit /pɪt/ [㐗] 1 A deep hole in the ground:
d hard skin that is yellow inside: Let's buy a fresh The prisoners in the Vietnam war were placed
pineapple to eat for lunch. 㐀 See page 436. in pits. 2 A mine: Many pioneers used to work

e pine or pine tree /paɪn/ [㐗] A tall tree with in a gold pit. 3 The hard center of some fruits:
sharp, fine leaves: After we'd had a swim in the riv- Be careful with the pit of that peach; don't

f er, we sat under the pines and had our sandwiches. swallow it. ■ In this use, in British English we
㐀 See page 435. say "stone".

g ping-pong® /ˈpɪŋˌpɑŋ/, /-ˌpɔŋ/ [㐖] A game pitch /pɪtʃ/ [㐌] How high or low a sound is on a
that is played by hitting a ball over a net on a ta- musical scale: A cello has a very low pitch. ■ The

h ble: They've put a ping-pong table in the game plural is "pitches". Compare with "tone" (the quality
room. Let's go and have a game. ■ This word is in- of a sound).

i formal. ■ The same meaning: "table tennis". pitcher [㐗] A container for liquids with a

pink /pɪŋk/ [㐍] A color made by mixing red and handle: Is there any lemonade left in the pitcher?

j white: I've bought Pat a bright pink lipstick for her pituitary (gland) /pəˈtu·əˌter·i ˌglænd/ [㐗] A
birthday. small gland at the base of the brain: The pituitary

k pinkish [㐀] Referring to a color, that is gland is essential for growth. ■ The plural is "pitu-
approximately pink, or that has a pink ele- itaries".
ment to it: What's wrong with your eye? It's pity1 /ˈpɪti/ [㐖] 1 Sympathy or sadness for
l pinkish.
somebody or something who is suffering or in a

pins [㐑] Wooden objects placed in a group as trouble: We felt such pity for the kittens that we
m a target, in bowling games: I knocked 6 pins down kept one each. 2 A feeling of disappointment:
with my first ball. What a pity you can't come to the party!

n pint /paɪnt/ [㐗] A unit of capacity equal to pity2 /ˈpɪti/ [㐘] To feel sorry for somebody: I pity
0.568 of a liter: Ask the milkman to leave an extra anybody who has to take the subway at 8 o'clock in

o pint of milk today. the morning. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these

pin-up /ˈpɪn.ʌp/ [㐗] A picture of a famous per- forms: "pities", "pitied".

p son, or an attractive person: I've got pin-ups of all pizza /ˈpiːt.sə/ [㐗] A round, flat piece of dough
my favorite groups on my bedroom walls. ■ This covered with tomato, cheese and so on: The pizza

q word is informal. began in Italy but now it's popular in many other

pioneer /ˌpɑɪ·əˈnɪər/ [㐗] A person who does countries.
r something for the first time: Amelia Earhart was a place1 /pleɪs/ [㐗] 1 Where somebody or some-
pioneer of piloting who flew across the Atlantic in thing is: Make sure that everything is back in its
place before you leave the classroom. 2 A particu-
s 1932.
pip /pɪp/ [㐗] The seed of a fruit: Watermelon lar town, country, building and so on: What a

pips are black. beautiful place New York is. Have you ever been
there? 3 A space for a person or a thing: My mom
t pipe /paɪp/ [㐗] 1 A long tube used to carry wa- couldn't find a place to park the car, so we had to
ter or gas: It was so cold last winter that the pipes go to the parking lot. 4 A position in a competi-
tion, race and so on: Our school finished in third
u in our house burst and we had to stay at my grand-
ma's house. 2 A small object with a bowl at one

v end for smoking: Mr. Blair smokes a pipe and it place in the local swimming tournament. 5 in
smells terrible! place of Instead of, a substitute for: Bill played
Romeo, in place of Ronnie, who had suddenly fallen
w pirate US: /ˈpaɪr.ət/ UK: /ˈpaɪ.rət/ [㐗] A person ill. 6 take place To happen, usually talking about
who attacks ships on the seas: I was disguised as

x a pirate with an earring, a colored handkerchief on something that is organized, not accidental: Is
my head and a plastic parrot on my shoulder. the prize ceremony taking place in the Town Hall

y Pisces /ˈpaɪ.siːz/ [㐖] A sign of the zodiac: If again this year?
your birthday is between February 21st and March place2 /pleɪs/ [㐘] To put something in a particu-

z 20th, you're a Pisces. ■ Be careful. "Pisces" has a lar place: Mike placed the coffee tray carefully on
capital "P". the table.

283 platelet

placenta /pləˈsen·tə/ [㐗] A temporary circular plantation /plænˈteɪ·ʃən/ [㐗] An area of land a
b
organ that forms in the uterus: The placenta pro- where cocoa, tobacco, cotton and so on are c
grown: There are many large plantations of coffee, d
vides food and support for the fetus until birth. ■ cocoa, bananas and nuts in Jamaica. e
f
The plural is "placentas" or "placentae". plaque US: /plæk/ UK: /plɑːk/ [㐌] 1 A flat piece of a g

plague /pleɪg/ [㐗] An infectious disease that hard material which has writing on it: The silver h
plaque hangs on the wall. 2 A deposit which accu- i
kills many people: The Great Plague killed mil- mulates on teeth: Plaque contains bacteria which j
attack the teeth. k
lions of people throughout Europe in the fourteenth l
plasma /ˈplæzmə/ [㐖] A clear fluid which is m
century. n
the part of the blood that contains the blood o
plaice /pleɪs/ [㐗] A kind of flat sea fish, eaten cells: Plasma has many nutrients which are neces- p
sary for our cells. q
as food: We have plaice for dinner. ■ The plural is r
plaster US: /ˈplæs.tɚ/ UK: /ˈplɑː.stər/ [㐌] 1 A light s
also "plaice". t
colored, soft substance that is mixed with water u
plain1 /pleɪn/ [㐀] 1 Without pattern or decora- and goes hard when it is dry: I broke my arm play- v
ing football and had to have it in plaster for weeks. w
tion: I think that plain dress is much nicer than the 2 A small piece of material that you put on a cut: x
dress with a pattern. 2 Simple: My dad doesn't know Patsy cut her hand when trying to open a tin and y
had to put a plaster on it. ■ In this use, we also say z
how to make complicated dishes but he's great at "sticking plaster".
good, plain cooking. 3 Clear, easy to understand: It
plastic1 /ˈplæs.tɪk/ [㐖] A strong, light, syn-
is quite plain that you haven't studied this new vo-
cabulary at all! 4 Not pretty: Some people say that thetic material: Can I have a plastic bag to put
these books in, please?
she is rather plain but I think she is attractive.
plastic2 [㐀] Made of this material: Plastic
plain2 /pleɪn/ [㐗] A large flat area of land with
bags used for shopping are a major source of envi-
few or no trees: The American Indians hunted buf- ronmental pollution.

falo on the plains before the white man came. plasticine [㐖] A soft substance often used

plait [㐗] Three lengths of hair twisted togeth- by children to make figures with: My little brother
made a lots of animals with plasticine today.
er: My little sister had a doll with very long plaits
plate /pleɪt/ [㐗] A round, almost flat object
for Christmas.
used for eating: My little sister always uses a plate
plan1 /plæn/ [㐗] 1 Something that you have de- with pictures of rabbits on it.

cided to do: What's the plan for today? 2 A map: PLATE

We bought a plan of the center of New York to find bowls dish/plate
out where the Guggenheim Museum was. 3 A draw-
plateau US: /plæˈtəʊ/ UK: /ˈplætəʊ/ [㐗] A geo-
ing of the way something is to be built or con-
graphical term referring to an area of flat land
structed: Have you seen the plans for the new high above the sea level: The Andean Plateau cov-
ers most of Bolivia. ■ The plural is "plateaux" or
sports center? "plateaus".

plan2 /plæn/ [㐘] To make plans: Let's plan my platelet /plæˈtəʊ/ [㐗] A small, colorless blood

birthday party and decide who we are going to in- cell that helps to stop bleeding: Platelets are
found in large numbers in the blood.
vite. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these forms:

"planned", "planning".

plane /pleɪn/ [㐗] An airplane: The plane to New

York leaves at seven in the morning and gets there

about seven hours later.

planet /ˈplæn.ɪt/ [㐗] A large, round object

that goes round a sun: There are nine recognized

planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus,

Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Nep-

tune.

plank /plæŋk/ [㐗] A long, flat piece of wood:

They've put a plank across that huge puddle out-

side the school gate.

plant1 /plɑːnt/ [㐗] A living thing, usually with

green roots in the ground: It's my turn to water the

plants in the classroom this week. 㐀 See page 432.

plant2 /plɑːnt/ [㐘] To put something in the

ground for it to grow: We planted some tomato

seeds in the school garden so that we could watch

them grow.

platform 284

a platform /ˈplætˌfɔrm/ [㐗] 1 The place where playtime /ˈpleɪ.taɪm/ [㐌] A time to play: Our play-

b you get on or you get off a train: The train to Chi- time is between 10 o'clock and half past 10.
cago will be leaving platform 1 at 4 o'clock. 2 A plc /ˌpiː.elˈsiː/ A written abbreviation for "public
place that is raised up: All the teachers stood on limited company", that is written after a name to
c the platform at the prize ceremony.
show that it is a business: Sainsbury plc is one of

d PLATFORM the biggest supermarket companies in Britain.

plead, pled, pled /pliːd/ [㐘] 1 To beg somebody

to do something: Mary pled with her mother to let

e her go to the party, but she wouldn't let her. ■ Be
careful. We say: "plead with (somebody)". 2 To say

f if you are innocent or guilty: In court, the man
pled guilty to drunk driving.

g pleasant /ˈplez.ənt/ [㐀] Nice or enjoyable: It's
very pleasant to spend a day at the pool, isn't it?

h please1 /pliːz/ [㐘] To make somebody happy:
Don't come with me to the movies just to please me.

i Come because you want to.
please2 [㐋] A word that you say when you

j ask for something: Can I borrow your pencil,
please? ■ Be careful! When somebody offers us
something, we say: "Yes, please" or "No, thank you".

k We don't say: "No, please".
pleased /pliːzd/ [㐀] Happy or satisfied: I was

l really pleased when my teacher told me that I had
passed my tests. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation

m of the end of this word! The last "e" is not pro-
play1 /pleɪ/ [㐌] 1 A story acted in the theater or nounced. 㐀 See picture at emotions.

n on television: Shakespeare wrote different types of pleasure /ˈpleʒ·ər/ [㐖] Happiness or satis-
plays: comedies, tragedies and historical plays. 2 faction: Old Mrs. Buswell gets great pleasure from

o Games and playing: Play time always passes very having her grandchildren to stay.
quickly. plebeian /pləˈbiː.ən/ [㐀] Referring to the lower

p play2 /pleɪ/ [㐘] 1 To amuse yourself with a game, social classes: He was always very proud of his ple-
diversion or toy: When I was a little girl, I loved play- beian origins.

q ing with cars and dolls. 2 To participate in a sport: pled Past tense and past participle forms of plead.
My brother plays in the local baseball team. 3 To plentiful /ˈplen·tɪ·fəl/ [㐀] Existing in large

r make music with an instrument: Hannah played a quantities: Cotton is plentiful in hot states like Ten-
trumpet solo in the school concert last week. nessee and Alabama.

s player /ˈpleɪ·ər/ [㐗] 1 A person who plays a plenty /ˈplen·ti/ [㐆] Lots, more than enough:
game or a sport: There are five players in a basket- There are plenty of candies for everyone.
ball team. 2 midfield player Player in a central pliers /ˈplɑɪ·ərz/ [㐑] An object like strong scis-

t position: Sue's the best midfield player in the sors: My dad cut the wires with the pliers. ■ When
school. we talk about two or more "pliers", we use the word

u playful /ˈpleɪ.fəl/ [㐀] Active and wanting to "pairs": "I have two pairs of pliers".
play: Our cat used to be very playful when she was plod US: /plɑːd/ UK: /plɒd/ [㐘] To walk slowly and

v a kitten, but now she sleeps a lot. heavily: The old horse plodded home, pulling the

playground /ˈpleɪ.graʊnd/ [㐗] A place where cart behind him. ■ Be careful with the spelling of

w you play: We're not permitted to smoke in the play- these forms: "plodded", "plodding".
ground, but some people do. plot US: /plɑːt/ UK: /plɒt/ [㐗] 1 The story of a

x playing card [㐗] One of a set of cards that film or a book: The film was beautiful to look at but
are used for playing games with: Come on, get the the plot was a bit boring. 2 A secret plan to do

y playing cards and we'll have a game of cards. something wrong: The plot to kill the President

playing field [㐗] An area of land for playing failed. 3 A piece of land: My uncle and aunt have

z sports on: There are some big playing fields oppo- bought a plot of land in the country and are going
site our house. to build a house on it.

285 pod

plough1 /plaʊ/ [㐗] See plow1. ■ This is a British plumbing /ˈplʌm.ɪŋ/ [㐖] The water pipes in a a
b
English spelling. house: My dad built our house and he did every- c
d
plough2 [㐘] See plow2. ■ This is a British English thing himself except the plumbing. e
f
spelling. plum or plum tree /plʌm/ [㐗] A tree which g

plow1 /plaʊ/ [㐗] A machine used to dig the bears plums: The plum tree loses its leaves every h
i
land: The farmer asked the bank for a loan to buy a year. j
new plow. ■ The British English spelling is "plough". k
plump /plʌmp/ [㐀] A little fat but looking nice: l
plow2 /plaʊ/ [㐘] To use a plow: Farmers used to m
Hasn't the baby got plump legs? n
plow the land with horses but now they use trac- o
tors. ■ The British English spelling is "plough". plural US: /ˈplʊr.əl/ UK: /ˈplʊə.rəl/ [㐍] More than p
q
pluck /plʌk/ [㐘] 1 To pull the feathers off a bird one: "Feet" is the plural form of "foot". ■ See box at r
s
before cooking it: We plucked the turkey before abbreviations. t
cooking it for Christmas Day. 2 To pull the strings u
of a guitar or a harp to make a sound: You need to plus /plʌs/ [㐓] And, or added to: Two plus v
pluck the strings more gently. w
three is five. x
plug1 /plʌg/ [㐗] 1 A round object used to keep y
plutonium /pluːˈtəʊniəm/ [㐖] A dense, sil- z
water in a sink or bath: Put the plug in the bathtub
and turn the tap on. 㐀 See picture at bathroom. 2 very white colored radioactive element: Plutoni-
An object that you put into special holes to get
electricity: The lamp's not working well. I'll ask my um is used to produce nuclear energy and for
mom to change the plug.
weapons.
plug2 /plʌg/ [㐘] To block a hole in something: We
pluviometer [㐗] A device for measuring
had to plug the hole in the wall with cement.
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to plug in To use a plug to rainfall: Data from the pluviometer shows rainfall
connect something to the electricity: Plug the
television in and we'll switch it on for the movie. ■ patterns. ■ The British English spelling is "pluviome-
Be careful with the spelling of these forms:
"plugged", "plugging". tre".

PLUG pluviometre [㐗] See pluviometer. ■ This is a

plum /plʌm/ [㐗] A soft, red or yellow fruit: British English spelling.

There's a tree in our garden that produces wonder- p.m. /ˌpiːˈem/ [㐄] Between 12 o'clock in the day
ful plums. 㐀 See page 436.
and 12 o'clock midnight: Our train leaves at 4 p.m.
plumber /ˈplʌm·ər/ [㐗] A person who puts
■ "p.m." is an abbreviation for "post meridiem", a
in and repairs water pipes: The pipes in the
bathroom are leaking. We'll have to call the Latin expression that means "after noon". When you
plumber.
use "p.m.", you don't say "o'clock". ■ Compare with

"a.m." (between midnight and 12 o'clock in the morn-

ing). ■ See box at abbreviations.

PO /ˈpoʊst ˌɔ·fɪs/, /ˌɑf·ɪs/ A written abbreviation for

post office. ■ Be careful! "PO" is always written in

capital letters. ■ See box at abbreviations.

PO Box [㐗] A box in the post office where

somebody receives letters: Please send your re-

quests to American Airlines, PO Box 679613 MD

1322, DFW Airport, TX. ■ Be careful with the capital

letters!

pocket US: /ˈpɑː.kɪt/ UK: /ˈpɒk.ɪt/ [㐗] A small bag

in clothes for carrying things: Put your money in

your pocket and don't lose it.

pocketful /ˈpɑk·ɪtˌfʊl/ [㐗] The amount that a

pocket can hold: We collected a pocketful of shells

on the beach.

pocketknife [㐗] A small knife that you can

carry in your pocket: It's always very useful to

have a good pocketknife with you when you go

camping. ■ The plural is "pocketknives". ■ The same

meaning: "penknife".

pocket money [㐗] Money that children are

given each week: I'm saving my pocket money to

buy a new camera.

pod [㐗] The long seed-case of some plants:

There are generally three or four peas in each pod.

poem 286

a poem US: /ˈpoʊ.əm/ UK: /ˈpəʊ.ɪm/ [㐗] A piece of pole US: /poʊl/ UK: /pəʊl/ [㐗] 1 A long stick: Pass
b writing that says something in a special way: me the poles, I'm going to put the tent up. 2 One of
John sent me a card with a funny poem inside it on the two ends of the earth: The North Pole is about
Valentine's day. 420 miles from the tip of Greenland. ■ Be careful! The
c poet US: /ˈpoʊ.ət/ UK: /ˈpəʊ.ɪt/ [㐗] A person who "North Pole" and the "South Pole" have capital letters.
writes poems: Maya Angelou is a famous poet, police /pəˈliːs/ [㐖] The people whose job is to
d born in Saint Louis, Missouri.
prevent crime or find criminals: The police were

poetry /ˈpoʊ·ɪ·tri/ [㐖] Poems: My older broth- at the game to make sure there was no fighting. ■

e er loves poetry; he's always reading it. ■ The plural Be careful with the pronunciation of this word!
is "poetries". policeman /pəˈliːs.mən/ [㐗] A man who works

f point1 /pɔɪnt/ [㐗] 1 The sharp end of some- in the police force: Let's go and ask that police-
thing: Be careful with the point of that pin. 2 A man the way. ■ The plural is "policemen". ■ A wom-

g mark in a game or a sport: Our team won by ten an is a "policewoman".
points. 3 A reason for something: The point of police station [㐗] The building where the

h our visit to the Abbey is to learn some history. 4 A police work: The police station is right in the mid-
moment in time: Just at that point, Peter sneezed dle of town.

i and we all laughed. ■ Be careful! We say: "at that policewoman /pəˈliːsˌwʊm.ən/ [㐗] A woman
point". (We don't say: "in that point"). 5 A symbol who works in the police force: My friend's mother

j that is used to separate numbers above and be- is a policewoman. ■ The plural is "policewomen". ■
low one: I got five point five for my composition on A man is a "policeman".
Napoleon. 6 on the point of About to do some- policy /ˈpɑl·ɪ·si/ [㐖] A plan of action, espe-

k thing: I got so angry that I was on the point of cially of a government: The Prime Minister's for-
shouting at Jenny. eign policy is not very popular. ■ The plural is "poli-
l point2 /pɔɪnt/ [㐘] To show where something is cies". ■ The plural is "policies".
with your finger: Nancy pointed to the largest cake polio US: /ˈpoʊ.li.oʊ/ UK: /ˈpəʊliəʊ/ [㐖] See po-
m and said "That's mine".
liomyelitis.

◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to point out To attract some- poliomyelitis [㐖] A serious infectious dis-

n body's attention to something: Julie pointed out a ease that affects the central nervous system and
bird flying close to the river bank. can cause paralysis: Poliomyelitis has appeared

o pointed /ˈpɔɪn·tɪd/ [㐀] With a sharp end: My again in recent years. ■ The abbreviation is "polio".
cat has very pointed ears. ■ Be careful with the pro- polish1 /ˈpɒlɪʃ/ [㐖] A substance used for

p nunciation of the end of this word. The "e" is pro- making things shine: Get some brown shoe polish
nounced like the "i" in "did". when you go to the store, please.

q poison1 /ˈpɔɪzən/ [㐖] A substance that is harm- polish2 /ˈpɒlɪʃ/ [㐘] To rub something until it
ful to your health: Some snakes use their natural shines: I just need to polish my shoes and then I'll

r poison to protect themselves. ■ Be careful with the be ready to go.
pronunciation of this word! "poi" rhymes with "boy". polite /pəˈlaɪt/ [㐀] Having good manners: Don't

s poison2 /ˈpɔɪzən/ [㐘] To use poison: Last night I forget to be polite when you go to visit aunt Martha.
saw a movie about two old ladies who killed their political /pəˈlɪt̬·ɪ·kəl/ [㐀] Referring to politics
victims by poisoning them! ■ Be careful with the and government: My cousin belongs to a political

t pronunciation of this word! "poi" rhymes with "boy". party and often goes to meetings.
poisonous /ˈpɔɪ.zən.əs/ [㐀] Containing poison: politician /ˌpɑl·əˈtɪʃ·ən/ [㐗] A person who
u Some mushrooms are poisonous.
works in politics: Politicians always try to con-

poke /pəʊk/ [㐘] To put a pointed object into vince people that their ideas are the best.

v something: Don't poke your finger into your ear; politics /ˈpɑl·əˌtɪks/ [㐖] 1 The activity of gov-
you might hurt yourself. ernments: I'm interested in international politics

w poker US: /ˈpoʊ.kɚ/ UK: /ˈpəʊ.kər/ [㐖] A game of and always watch the news on television. 2 The
cards that people play: Poker is a game of bluff study of government: Tony studied politics, phi-

x and skill. losophy and economics at Oxford. ■ It is usually

polar US: /ˈpoʊ.lɚ/ UK: /ˈpəʊ.lər/ [㐀] From or relat- used with a singular verb.
y ing to the North or the South Pole: The polar re- poll1 /pəʊl/ [㐗] A survey in which people are
gions of the world are extremely cold. asked their opinion of something: The results of

z polar bear [㐖] A large white bear: Polar the poll about people's attitude to the environment
bears fish in the frozen waters of the North Pole. are very interesting. ■ See also "polls".

287 popularity

poll2 US: /poʊl/ UK: /pəʊl/ [㐘] To hold an election or Shall we play pool this afternoon? ■ In this use, the a
b
opinion survey: Fifty per cent of the people polled same meaning: "billiards". c
d
do not recycle. pools [㐑] Gambling where you guess at the e
f
pollen /ˈpɒlən/ [㐖] A fine powder produced results of football games: My uncle won $1,000 on g

by the male part of a flower, thus making possi- the pools last week. h
i
ble fertilization: Pollen fertilizes the female ovule. poor US: /pʊr/ UK: /pɔːr/ [㐀] 1 With very little j
k
pollinate /ˈpɑl·əˌneɪt/ [㐘] To pass pollen from the money: That man's too poor to buy himself a coat. l
2 A word that you say when you feel sorry for m
male to the female parts of a flower, thus making n
somebody: Poor Sally! She's very upset about her o
possible fertilization: Flowers and plants are polli- dog dying. 3 Not good or not well done: My French p
q
nated by insects and by the wind. is very poor. I must work harder at it. r
s
pollination /ˌpɑl·əˈneɪ·ʃən/ [㐖] The act of poorly /ˈpʊr·li/ [㐀] Sick, ill: Granny's been poor- t
u
pollinating: Pollination is necessary for plants to ly since Christmas. ■ This word is informal. We usu- v
w
produce seeds. ally say "ill" or "sick". x
y
polls [㐑] The process of voting in a political pop1 /pɒp/ [㐌] 1 A type of modern popular music: z

election or the place where people vote: More peo- I've got about fifty CDs of pop music. 2 A short,

ple went to the polls on this occasion. ■ See also sudden sound: The cork came out of the bottle with
a loud pop. 3 See soda or soda pop.
"poll".
pop2 /pɒp/ [㐘] 1 To burst with a short, sudden
pollutant [㐗] Something which pollutes:
sound: Look at the dog popping the bubbles
Synthetic material is a pollutant. we've blown! 2 To put something somewhere

pollute /pəˈluːt/ [㐘] To make the air, water or quickly: Pop those photos on the table for me,

earth dirty and unhealthy: Airplanes pollute the please.
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to pop in To go in some-
air with the fuel they use. where for a short time: Pop in and see me on the

pollution /pəˈluː.ʃən/ [㐖] 1 Making the air, way home from school. · to pop out To go out

water or earth dirty and unhealthy: Pollution is somewhere quickly: I'm just popping out to the
one of the world's worst problems. 2 The substanc-
store for a minute. · to pop up To appear sudden-
es that pollute the air, water or earth: Some scien-
ly: Where did you pop up from? ■ Be careful with
tists believe that pollution could be the cause of
the spelling of these forms: "popped", "popping".
many of today's illnesses.
popcorn US: /ˈpɑːp.kɔːrn/ UK: /ˈpɒp.kɔːn/ [㐖]
polygonal [㐀] With a form that has at least
White, cooked corn: We bought some popcorn and
three straight sides and angles: This museum has
ate it while we watched the movie.
some examples of ancient polygonal coins.
pope US: /poʊp/ UK: /pəʊp/ [㐗] The head of the
polytheistic /ˌpɒl.ɪ.θiˈɪs.tɪk/ US: /ˌpɑː.lɪ-/ [㐀] Be-
Roman Catholic church: The Pope has traveled to
lieving in more than one god: Ancient civilizations
many different countries.
such as the Romans, the Greeks and the Egyptians
pop group [㐗] A musical group who play
were generally polytheistic. ■ Compare with "mono-
pop music: What's your favorite pop group?
theistic" (believing in one single god).
poppy US: /ˈpɑː.pi/ UK: /ˈpɒp.i/ [㐗] A plant with
pomegranate /ˈpɑm·ɪˌgræn·ɪt/, /ˈpʌmˌgræn-/
very thin red or white flowers and round black
[㐗] 1 A round fruit with thick skin and many
red seeds: Pomegranate juice can be sweet or sour. seeds: Poppy sap looks like milk. ■ The plural is
2 pomegranate tree The tree that produces this
"poppies". 㐀 See page 433.
fruit: Pomegranate trees grow well in India, Arme-
popsicle® [㐗] A piece of flavored ice on a
nia, the East Indies and tropical Africa.
stick: When it's hot, I like to eat popsicles or ice
pond US: /pɑːnd/ UK: /pɒnd/ [㐗] A small pool:
creams. ■ In British English they say "lolly, ice lolly".
We've got a fish pond in our yard.
pop star [㐗] A very famous pop singer: Dave
pony /ˈpoʊ·ni/ [㐗] A small kind of horse: Isn't
says he wants to be a pop star when he grows up.
Liz lucky? Her grandfather gave her a pony for her
popular US: /ˈpɑː.pjə.lɚ/ UK: /ˈpɒp.jʊ.lər/ [㐀]
birthday. ■ The plural is "ponies".
Liked by many people: Melissa is the most popular
ponytail US: /ˈpoʊ.ni.teɪl/ UK: /ˈpəʊ.ni.teɪl/ [㐗]
girl in our class.
Long hair tied at the back: Do you think Pete looks
popularity US: /ˌpɑː.pjəˈler.ə.ti̬ / UK: /ˌpɒp.jʊˈlær.ə.ti/
good with that ponytail? 㐀 See picture at hair.
[㐖] Being liked by many people: Some fa-
pool /puːl/ ❚ [㐗] 1 A natural area of water: mous people say that they don't really enjoy their

When the tide goes out we'll fish in the pool by the popularity.
rocks. 2 See swimming pool. ❚ [㐖] 3 A game
in which balls are hit by sticks across a table:

populate 288

a populate /ˈpɒpjəleɪt/ [㐘] To live in an area and tion at the moment at work, because the new boss
b be part of its population: These are regions which doesn't like me. 4 A job or a post: Mrs. Randall has
have densely been populated. just got a very good position at the local bank. ■

populated [㐀] Inhabited: This area is densely This use is formal. 5 in position In the correct
c populated.
place: Are you all in position? Ready, steady, go!

population /ˌpɑp·jəˈleɪ·ʃən/ [㐖] The number positive US: /ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv/ UK: /ˈpɒz.ə.tɪv/ [㐀] 1
d of people in a particular place: The population of Sure of something: "Are you sure that you want to
this town has gone up a lot over the last thirty years. come to the party with me?" "I'm positive!". 2 Mak-

e porch [㐗] A large, open area on the side of a ing you feel hopeful: My teacher was very positive
house with a roof but no wall: I enjoyed reading about my possibilities of passing the test.

f my book on the porch. possess /pəˈzes/ [㐘] To have something: Does
pore1 US: /pɔːr/ UK: /pɔːr/ [㐗] A very small open- your father possess a telescope? ■ This word is for-

g ing in a surface or in the skin: The pores in the mal. ■ Be careful with the spelling of the 3rd person
skin allow us to sweat. singular present tense form: "possesses".

h pore2 US: /pɔːr/ UK: /pɔːr/ possession /pəˈzeʃ.ən/ [㐗] Something that a

◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to pore over To study in de- person owns: Poor auntie Sheila lost all her pos-

i tail: The only solution was to pore over the papers sessions in a fire. ■ Be careful with the spelling of
to discover what their secrets were. this word!

j pork US: /pɔːrk/ UK: /pɔːk/ [㐖] The meat of a possessive /pəˈzesɪv/ [㐀] 1 Referring to a
pig: Followers of the Muslim religion never eat word which indicates possession: "Mine" is a pos-
k pork. ■ Compare with "pig" (a farm animal with short sessive pronoun. 2 Referring to a person who de-
legs which is kept for meat). sires and demands somebody's complete atten-

porridge /ˈpɔr·ɪdʒ/, /ˈpɑr-/ [㐖] A food made tion and love: His mother is very possessive and

l from oats cooked in milk or water: I always eat won't let her children out of her sight. 3 Referring
porridge for breakfast on cold mornings. to a person who doesn't like sharing things with

m port US: /pɔːrt/ UK: /pɔːt/ [㐗] 1 Safe place where other people: You mustn't be so possessive about
ships can tie up to load, unload and wait before your toys.

n going back to sea: Let's go to the port and look at possibility US: /ˌpɑː.səˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/ UK: /ˌpɒs.əˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/
the ships. ■ The same meaning: "harbor". 㐀 See pa- [㐗] Something that may happen: Is there any

o ge 444. 2 A town by the sea with a harbor: Boston possibility of us going to America for the summer
is a large port on the northeast coast of the United this year, mom? ■ The plural is "possibilities".

p States. possible /ˈpɑs·ə·bəl/ [㐀] That may happen:

portable /ˈpɔr·t̬ə·bəl/, /ˈpoʊr-/ [㐀] Which can be Some people believe that life is possible on other

q carried: We have a portable TV. planets.

porter US: /ˈpɔːr.tɚ̬ / UK: /ˈpɔː.tər/ [㐗] A person post1 /pəʊst/ [㐌] 1 A tall, strong object put in the

r who carries people's luggage: When we arrive in ground: The wind was so fierce that the telephone
London, we'll have to get a porter to help us with all posts were blown down. 2 A job: I'm hoping to get a

s our suitcases. post as a foreign correspondent when I finish study-

portion /ˈpɔr·ʃən/, /ˈpoʊr-/ [㐗] A share of some- ing.
thing: How many portions of pizza shall we ask post2 /pəʊst/ [㐘] To send something by post:
t for?
Didn't you get the birthday card I posted you?

portrait US: /ˈpɔːr.trɪt/ UK: /ˈpɔː.trət/ [㐗] A pic- post- [㐒] An addition to the beginning of a word
u ture of a person: There's a portrait of Henry VIII that usually means "after": My older sister is a
hanging in the hall of our school. postgraduate student.

v pose US: /poʊz/ UK: /pəʊz/ [㐘] To take a particular postage /ˈpoʊ·stɪdʒ/ [㐖] Money that you pay
physical attitude, as for a photo: Stop posing, Si- when you post something: How much is the post-

w mon, no one is impressed. age for a letter to Australia? ■ Be careful with the

position /pəˈzɪʃ.ən/ [㐌] 1 The place where some- pronunciation of this word. The "a" is pronounced

x body or something is, its arrangement: Our new like the "i" in "did".
house is in a marvelous position; it's practically on postal /ˈpəʊstəl/ [㐀] Referring to the mail ser-

y the beach. 2 The way that a person sits or stands: vice: The postal service covers every corner of the
In my first skiing lessons I learned how to hold the country.

z skis in the right position. 3 Situation, the way postbox US: /ˈpoʊst.bɑːks/ UK: /ˈpəʊst.bɒks/ [㐗]
things are for a person: I'm in a very difficult posi- See mailbox. ■ This word is British English.

289 pound

postcard US: /ˈpoʊst.kɑːrd/ UK: /ˈpəʊst.kɑːd/ [㐗] potato /pəˈteɪ·to̬ ʊ/, /-t̬ə/ [㐗] A brown root vege- a
b
A card that you send when you are on vacation: I table: People in the United States eat a lot of pota- c
d
must send Joanne a postcard from Disneyland. ■ toes. ■ The plural is "potatoes". 㐀 See page 437. e
f
"Card" is short for "postcard". potato chip [㐗] A thin slice of fried potato g

postcode US: /ˈpoʊst.koʊd/ UK: /ˈpəʊst.kəʊd/ [㐗] sold in a packet: We had sandwiches and potato h
i
See zip code. ■ This word is British English. chips after the game. ■ This word is more common j
k
poster US: /ˈpoʊ.stɚ/ UK: /ˈpəʊ.stər/ [㐗] A big pic- in the plural. ■ Compare with "french fry" (a thick l
m
ture or notice: Matt's bedroom walls are covered piece of potato cooked in oil). ■ In British English n
o
with football posters. 㐀 See picture at classroom. they say "crisp". p
q
postgraduate /ˌpoʊstˈgrædʒ·u·ɪt/ [㐗] A stu- potion /ˈpoʊ·ʃən/ [㐗] A drink that is supposed r
s
dent who has finished his or her first degree: to have healing, poisonous or magical effects: Ju- t
u
Brendan is a postgraduate at Exeter University liet drank a potion that made her appear to be

where he's studying management. dead, but she was just asleep.

postman /ˈpəʊst.mən/ US: /ˈpoʊst-/ [㐗] See mail- potter1 US: /ˈpɑː.tɚ̬ / UK: /ˈpɒt.ər/ [㐗] A person

man. ■ This word is British English. ■ The plural is who makes pottery: The potter has used clay to

"postmen". ■ A woman is a "postwoman". produce these beautiful painted ceramics.

post office [㐗] A place where you can send potter2 US: /ˈpɑː.tɚ̬ / UK: /ˈpɒt.ər/ [㐘] To be occupied

letters from by stamps and so on: I'm going to doing unimportant but pleasant things: He likes

take this parcel to the post office. ■ "PO" is a written to potter about in the backyard now that he's re-

abbreviation for "post office", usually in maps. tired.

postpone US: /poʊstˈpoʊn/ UK: /pəʊstˈpəʊn/ [㐘] To pottery /ˈpɑt̬·ə·ri/ [㐖] 1 Objects made out of

arrange for something to happen later than origi- baked clay, usually used for holding food: I'm go-

nally planned: It's pouring with rain so we'll have ing to take some of this lovely pottery back for my
mom. 2 The art of making plates, cups and so on
to postpone the game till tomorrow.
from baked clay: We do pottery in art classes at
postscript /ˈpoʊstˌskrɪpt/, /ˈpoʊs-/ [㐗] See PS.
posture1 /ˈpɒstʃər/ [㐗] 1 The position of the school now, you know. ■ The plural is "potteries".

body: It is difficult to have good posture when you pouch /paʊtʃ/ [㐗] 1 A little bag: He carried all
are working on a computer. 2 The opinion or atti-
his money in a little pouch that he attached to his
tude somebody takes about a particular subject: belt. 2 A special pocket that some animals have:

When they argue, I always try to adopt a neutral Kangaroos carry their babies in pouches.

posture. pounce /paʊnts/ [㐘] To jump on somebody or

posture2 US: /ˈpɑːs.tʃɚ/ UK: /ˈpɒs.tʃər/ [㐘] To be- something suddenly: The lion waited until the

have in an exaggerated or misleading way: He deer came nearer and then pounced on it. ■ Be

postures like that for effect. careful! We say: "pounce on (somebody or some-

postwoman /ˈpəʊstˌwʊm.ən/ US: /ˈpoʊst-/ [㐗] thing)".

See mailwoman. ■ This word is British English. ■ pound /paʊnd/ [㐗] 1 Money used in Britain:

The plural is "postwomen". ■ A man is a "postman". This jersey cost £25.50, that is, twenty five pounds

pot /pɒt/ [㐗] 1 A round container used for and fifty pence. ■ With figures we normally write the

cooking: My grandfather made a big pot of soup sign "£" instead of writing "pound". The "£" sign goes
for lunch yesterday. 2 A container for something: before the figure: "£150". 2 A unit of weight used

You should warm the pot before you make the choc- in Britain and other countries: A pound equals

olate milk in it. 0.454 kilos. ■ In this use, "pound" has an abbrevia-

POT v
w

x
y

pot teapot flowerpot z

pound sign 290

a tion "lb", used only in written language. ■ See box at practice Needing practice: Janet used to be a good

b abbreviations. pianist but she's a bit out of practice.

pound sign [㐗] The symbol #: In some social practice2 [㐘] To do something many times to

networks, pound signs are usually added before try to be good: If you want to be a good musician
you have to practice an awful lot. ■ The British Eng-
c keywords. ■ The same meaning: "hash mark". lish spelling is "practise".
pour US: /pɔːr/ UK: /pɔːr/ [㐘] 1 To pass liquid from
d one container to another: Shall I pour the orange practise [㐘] See practice. ■ This is British English
juice into the glasses? 2 To rain very heavily: Oh spelling.

e no! it's pouring again. When is it ever going to praise1 /preɪz/ [㐖] Saying that somebody or
stop? something is very good: The new movie has re-

f poverty US: /ˈpɑː.vɚ.ti̬ / UK: /ˈpɒv.ə.ti/ [㐖] Be- ceived a lot of praise from the critics.
ing poor: There's a lot of poverty in the rich coun- praise2 /preɪz/ [㐘] To say that somebody or some-

g tries of the world. ■ The plural is "poverties". thing is very good: My teacher praised me for my

powder /ˈpɑʊ·dər/ [㐖] A dry substance in the test results.

h form of small particles: Soap powder manufactur- pram /præm/ [㐗] A kind of box on wheels for
ers always say that their powder washes whiter carrying babies: My mom sometimes lets me push

i than any other! my baby sister's pram.

power US: /paʊɚ/ UK: /paʊər/ [㐖] 1 Strength: prawn US: /prɑːn/ UK: /prɔːn/ [㐗] 1 A small pink

j Sailors always say that the power of the sea is a sea animal: I love eating prawns with mayonnaise.
dangerous thing. 2 The ability to control peo- 2 king prawn A large prawn which is usually
ple: Having so much power has made you arro- very expensive: King prawns are larger and tasti-

k gant. 3 The energy that makes machines work: er. 㐀 See picture at shellfish.
Nuclear power can be extremely dangerous if pray /preɪ/ [㐘] To talk to God: We pray for things

l security is faulty. 4 A very strong country: like world peace at school assembly.
Each year the main powers meet and discuss prayer US: /prer/ UK: /preər/ [㐗] Words that you

m world problems. 5 in power In control, of a say to God: I sometimes say a prayer when I have a
country: This President has been in power for big problem.

n four years. 6 in (somebody's) power The abil- precaution /prɪˈkɔ·ʃən/ [㐗] Something that
ity to do something: I'll help you if it's in my you do to avoid something you don't want: We

o power. took the precaution of booking a place in the camp-

power boat US: /ˈpaʊɚ.boʊt/ UK: /ˈpaʊə.bəʊt/ site before we went.

p [㐗] A very fast and powerful motor boat: Two precious /ˈpreʃ.əs/ [㐀] 1 Very valuable: Dia-
power boats raced across the bay. monds are beautiful, precious stones. 2 Very much

q powerful /ˈpɑʊ·ər·fəl/ [㐀] Having great power loved by somebody: My family and friends are very
or strong in effect: China is becoming a powerful precious to me.
precipitation /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/ [㐖] The rain,
r country.
powerless /ˈpɑʊ·ər·ləs/ [㐀] Without strength snow and hail that falls from the sky to the

s or without the capacity to do something: She is ground: There was heavy precipitation in the
powerless to help us. mountains.

power station [㐗] A place where electricity precise /prɪˈsɑɪs/ [㐀] Exact and correct: The

t is produced: There's a power station at the end of teacher gave us precise instructions about how to
that street. do the chemical test.
u practical /ˈpræktɪkəl/ [㐀] 1 Referring to prac- predator /ˈpred·ə·tə̬ r/ [㐗] An animal which
tice rather than theory: I love horses but I haven't naturally kills and eats other animals: Lions,

v had any practical experience in looking after them. leopards and wolves are different species of preda-
2 Good at doing things with your hands: My dad's tors.

w very intelligent but he's not very practical around predict /prɪˈdɪkt/ [㐘] To say what is going to hap-
the house. pen: My mom predicted that my sister would be a

x practically /ˈpræk.tɪ.kli/ [㐄] Almost, nearly: redhead but she's got black hair.
Hold on a minute, I won't be long. I've practically prediction /prɪˈdɪk.ʃən/ [㐖] Saying what is

y finished my homework. going to happen: Unfortunately, my predictions

practice1 /ˈpræk.tɪs/ [㐖] 1 Doing something about the weather were quite wrong and we got

z frequently, to try to be good at it: I like playing soaked.
tennis but I haven't had much practice yet. 2 out of preface /ˈpref.ɪs/ [㐗] A piece of writing at the

291 present continuous

beginning of a book: Writers often use the preface with her. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this a
b
to express their thanks to people who have helped word. The last "e" is not pronounced. c
d
them. preposition /ˌprep.əˈzɪʃ.ən/ [㐗] A word that e
f
prefer /prɪˈfɜr/ [㐘] To like one thing more than you put before a noun to show place, direction, g

another: Which do you prefer, orange or lemon time and so on: In the sentence "She looked h
i
juice? ■ Be careful with the spelling of these forms: through the window", the preposition is "through". j
k
"preferred", "preferring". ■ In the conditional, prefer 㐀 See picture on the following page. l
m
is followed by the infinitive with "to": "I would prefer prepositional /ˌprep.əˈzɪʃ.ən.əl/ [㐀] Having n
o
to do the shopping tomorrow". Compare with "rath- the characteristics of a preposition: "Behind the p
q
er" (followed by the infinitive without "to"). door" is a prepositional phrase. r
s
preferable /ˈpref·ər·ə·bəl/ [㐀] Better or more prerequisite /ˌpriːˈrekwɪzɪt/ [㐗] Something t
u
suitable: We could go on the train, but the bus is that has to occur or exist before something else is v
w
preferable, because it takes us straight to the door. possible: A passing grade in the first three Spanish x
y
preference /ˈpref·ər·əns/ [㐗] Something that courses is a prerequisite to take the advanced z

a person prefers: My preference is for milk rather Spanish course.

than coffee for breakfast. prescribe /prɪˈskraɪb/ [㐘] To advise, especially in

prefix /ˈpriː.fɪks/ [㐗] Letters that you add to writing, which medicine or treatment a patient

the beginning of a word to change its meaning: should have: The doctor prescribes medicines ac-

With the prefix "un", the word "true" becomes "un- cording to the patient's symptoms.

true", which means "false". prescription /prɪˈskrɪp.ʃən/ [㐗] A note from a

pregnancy /ˈpreg.nənt.si/ [㐌] The condition of doctor with the name of a medicine on it: I'm just

expecting a baby: Women sometimes feel a bit sick going to the pharmacy to get this prescription for

at the beginning of their pregnancy. ■ The plural is my grandma.

"pregnancies". presence /ˈprez.ənts/ [㐖] 1 Being somewhere:

pregnant /ˈpreg.nənt/ [㐀] Expecting a baby: My Jennifer makes such a noise that her presence is al-
ways noticed. 2 in the presence of While some-
cousin June is pregnant and her baby is due in Au-
body was present: The school prizes were given out
gust.
in the presence of the Mayor and all the parents.
prehistoric /ˌpriːhɪˈstɒrɪk/ [㐀] 1 Referring to
present1 /ˈprezənt/ [㐀] 1 In a place at the time
the period before the appearance of writing: In
prehistoric times, many people lived in caves. 2 concerned: How many people do you think were
present at the parents' meeting? 2 Existing at the
Out of date or very old: Your car is positively pre-
moment: My dad's present post is in Mexico but
historic.
next year he will be working in Canada.
prejudice /ˈpredʒ.ʊ.dɪs/ [㐖] Not liking some-
present2 /ˈprezənt/ [㐌] 1 A gift that you give to
body or something without a good reason: A
somebody or receive from somebody: I got some
judge should be free from prejudice.
great games as presents for my birthday. ■ The
prejudiced /ˈpredʒ.ʊ.dɪst/ [㐀] Having preju- same meaning: "gift". 2 The time now: You can

dice against somebody or something: Don't pay learn about the present by studying the past.

any attention to him, he's prejudiced. present3 /prɪˈzent/ [㐘] 1 To give something to

preliminary /prɪˈlɪm·əˌner·i/ [㐀] Coming before somebody: When our teacher left, we presented her

something: After a few preliminary words from the with a lovely watch. ■ This use is formal. We usually
say "give". 2 To introduce somebody or some-
presenter, the debate began.
thing, particularly a TV or radio show: She pres-
preparation /ˌprep·əˈreɪ·ʃən/ [㐖] 1 Getting
ents the program very badly, she's always forget-
something ready: We'll have to do a lot of prepara-
ting her lines.
tion for the end of term concert if we want it to be
good. 2 in preparation for Ready for something: presentation /ˌprez.ənˈteɪ.ʃən/ [㐖] Giving

We all got dressed up in preparation for the party. something to somebody in public, the manner of

preparations /ˌprep.ərˈeɪ.ʃən/ US: /-əˈreɪ-/ [㐑] presenting something: The presentation of medals

Things that you do to get something ready: My for the sports tournament will be next week in the

mom is already making preparations for Christ- evening.

mas. present continuous [㐖] A tense that is

prepare /prɪˈpeər/ [㐘] To get ready: We'll have to made with the present tense of "be" and the

start preparing the things for the picnic. "-ing" form: "I am looking at you" is an example of

prepared to [㐀] Willing to do something: a sentence in the present continuous. ■ The present

Sandra said she was only prepared to do it if I went

292

a
PREPOSITIONS OF POSITION

b

c

d

e

f in on under behind
g at among

h out of
along
i
over
j

k

l in front of next to between

m

n

o

p opposite up down into
q

r

s

t across
u through

v

w

x

y past onto off
z

293 priest

continuous is used to describe things that are hap- pressure /ˈpreʃ·ər/ [㐖] The force of some- a
b
pening now or to describe things that are going to thing pressing on something else: We'll have to c
d
happen. check the pressure in the tires before we go out on e
f
presenter /prɪˈzen.tər/ US: /-tɚ̬ / [㐗] A person our bikes. g

who presents something: I'd love to be a television pressure cooker [㐗] A type of saucepan h
i
presenter when I grow up. with a tight lid, which cooks food rapidly under j
k
presently /ˈprez.ənt.li/ [㐄] 1 Soon: Start doing pressure: If you cook it in the pressure cooker, it l
m
your exercise; I'll be back presently. 2 At the mo- will be done in half the time. 㐀 See picture at pan. n
o
ment: I'm presently going to the local school but pretend /prɪˈtend/ [㐘] To try to make people be- p
q
my parents want to move me to another one. lieve something false: Jan pretends that she's hap- r
s
present participle [㐖] A form of a verb py about changing schools but I know that she t
u
made by adding "-ing" to the infinitive: "Going" is isn't. v
w
the present participle of the verb "go". pretty1 /ˈpeti/ [㐀] Attractive and nice looking: x
y
present perfect [㐖] A form of a verb that Sheila is very pretty. ■ The comparative form is z

is made with the present tense of "have" and the "prettier" and the superlative form is "prettiest". ■

past participle of the verb: "I have been to Ameri- When we use "pretty" for people, this is usually to

ca three times" and "We haven't talked about your talk about girls and women. For men we usually say

trip" are examples of sentences in the present per- "handsome" or "good-looking".

fect. pretty2 [㐄] Quite: I'm pretty sure that George said

present tense [㐗] A form of a verb that re- that he was coming to see us. ■ See box at fairly.

fers to something that is usually true or to prevent /prɪˈvent/ [㐘] To stop something from

something that usually happens: "I go to the happening: The school janitor has to lock up the

movies every Saturday" is an example of the pres- school at night to prevent vandals from getting in.

ent tense. ■ Be careful! In English the present tense prevention /prɪˈvent.ʃən/ [㐖] Stopping some-

is not used to describe something that is happening thing from happening: Prevention is better than

now. cure.

preservation /ˌprez·ərˈveɪ·ʃən/ [㐖] Keeping previous /ˈpriː.vi.əs/ [㐀] Happening before

something safe from decay, harm or danger: Un- now: Our previous principal was much nicer than

less we do something for its preservation, the tiger the one we have now.

could become extinct. prey /preɪ/ [㐖] An animal that is hunted by

preserve1 [㐌] A soft food made from fruit and another animal: Small animals like mice and rab-

sugar: I'll have a piece of toast with strawberry pre- bits are often the prey of larger ones like foxes.

serve. price /praɪs/ [㐗] 1 How much something costs:

preserve2 /prɪˈzɜrv/ [㐘] To keep or to maintain What is the price of these jeans, please? 2 half

something: Salt was used to preserve meat on sea price Costing half the usual price: I know a store

journeys before fridges were invented. where we can buy the video recorder at half price.

president /ˈprez.ɪ.dənt/ [㐗] 1 The leader of a priceless /ˈpraɪ.sləs/ [㐀] Extremely valuable:

government: Ted knows the names of all of the The Natural Parks in United States are said to be
Presidents of the United States. 2 The most impor-
priceless.
tant person in an organization: Laura's grandfa-
prick1 [㐗] A small, sharp pain: David felt a
ther is the president of the local golf club.
prick in his leg when the doctor gave him his injec-
press1 /pres/ [㐌] 1 Newspapers and magazines:
tion.
The press have published yet another story about
the Royal Family. 2 A machine that prints newspa- prick2 /prɪk/ [㐘] To make a very small hole in

pers, books and so on: In my work, presses are something: If you prick the balloon, it will burst.

connected to the computers that journalists write pride /praɪd/ [㐖] 1 A feeling of satisfaction

their articles on. ■ The plural is "presses". 㐀  See with how good something is: My mom showed ev-

page 443. eryone my swimming certificate with great pride.
2 A feeling of superiority: Tom's worst defect is
press2 /pres/ [㐘] To push something down: If you
his pride. He will never say that he's made a mis-
want to ring the bell, press this button. ■ Be careful
take.
with the spelling of the 3rd person singular present
priest /priːst/ [㐗] A person who leads people
tense form: "presses".
in their religion, especially Catholics: Our priest
press-up /ˈpres.ʌp/ [㐗] See push-up. ■ This
worked in Africa before he came here. ■ A priest in
word is British English.
the church of England is called a "vicar".

primary 294

a primary /ˈpraɪməri/ [㐀] The most important: The prior1 US: /praɪr/ UK: /praɪər/ [㐗] A monk who

b primary purpose of our visit is to see the Grand Canyon. is in charge of a priory, or the second in com-
primary color [㐗] Any of the three colors mand in a monastery or abbey: The Prior is
which can be mixed together in order to obtain away at the moment. ■ The female equivalent is a
c any other color: The three primary colors are red, "prioress".
blue and yellow. prior2 /praɪər/ [㐀] 1 That occurs or exists be-
d primary school [㐗] A school for children fore something else: I am afraid you need a prior
from five to eleven years old: Kathy is at primary appointment to see the specialist. 2 prior to

e school now. ■ The same meaning: "elementary (something) Before something: It was all decided
school". prior to the meeting.

f primate /ˈpraɪmeɪt/ [㐗] Any member of the prioress /ˈpraɪə.res/ US: /ˈpraɪ-/ [㐗] A nun who
most developed group of mammals: Humans, is the head of a priory of nuns, or the second in

g apes and monkeys are all primates. charge in a convent or abbey: The prioress here is

Prime Minister [㐗] The head of govern- very strict. ■ The male equivalent is a "prior".

h ment in some countries: Prime Minister of Canada priory [㐗] A religious house which is under a
is the most politically powerful member of Canadi- prior or prioress: In our trip to France we visited a

i an government. ■ Be careful! "Prime Minister" has priory with monks of the Order of St Benedict. ■ The
capital letters. plural is "priories".

j primitive /ˈprɪm·ɪ·t̬ɪv/ [㐀] Of an early stage in prism [㐗] A solid figure whose sides are par-
development, simple: Cave paintings were one of allel and whose two ends are the same in shape
the first artistic expressions of primitive people. and size: A hexagonal prism is a prism with hexag-
k prince /prɪnts/ [㐗] A man in a royal family: onal base.
There is usually a prince in fairy tales. ■ A woman prison /ˈprɪz.ən/ [㐗] A place where criminals
l is a "princess".
are sent: Did you know that Sally's uncle has been

princess /prɪnˈses/ [㐗] A woman in a royal fam- in prison for five years for robbing a bank? ■ The
m ily: The wedding of the princess was very spectacu- same meaning: "jail".
lar. ■ The plural is "princesses". A man is a "prince". prisoner /ˈprɪz·ə·nər/, /ˈprɪz·nər/ [㐗] A person
n principal1 /ˈprɪnsəpəl/ [㐀] Main or most impor- who is in prison: Prisoners in the United States do
tant: The journalist asked her what was the princi- not have full rights under the Constitution.

o pal reason for her success. private /ˈpraɪ.vət/ [㐀] 1 For a small group of
principal2 /ˈprɪnsəpəl/ [㐗] The head of a people: Mr. and Mrs. Turner belong to a private

p school: The Principal is coming to see you in a min- sports club. 2 Without other people: We had a pri-
ute. He is very angry with the whole class! ■ "Princi- vate meeting of the club to discuss tactics. 3 Not

q pal" is written in capital letters when we refer to a belonging to the government: My cousin went into
particular principal. a private hospital for his operation. 4 in private

r principle /ˈprɪnt.sɪ.pl/̩ [㐗] A rule that you be- Without anybody else there: Can I speak to you in
lieve you should always follow: It's totally against private, please?
private school [㐗] A school paid for by the
s my principles to be cruel to animals.
print1 /prɪnt/ [㐌] 1 Letters made by a machine on parents: Neil's cousin goes to a private school.

paper: This print is so small that I can hardly read privilege /ˈprɪv.əl.ɪdʒ/ [㐗] A special right for

t it. 2 A mark that has been left: I can see that the only one or a few people: Years ago in United
cat's been in here. She's left her prints all over the States an education was the privilege of very few
u kitchen floor.
people, but now all children go to school.

print2 /prɪnt/ [㐘] 1 To put words or pictures on prize /praɪz/ [㐗] A thing that is given to a per-

v paper with a machine: In this workshop, you learn son for doing something better than others:
how to print. 2 To write letters without joining Frank got a book prize for winning the essay com-

w them: Please print your name and address clearly petition.
on the front page. prize or prise /praɪz/ [㐘] To open, move or sep-

x printer /ˈprɪn·tər/ [㐗] 1 A machine that prints: arate something by using force: They prized open
Have you got a printer for your computer yet? the door with a bar.

y 㐀 See page 442. 2 A person whose job is to print: probable /ˈprɒbəbl/ [㐀] Likely to happen or to
My father is a printer. 3 A company that prints be true: It is probable that they will come next

z text or pictures on paper: When we've finished pre- weekend. ■ Compare with "improbable" (not proba-
paring the book, we'll send it to the printer. ble, not likely).

295 project

probably [㐄] Likely to be true: We'll probably professor /prəˈfes·ər/ [㐗] The most important a
b
see you on Sunday. teacher of a subject at a university: He is now Pro- c
d
problem US: /ˈprɑː.bləm/ UK: /ˈprɒb.ləm/ [㐗] 1 A fessor at Stanford University. ■ See box at abbrevia- e
f
difficult or worrying situation: I've got a problem; tions. g

I want to go to the movies and I don't have any profile /ˈproʊ·fɑɪl/ [㐗] A person's face or head h
money. 2 Something that you have to solve: This i
seen from the side, not the front: He has an at- j
mathematical problem is quite easy. k
tractive profile. l
proceed /prəˈsid/, /proʊ-/ [㐘] To continue with m
profit US: /ˈprɑː.fɪt/ UK: /ˈprɒf.ɪt/ [㐖] Money n
something: After lunch we proceeded on our jour- o
that somebody makes when they sell something p
ney up the mountain. ■ This word is formal. We usu- q
for more than what it cost them: We made $220 r
ally say "continue". s
profit on the school lottery. t
process /ˈprɑs·es/, /ˈproʊ·ses/ [㐗] A number of u
profitable /ˈprɑf·ɪ·t̬ə·bəl/ [㐀] Making a profit: v
actions that produce development: Learning a w
My neighbor had to close the café he opened this x
second language is quite a long process. ■ The plu- y
summer because it wasn't very profitable. z
ral is "processes".
profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ [㐀] Very serious, very
procession /prəˈseʃ.ən/ [㐗] A line of people or
deep: You have my profound sympathy.
things moving forward: We will go to the Grand
program1 /ˈprəʊgræm/ [㐗] 1 A piece made for
Mariam Procession in Los Angeles, California.
television or radio: My favorite program is on the
proclaim /prəʊˈkleɪm/ [㐘] To declare something television tonight. 2 Written information about a

in a public or official way: John proclaimed his in- play or a concert: We read in the program that the
play was first performed in 1996. 3 The instruc-
nocence to the judge.
tions that a computer follows: Some computer
produce1 /ˈprɒdjuːs/ [㐖] Food that is grown
programs are more complicated than others. ■ The
on a farm: The farmer sells his produce in the local
British English spelling is "programme".
market.
program2 /ˈprəʊgræm/ [㐘] To give a set of instruc-
produce2 /prəˈdjuːs/ [㐘] 1 To cause something:
tions to a computer: Terry has got a new job pro-
That joke is very old, but it always produces a
laugh. 2 To make or to grow something: This gramming computers. ■ Be careful with the spelling

farm produces wheat and potatoes as well as of these forms: "programmed", "programming".
milk and cheese. 3 To organize or finance a
programme /ˈprəʊgræm/ [㐗] See program. ■
play, a film and so on: And last but not least,
This is a British English spelling.
our thanks to Kate's father who produced the
progress1 US: /ˈprɒgres/ UK: /ˈprəʊgres/ [㐖]
play! .
Getting better: I feel as if I'm making progress with
producer /prəˈdu·sər/ [㐗] 1 A country or a
my tennis, at last!
company that makes something: Japan is one of
progress2 /prəʊˈgres/ [㐘] 1 To continue: As my
the most important producers of electronic equip-
ment in the world. 2 A person who organizes or fi- vacation in Paris progressed, I began to feel more
confident about my French. 2 To improve: The ba-
nances a play, a film and so on: My dad's cousin is
by's speech is progressing very quickly, isn't it? ■
a television producer.
Be careful with the spelling of the 3rd person singu-
product US: /ˈprɑː.dʌkt/ UK: /ˈprɒd.ʌkt/ [㐗]
lar present tense form: "progresses".
Something that is made to be sold: Wool and meat
progressive /prəʊˈgresɪv/ [㐀] 1 That happens
are two of Australia's most important products.
or develops in a gradual way: This illness produc-
production /prəˈdʌk.ʃən/ [㐗] Making or grow- es a progressive loss of memory. 2 In favor of mod-

ing something: The furniture production in this ern ideas or reforms: The City Council adopted

workshop has gone up a lot in the last year. several progressive measures.

profession /prəˈfeʃ.ən/ [㐗] A job that requires prohibit /prəˈhɪb.ɪt/ [㐘] To say that something

years of study before you can do it: My father's an must not be done: Smoking is prohibited in all ar-

attorney by profession. eas of the hospital.

professional /prəˈfeʃ.ən.əl/ [㐀] 1 Referring to a project /prəˈdʒekt/ US: /ˈprɑː.dʒekt/ UK: /ˈprɒdʒ.ekt/

profession, expert: I think that we should get pro- [㐗] 1 A plan to do something: There's a project
to build a new sports center at school. 2 A piece of
fessional advice from somebody before we buy a
new computer. 2 Doing something for money: The- work for school: We have to do a project on the Vi-

resa has been an amateur pianist for many years kings for school so we're going to the museum to

but now she wants to go professional and do it as a get some information. ■ Be careful! We say: "to do a

job. project on (something)".

projector 296

a projector /prəˈdʒek·tər/ [㐗] A device that is proportion /prəˈpɔr·ʃən/ [㐗] The amount of

b used to project movies or images onto a screen: The something compared to something else: The pro-
projector has a system of lenses and special lighting. portion of boys to girls in our school is two to one.
prom [㐗] A formal party and dance for high proportional /prəˈpɔːʃənəl/ [㐀] That corre-

c school or college students to celebrate the end of sponds to something else in size, degree or
the year: What are you wearing for the prom? amount: The pay there is proportional to the
d promise1 /ˈprɒmɪs/ [㐗] 1 Saying that you will amount of work done. ■ We say "proportional to
definitely do something: Anthony and Cleopatra (something)".

e made a promise to love each other for ever. 2 break a proposal /prəˈpoʊ·zəl/ [㐗] A suggestion: The
promise Not to keep a promise: Thomas said that principal's proposal to build a parking lot on the

f he'd go with me to the dance but he broke his promise playing fields was rejected by the parents.
and went with Angela. ■ Be careful with the pronunci- propose /prəˈpoʊz/ [㐘] To suggest something: I

g ation of this word! "mise" is pronounced like "miss". propose that we give a concert to raise funds for the

promise2 /ˈprɒmɪs/ [㐘] To say that you will defi- new gym.

h nitely do something: I promise you that I'll phone ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to propose to (somebody) To
you as soon as I get back from my vacation. ask somebody to marry you: Charles proposed to

i promote /prəˈmoʊt/ [㐘] To give somebody a bet- Mary and she immediately refused him!
ter job within the same organization: My mom's prosecute /ˈprɑs·ɪˌkjut/ [㐘] To take legal action

j just been promoted to manager of the company. against somebody: The sign in the window said:

promotion /prəˈmoʊ·ʃən/ [㐗] Moving to a bet- "Shoplifters will be prosecuted".

ter job within an organization: My dad is hoping prosper US: /ˈprɑː.spɚ/ UK: /ˈprɒs.pər/ [㐘] To make
k to get a promotion this year.
money: Many immigrants who went to the USA

prompt US: /prɑːmpt/ UK: /prɒmpt/ [㐀] Quick: prospered and became rich and powerful people.
l Please send me a prompt answer to my letter.
prosperity US: /prɑːˈsper.ə.t̬i/ UK: /prɒsˈper.ɪ.ti/

pronoun /ˈproʊˌnɑʊn/ [㐗] A word that takes [㐖] Being rich and successful: Many people
m the place of a noun: "He", "she", "it" and "they" have found prosperity in distant countries. ■ The
are all pronouns. plural is "prosperities".

n pronounce /prəˈnaʊnts/ [㐘] To make the sounds prosperous /ˈprɑs·pər·əs/ [㐀] Rich and suc-
of a word: How do you pronounce "plow"? It cessful: There are a lot of prosperous people living

o rhymes with "cow". on Fifth Avenue in New York.

pronunciation /prəˌnʌnt.siˈeɪ.ʃən/ [㐗] The way prostate [㐗] A gland that surrounds the

p somebody pronounces something: Robert's neck of the bladder in male mammals: Sperm is
French pronunciation is very good, isn't it? carried in the liquid produced by the prostate.

q proof /pruːf/ [㐖] A thing that shows that protect /prəˈtekt/ [㐘] To guard somebody or
something is true: The police still haven't found something: This warm coat will protect you from

r any proof that she committed the crime. the cold.

propeller /prəˈpel·ər/ [㐗] A thing that turns to protection /prəˈtek.ʃən/ [㐖] Guarding some-

s make a ship, helicopter and so on move: The pro- body or something: She bought a guard dog for
pellers started and the boat began to move through protection after somebody broke in and took her
the water. jewelry.
t proper US: /ˈprɑː.pɚ/ UK: /ˈprɒp.ər/ [㐀] 1 Correct, protein /ˈproʊ·tin/ [㐗] An organic compound
appropriate: Make sure that you use the proper that is an essential part of the human diet and is
u paint if you're going to decorate that old chair. 2 necessary for the body to grow: Proteins are found
Real: I'm going to get rid of this old bike and get in meat, fish, milk, nuts and eggs.

v myself a proper mountain bike. protest1 /ˈprəʊtest/ [㐖] Showing in a strong

property US: /ˈprɑː.pɚ.ti̬ / UK: /ˈprɒp.ə.ti/ [㐌] 1 way that you are against something: In protest

w Things that somebody owns: This book is the against the war, we are organizing a demonstra-
property of Green Lane Elementary School. ■ In this tion.

x use "property" is an uncountable noun. 2 Buildings protest2 /ˈprəʊtest/ [㐘] To show that you are
and land: Gemma's grandpa has got a lot of prop- against something in a strong way: Although I

y erty in Colorado. ■ The plural is "properties". protested, I ended up doing what they asked me.

prophet US: /ˈprɑː.fɪt/ UK: /ˈprɒf.ɪt/ [㐗] A person Protestant /ˈprɑt̬·ə·stənt/ [㐗] Referring to a

z who gives God's message to people: Moses, Isaiah part of the Christian Church that separated from
and Muhammad were all prophets. the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century:

297 publicly

There are many different types of Protestants: over psalm /sɑːm/ [㐗] A religious song or poem: a
b
250 kinds in the United States alone. ■ Be careful! King David is said to have written many of the c
d
"Protestant" has a capital "P". psalms that appear in the Bible. e
f
proud /praʊd/ [㐀] 1 Happy and satisfied about psychiatrist /saɪˈkaɪə.trɪst, sɪ-/ [㐗] A doctor g

something: She says that she's very proud of her who specializes in illnesses of the mind: A psychi- h
children. 2 Believing that you are superior to oth- i
atrist treated her for depression. j
er people: Laurence is too proud to say sorry. k
psychiatry /saɪˈkaɪə.tri/ [㐖] The study of ill- l
㐀 See picture at emotions. m
nesses of the mind: Psychiatry is a very interesting n
prove, proved, proven /pruːv/ [㐘] To show o
and difficult subject. ■ The plural is "psychiatries". p
that something is true: The police thought that the q
psychologist /sɑɪˈkɑl·ə·dʒɪst/ [㐗] A person r
suspect was guilty, but couldn't prove it. s
who specializes in psychology: A psychologist t
proved Past tense of prove. ■ Be careful with the u
sometimes comes to our school and gives us tests. v
pronunciation of this word. The "e" is not pro- w
psychology /sɑɪˈkɑl·ə·dʒi/ [㐖] The study of x
nounced. y
the mind and of behavior: My cousin is studying z
proven /ˈpruː.vən, ˈprəʊ-/ Past participle of prove.
provide /prəˈvaɪd/ [㐘] To give something that is psychology at Sussex University. ■ The plural is

needed: The school will provide the hall for the "psychologies".

party but we have to bring our own food and PTO To the next page: Because I didn't notice the

drink. PTO at the bottom of the page, I didn't read the in-

provided /prəˈvaɪdɪd/ [㐈] Only if: I'll lend you formation on the back. ■ "PTO" is an abbreviation

my new skates provided that you promise me you'll for "please turn over". "PTO" is always written in

bring them back quickly. ■ Be careful with the pro- capital letters. ■ See box at abbreviations.

nunciation of this word. The "e" is pronounced like pub /pʌb/ [㐗] A place where people go to have

the "i" in "did". a drink: My mom and dad sometimes go to the pub

province US: /ˈprɑː.vɪnts/ UK: /ˈprɒv.ɪnts/ [㐗] A on a Sunday evening. ■ Be careful with the pronun-

part of a country: Canada has ten provinces. ciation of this word! The "u" is pronounced as in

provincial /prəˈvɪn.tʃəl/ [㐀] Referring to a "sun".

province: Provincial elections will be held next puberty /ˈpjuːbəti/ [㐖] The period during

month. which a person reaches sexual maturity and be-

provision /prəˈvɪʒ.ən/ [㐗] 1 The act of provid- comes able to have children: At puberty, the body

ing something: He has made no provisions for his changes physically.
retirement. 2 Condition in a law or legal docu-
public1 /ˈpʌblɪk/ [㐀] 1 For the use of everyone:
ment: Under the provisions of the contract, the
I belong to a public library and I get a different
agreement finishes after one year. book out nearly every week. 2 Referring to people

provoke /prəˈvoʊk/ [㐘] To annoy somebody: Don't in general: Public opinion is very much against the

provoke me! I'm in a bad mood today. latest cuts in the health service. ■ Be careful with

prowl /praʊl/ [㐘] When hunting, to move about the pronunciation of this word! The "u" is pro-

quietly, trying not to be seen or heard: The tiger nounced as in "sun".

prowled around the herd of deer waiting to attack public2 /ˈpʌblɪk/ [㐖] People in general: The

them. yards will be open to the public between 3 and 5

proximity /prɒkˈsɪməti/ [㐖] The state of be- o'clock this afternoon.

ing near in space, time or relationship: The prox- publication /ˌpʌb.lɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ [㐌] 1 Printing and

imity of her wedding day made her feel nervous. ■ selling of a book, magazine and so on: The publi-
cation of a book takes months. 2 A magazine, a
We say "in the proximity of (something)". This word
book and so on: There are many publications on
is formal.
fishing on sale nowadays.
prune1 /pruːn/ [㐗] A dried plum: I sometimes
publicity /pəˈblɪs·ɪ·t̬i/ [㐖] Attracting people's
have prunes at breakfast.
attention to a product, advertising: There has
prune2 /pruːn/ [㐘] To cut branches off a tree to
been a lot of publicity for his new movie. ■ This
improve its shape: When are you going to prune
word has no plural and you cannot use it with "a" or
your rose trees?
"an". We say "some publicity" or "a piece of publici-
PS /ˌpiːˈes/ An abbreviation used at the end of a
ty". ■ The plural is "publicities".
letter when something is added: P.S. Don't forget
publicly [㐀] In public: After publicly announc-
to write back soon! ■ "PS" is an abbreviation for
ing their wedding, the singer and the actor disap-
"postscript". ■ See box at abbreviations.
peared for a time.

public relations 298

a public relations [㐖] Relations between a ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to pull down To destroy a

b company and the public: Peter's father is a public building: Did you know they're going to pull
relations officer for a big bank. down the old movie theater and put a Bingo Hall

public school [㐗] A school paid for by the in its place? · to pull up 1 To move something

c government: Although his parents are rich he goes upwards: Pull up your socks. They're falling
to a public school. down. 2 To stop a vehicle: We pulled up at the
d public transport [㐖] The system of buses, stoplights.
trains and so on, that everybody can use: I go ev- pulley /ˈpʊl.i/ [㐗] A machine or a tool with a

e erywhere by public transport. rope used for lifting things: The workers used a

publish /ˈpʌb.lɪʃ/ [㐘] 1 To prepare, print and sell pulley to get the piano up to the third floor.

f a book, a magazine and so on: Michael has just pullover /ˈpʊlˌoʊ·vər/ [㐗] A warm piece of
written a science fiction novel that is going to be clothing with long sleeves: My mom gave me this

g published next year. 2 To make something known nice blue pullover for my birthday. ■ The same
to the public: The banks publish their accounts af- meaning: "jersey", "jumper", "sweater". "Sweater" is

h ter closing the financial year. the most commonly used word.

publisher /ˈpʌb·lɪ·ʃər/ [㐗] A person or a com- pulmonary /ˈpʊl·məˌner·i/ [㐀] Referring to the

i pany that publishes books, magazines and so on: lungs: She has a pulmonary infection.
The publisher of this dictionary is "SM". pulse /pʌls/ [㐗] Regular beat of the heart: The

j publishing company [㐗] A company that nurse took his pulse.
publishes books, magazines and so on: "SM" is a pump1 /pʌmp/ [㐗] A machine that moves a liq-
k large publishing company. ■ The plural is "publish- uid from one place to another: You get gas from a
ing companies". gas pump in a gas station.

pudding /ˈpʊd.ɪŋ/ [㐗] A particular kind of hot pump2 /pʌmp/ [㐘] To move liquid with a pump:

l dish made principally with flour: I like to eat My grandpa used to get water by pumping it from a
Christmas pudding with custard. well they had in the back yard.

m puddle /ˈpʌd.l/̩ [㐗] A small pool of water such pumpkin /ˈpʌmp.kɪn/ [㐗] A big yellow vegeta-
as one left after rain: My little sister loves stepping ble that is orange inside: People make lanterns

n in puddles. out of pumpkins at Halloween.

Puerto Rican1 [㐀] Referring to Puerto Rico: punch1 /pʌnʃ/ [㐗] A hit with somebody's fist:

o Rincon Bay is one of the more popular Puerto Rican The boxer was knocked out by a very hard punch
beaches. ■ Be careful! "Puerto Rican" has capital let- from his opponent.

p ters. punch2 /pʌnʃ/ [㐘] 1 To hit somebody with your
Puerto Rican2 [㐗] A person from Puerto Ri- fist: Boxers punch special bags in their training. 2

q co: Puerto Ricans are US citizens. ■ Be careful! To make a hole in something with a machine: The
"Puerto Rican" has capital letters. ticket collector punched our tickets and told us to

r puff1 /pʌf/ [㐗] A small quantity of wind, get on the train.
smoke or air: A puff of wind blew all the candles punctual /ˈpʌŋk.tju.əl/ [㐀] Doing something on

s out. time: Peter's still not here. Why can't he be punctu-
puff2 /pʌf/ [㐘] To breathe quickly: I was puffing af- al?
ter running up the hill. punctuation /ˌpʌŋk.tjuˈeɪ.ʃən/ [㐖] The use in
t puffin /ˈpʌfɪn/ [㐗] A seabird with a distinctive, writing of marks like periods and commas: If you
brightly colored beak and a large head: The puffin is take the punctuation out of a piece of writing, it be-
u to be found in the North Atlantic and the North Pacific. comes almost impossible to read.
pull1 /pʊl/ [㐗] Pulling something: The child puncture /ˈpʌŋk·tʃər/ [㐗] A hole made by a

v gave a pull on my sweater to attract my attention. sharp object: My uncle had a puncture on the road
pull2 /pʊl/ [㐘] 1 To bring somebody or something to Austin and he didn't know how to change the

w towards you: She pulled the chair towards her and tire.
sat down. ■ Be careful! You "pull" something to- punish /ˈpʌn.ɪʃ/ [㐘] To make somebody suffer be-

x wards you, but you "push" it away from you. 2 To cause they have done something wrong: If you be-
bring something along behind: Look at that little have like this again I will have to punish you.

y boy pulling his toy train along the road with a punishment /ˈpʌn.ɪʃ.mənt/ [㐌] A way in which
string. 3 to pull somebody's leg To make fun of somebody is punished: Your punishment will be to

z somebody, for example by telling them some- pick up all the litter in the playground after recess
thing that is not true: Are you pulling my leg? tomorrow.