1essential_esl_dictionary_9_000_words_for_learners_of_english

349 spokeswoman

spilt Past tense and past participle forms of spill. splash1 /splæʃ/ [㐗] The sound made by some- a
spin, spun, spun /spɪn/ [㐘] 1 To turn around b
body or something falling into liquid: We heard a c
quickly: When you skate it is difficult to spin and d
stay in one place. 2 To make something turn splash and a shout and realized that somebody e
f
around quickly: Spin a coin to decide who goes had fallen into the river. g
first. 3 To make cloth from thread: My
splash2 /splæʃ/ [㐘] 1 To hit a liquid hard making h
great-grandmother used to work in a factory spin- i
it fall against something: The car went through a j
ning cloth. ■ Be careful with the spelling of this k
puddle, splashing us as we waited at the bus stop. l
form: "spinning". 2 To move energetically through the water: The m
n
spinach /ˈspɪn.ɪtʃ/ [㐖] A vegetable with green children splashed around on the water's edge. o
p
leaves: Spinach is very good for you because it has splendid /ˈsplen.dɪd/ [㐀] Very good, fine in ap- q
r
a lot of vitamins and minerals, especially iron. ■ Be pearance: I think that Velázquez painted some s
t
careful with the pronunciation of this word! The "a" splendid pictures. u
v
is pronounced like the "i" in "did". 㐀 See page 437. splendor /ˈsplen·dər/ [㐖] Impressive beauty w
x
spinal /ˈspaɪnəl/ [㐀] Referring to the spine: She and magnificence: This is the best place to see the y
z
suffered a spinal injury. castle in all its splendor. ■ The British English spell-

spinal cord [㐗] The bundle of nerves which ing is "splendour".

are enclosed in the spine and connect all parts of splendour /ˈsplen.dər/ US: /-dɚ/ [㐖] See

the body with the brain: The spinal cord and the splendor. ■ This is a British English spelling.

brain form the central nervous system. splinter /ˈsplɪntər/ [㐗] A very small thin piece

spine /spaɪn/ [㐗] The long line of bones in of wood: I've got a splinter in my finger and I can't

your back: Mary fell off her horse and hurt her get it out. 㐀 See picture at a piece of...

spine. ■ The same meaning: "backbone". 㐀 See pa- split, split, split /splɪt/ [㐘] 1 To break into two

ge 422. parts: I was very embarrassed when I sat down and
split my pants. 2 To share something: We split the
spinning wheel [㐌] A wheel that is used to
candies between us.
make thread: Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to split up To separate: We
were really surprised when Jackie's mom and dad
on the needle of a spinning wheel.
split up.
spiny /ˈspaɪ.ni/ [㐀] Having spines: Roses have a
spoil, spoilt, spoilt /spɔɪl/ [㐘] 1 To damage
spiny stem. ■ The comparative form is "spinier" and
something or take the joy out of it: I was caught in
the superlative form is "spiniest". the rain and spoilt my new suede jacket. 2 To give a

spiral US: /ˈspaɪr.əl/ UK: /ˈspaɪə.rəl/ [㐍] A shape child too much, affecting its character: My mom

that goes round and round and up or down: The says that my grandpa spoils us by letting us do ev-

staircase in the castle was in the shape of a spiral. erything we want to. ■ "Spoil" also has regular past

㐀 See page 457. and past participle forms: "spoiled".

spire US: /spaɪr/ UK: /spaɪər/ [㐗] A pointed tower spoilsport /ˈspɔɪl.spɔːt/ US: /-spɔːrt/ [㐗] A per-

on a church: There are a lot of spires in the city of son who stops other people having fun: Don't be a

New York that you can see from a distance. spoilsport!

spirit /ˈspɪr.ɪt/ [㐌] 1 The part of a person that is spoilt Past tense and past participle forms of

not the body: In the Dickens story, the spirits ap- spoil.
peared to Mr. Scrooge on Christmas Eve. 2 A strong
spoke US: /spoʊk/ UK: /spəʊk/ Past tense of speak.
alcoholic drink: Whisky, brandy, rum and gin are spoken /ˈspoʊ·kən/ Past participle of speak.
all spirits. 3 A humor or a mood: You're in high spokesman /ˈspoʊks·mən/ [㐗] See spokesper-

spirits today. Have you won the lottery? son. ■ The plural is "spokesmen". ■ A woman is a

spit, spit, spit /spɪt/ [㐘] To send food or liquid "spokeswoman".

out from your mouth with force: The baby spit out spokesperson /ˈspəʊksˌpɜːsən/ [㐗] A person

the mouthful of breakfast that his father had just who speaks for other people: Mrs. Harris is the

given him. ■ Be careful with the spelling of this form: spokesperson for the workers who are on strike. ■

"spitting". We used to say "spokesman" or "spokeswoman".

spite /spaɪt/ [㐖] 1 Wanting to hurt another Most people now prefer to say "spokesperson" be-

person: Frances didn't invite me to her birthday cause it can be used for either a man or a woman.

party out of spite. ■ In this use, we usually say "out spokeswoman /ˈspoʊksˌwʊm·ən/ [㐗] See
of spite". 2 in spite of Although something is
spokesperson. ■ The plural is "spokeswomen". ■ A
true: They went on the walk in spite of the cold and
man is a "spokesman".
rain.

sponge 350

a sponge /spʌndʒ/ [㐗] 1 A soft thing that you spot2 /spɒt/ [㐘] To see something or somebody

b use to wash with: I use a sponge shaped like a suddenly: Jack spotted his mistake immediately. ■
duck when I take a bath! 2 A soft yellow cake: My Be careful with the spelling of these forms: "spot-
dad makes a lovely jam sponge. ted", "spotting".
c spongy /ˈspʌnðʒi/ [㐀] Soft and similar in tex- spotted US: /ˈspɑː.ɪd/ UK: /ˈspɒt.ɪd/ [㐀] With
ture to a sponge: This moss is spongy. ■ The com- spots: My brother's got an awful spotted tie that he
d parative form is "spongier" and the superlative form wears all the time! ■ Be careful with the pronuncia-
is "spongiest". tion of the end of this word. The "e" is pronounced

e sponsor1 [㐗] A company or a person that like the "i" in "did".
gives money for something: We're going on a walk spotty US: /ˈspɑː.i/ UK: /ˈspɒt.i/ [㐀] Having spots

f for the local children's hospital and we have to look on your skin: Having spotty skin is a drag. ■ The
for sponsors. comparative form is "spottier" and the superlative

g sponsor2 /ˈspɒnsər/ [㐘] To give money for some- form is "spottiest".
thing: Companies often sponsor sports teams so spout /spaʊt/ [㐗] A tube on a container that

h that they can get a lot of publicity. the liquid comes out of: I dropped the teapot and

spontaneous /spɑnˈteɪ·ni·əs/ [㐀] Happening the spout broke off.

i or done naturally and suddenly and without be- sprain /spreɪn/ [㐘] To damage a part of your body
ing planned: I don't think his reaction was sponta- for example by moving it too quickly: My uncle

j neous, I think he knew. sprained his ankle playing tennis the other day.

spooky /ˈspuːki/ [㐀] Strange and frightening: sprang /spræŋ/ Past tense of spring2.
k The atmosphere there at night is spooky. ■ The com- spray1 /spreɪ/ [㐖] Liquid that comes out of a
parative form is "spookier" and the superlative form container in very fine drops: I'm going to the store
is "spookiest". to get some hair spray.
l spoon /spuːn/ [㐗] A round object with a han- spray2 /spreɪ/ [㐘] To cover something with liquid
dle that you use to eat soup, yoghurt and so on: using a spray: The rose bushes have gotten bugs;

m Put the spoons beside the knives, please. ■ Remem- let's spray them before they get everywhere.
ber! You drink soup with a spoon, you eat french spread1 /spred/ [㐖] The extension of some-

n fries with a fork and you cut cakes with a knife. thing: The Police are worried about the spread of
㐀 See picture at cutlery. street violence in this town.

o spoonful /ˈspuːn.fʊl/ [㐗] The amount that a spread2, spread, spread /spred/ [㐘] 1 To cov-
spoon holds: I take two spoonfuls of sugar in my er something with a soft substance: Tim spread

p coffee. butter and jam on his toast. 2 To open complete-

spore US: /spɔːr/ UK: /spɔːr/ [㐗] A reproductive ly: Spread the newspaper over the table and then

q cell in plants and some simple organisms: Spores we can all see it. 3 To move to different places:
are released by plants and scattered by the wind. The fire spread rapidly to all parts of the build-
r sport /spɔːt/ [㐖] An activity that you do for ing.
exercise and enjoyment: What sports do you do? spring1 /sprɪŋ/ [㐌] 1 The season of the year be-
s sports car [㐗] A very fast car: My brother is tween winter and summer: If winter comes, can
saving up to buy a sports car. spring be far behind? 㐀 See page 448. 2 The be-

sports center [㐗] A building where you can ginning of a river: Pure spring water is the most

t do all kinds of sport activities: Have you phoned delicious drink! 3 A thin, spiral piece of metal:
the sports center to see if we can play the volleyball The spring in my watch is broken and I'll have to
u tournament there? 㐀 See picture at street.
take it to be mended. 4 hot springs or thermal

sporty US: /ˈspɔːr.i/ UK: /ˈspɔː.ti/ [㐀] Good at and springs A natural spring whose water comes out

v very interested in sport and outdoor activities: at a temperature higher than body temperature:
She's very sporty, she's always out riding, canoeing The water of hot springs is heated by geothermal

w or swimming. heat.

spot1 /spɒt/ [㐗] 1 A small mark on a person's spring2, sprang, sprung /sprɪŋ/ [㐘] To jump up

x skin: Oh no! I've got a spot on my nose just when I quickly: Mike sprang out of his chair when he saw
wanted to look nice for the party tonight. 2 A round the mouse.

y mark: My mom's bought me a lovely new skirt with springboard /ˈsprɪŋˌbɔrd/, /-ˌboʊrd/ [㐗] A long
white spots. 3 A place: On the way to California, we piece of wood that people dive into the water

z stopped at a beautiful spot in the mountains to from: Diving into the swimming pool from the
have our picnic. springboard doesn't frighten me.

351

SPORT a
b
cycling soccer c
d
tennis e
f
skiing baseball g

skating h
i
swimming hockey j
volleyball k
l
karate m
n
basketball running o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z

sprinkle 352

a sprinkle /ˈsprɪŋ.kl/̩ [㐘] To throw a very small squeak1 [㐗] A small, high sound: We knew

b amount of a substance on something: My dad al- the mouse was somewhere in the bedroom because
ways sprinkles a little salt on his french fries, how- we heard a squeak.
ever salty they already are. squeak2 /skwiːk/ [㐘] To make a small, high
c sprint1 [㐗] A very fast race: Len won the sprint sound: My bicycle wheels are squeaking a lot late-
at the school tournament the other day. ly, so I'll have to oil them.
d sprint2 /sprɪnt/ [㐘] To run very quickly over a squeal1 [㐗] A loud, high sound: We could
short distance: Pat sprinted across the road and hear the squeals of the pigs from the farmhouse.

e caught the bus, but I missed it. squeal2 /skwiːl/ [㐘] To make a loud, high sound:

sprout /spraʊt/ [㐗] A small, round, green veg- The little girl squealed when she jumped into the

f etable: In Canada, they often eat sprouts with tur- cold water.
key on Christmas Day. ■ This is an abbreviation for squeeze1 /skwiːz/ [㐌] 1 Pushing too much in a

g "Brussels sprout". small place: There was a real squeeze on the sub-
sprung /sprʌŋ/ Past participle of spring. way today. 2 A press between two things: My dad

h spun /spʌn/ Past tense and past participle forms gave my hand a squeeze and told me not to worry.
of spin. 㐀 See picture at a piece of...

i spy1 /spaɪ/ [㐗] A person who gets information squeeze2 /skwiːz/ [㐘] 1 To press hard between
in secret: The spies were important during the Cold two things: Squeeze this lemon and add the juice

j War between Russia and the United States. ■ The to the mixture. 2 To push too much into a small
plural is "spies". place: My suitcase was too small, but I managed to

k spy2 /spaɪ/ [㐘] To look at something in secret: De- squeeze all my things in.
tectives often have to spy on people to get impor- squid /skwɪd/ [㐗] A sea animal like a small oc-
tant information. ■ Be careful with the spelling of topus: We had squid for dinner.
l these forms: "spies", "spied".
squirrel /ˈskwɜr·əl/ [㐗] A small animal with a

squad US: /skwɑːd/ UK: /skwɒd/ [㐗] A group of large tail: You often find squirrels in parks. 㐀 See
m people who work as a team: My neighbor works in page 428.
the police drugs squad. ■ This word can be used St 1 A written abbreviation for saint. ■ See box at

n with either a singular or a plural verb: "Has/have the abbreviations. 2 A written abbreviation for street.
drugs squad arrived yet?". ■ Be careful! "St" has a capital "S". ■ See box at ab-

o square1 /skweər/ [㐀] 1 With four equal sides, breviations.
or something near to it: My mom's looking for a stab /stæb/ [㐘] To push a knife into somebody: A

p square coffee table to go in the living room. 㐀 See man was stabbed outside a pub in town the other
page 457. 2 The number obtained when you mul- night. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these forms:

q tiply a number by itself: The square of 4 is 16. "stabbed", "stabbing".

square2 /skweər/ [㐗] 1 A shape with four stable1 /ˈsteɪbl/ [㐀] Balanced and firmly placed:

r equal sides, or something near to it: Two squares That ladder's not very stable; will you hold it for me?
together make a rectangle. 2 A place in a town or a stable2 /ˈsteɪbl/ [㐗] A place where horses are

s village with buildings round it: Times Square is kept: Let's go to the stables and see Caroline's new
the most famous square in New York. ■ See box at pony.
abbreviations. stadium /ˈsteɪ.di.əm/ [㐗] A place where sports
t squash1 /skwɒʃ/ [㐖] 1 A fruit drink: You have events are held: Michigan stadium seats about
to add water to orange squash before you can drink 109,900 people. ■ The plural is "stadium" or "stadia".
u it. 2 A game where two players hit a ball against a staff US: /stæf/ UK: /stɑːf/ [㐗] The people who
wall: My cousin teaches squash at the local Sports work at a place: The kitchen staff at our school are

v Center. all very nice.

squash2 /skwɒʃ/ [㐘] To press somebody or some- staff room /ˈstɑːf.rʊm/, /-ruːm/ US: /ˈstæf-/ [㐗]

w thing very hard: Don't push! You're squashing me! The room where teachers go during their breaks:
squat US: /skwɑːt/ UK: /skwɒt/ [㐘] 1 To crouch until The students are not allowed to go in the staff room

x you almost sit on your heels: He had to squat so at our school.
as not to be seen. 2 To live in an uninhabited stage /steɪdʒ/ [㐗] 1 The part of a theater where

y building without paying and without permission: the performers are during a show: I recognized
They decided to squat in an empty hotel. ■ Be care- Emily as soon as she walked on stage. 2 A particu-

z ful with the spelling of these forms: "squatting", lar part of a long event or process: The next stage
"squatted". of the bicycle race is in the Pyrenees.

353 starting point

stagger /ˈstæg·ər/ [㐘] To walk with great difficul- the valley. 4 To move to a particular place while a
you are on your feet: Stand in line, please. 5 can't b
ty: At the end of the movie the bad was shot, stag- c
stand To dislike very much: I can't stand going to d
gered across the bar and fell out of the window. e
the dentist's. f
stain1 /steɪn/ [㐗] A mark made by a substance: ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to stand by To help and sup- g
port: Good friends always stand by you when you
That oil has left a terrible stain on the tablecloth. h
have problems. · to stand for To mean something: i
stain2 /steɪn/ [㐘] To make a dirty mark: Don't j
USA stands for United States of America. · to stand k
leave that glass on the table or it will stain the l
out To be easily seen, to project above the rest: m
wood. n
George is so tall that he always stands out in a o
staircase /ˈsteərˌkeɪs/ [㐗] A set of steps inside p
crowd. · to stand up To get on your feet: We stood q
a building with rails that you can hold onto: r
up when the teacher came into the room with the s
There are so many staircases in this building that I t
President. · to stand (somebody) up Not keep a u
sometimes get lost. 㐀 See picture at house. v
date or an appointment with somebody: She didn't w
stairs US: /sterz/ UK: /steəz/ [㐑] A set of steps: x
come! She stood me up. · to stand up for (some- y
Be careful carrying those glasses up the stairs. z
body or something) To defend or to support: When
stake /steɪk/ [㐗] A strong pointed stick: The
are you going to stand up for your rights?
farmers have to tie tomatoes plants to stakes.
standard1 /ˈstændəd/ [㐀] Ordinary, not special:
stale /steɪl/ [㐀] Not fresh: Take this bread back
This is the standard model of bicycle but we do
to the store. It's very stale.
have special mountain bikes with extra gears.
stalk US: /stɑːk/ UK: /stɔːk/ [㐗] The part of a
standard2 /ˈstændəd/ [㐗] A level: The general
plant the flowers and leaves grow out of: Cut the
standard of work in this class has gone up. Well do-
stalks of those flowers or they'll be too long for the
ne, Class 3!
vase. ■ The same meaning: "stem".
stang Past tense of sting.
stall US: /stɑːl/ UK: /stɔːl/ [㐗] A small structure stank /stæŋk/ Past tense of stink.
stapler /ˈsteɪ·plər/ [㐗] Hand instrument for at-
where you can buy things usually in the street: I
taching papers with a small piece of bent metal:
bought the lamp at a small stall in the market.
The stapler doesn't work.
stamen /ˈsteɪ.mən/ [㐗] The part of a flower
star1 /stɑːr/ [㐗] 1 A large mass in space which
that produces pollen: The stamen is the male re-
you see as a point in the sky at night: The Sun is a
productive part of a flower. 㐀 See page 433. yellow star that gives out heat. 2 A famous and

stamina /ˈstæm.ɪ.nə/ [㐗] The capacity to do popular person: I would like to be a pop star when
I grow up. 3 A shape with five points: The starfish
something for a long time: Robert has got a lot of
is a sea animal shaped like a star.
stamina. He's very good at long distance running.
star2 /stɑːr/ [㐘] To be the main actor in a movie or
stamp1 /stæmp/ [㐗] 1 A small piece of colored
a show: Brad Pitt stars in that movie. ■ Be careful!
paper that you put on an envelope: The first post-
We say: "star in a film".
age stamp was called the Penny Black and was
made in 1840. 2 A small piece of wood or rubber stare US: /ster/ UK: /steər/ [㐘] To look very hard at

that makes a particular mark: I knew that the let- somebody or something: I wish Richard wouldn't

ter was from school because it had the school stare at me like that. It makes me nervous.

stamp on the envelope. starfish /ˈstɑr·fɪʃ/ [㐗] Sea animal shaped like

stamp2 /stæmp/ [㐘] To bang your foot or feet hard a star: I found this starfish on the beach last sum-

on the ground: She stamped angrily down the mer.

stairs and out of the door. start1 /stɑːt/ [㐗] The beginning of something:

stand1 /stænd/ [㐗] 1 A table that you put We were late and we missed the start of the movie.

things on in an exhibition, fair and so on: My start2 /stɑːt/ [㐘] 1 To begin doing something:

mom spent the afternoon at the Red Cross stand Here are your tests; don't start until I tell you to. 2
selling flags. 2 A thing that you put objects on to
To begin to happen: What time does the movie
use them more easily: I need a new music stand; start? 3 To make something begin to work: My
mine's broken. 3 One of the wide steps from which
dad always has trouble starting our car in the win-
you can watch a football or rugby game: There
ter.
was a great atmosphere on the stands.
starting point /ˈstɑːtɪŋˌpɔɪnt/ [㐗] The place
stand2, stood, stood /stænd/ [㐘] 1 To be on
where something starts: The starting point of the
your feet: We stood in the line for hours to get tick-
ets for the concert. 2 To get on your feet: We all marathon will be the Town Hall.
stood for the National Anthem. 3 To be in a partic-

ular place: The castle stands on a hill overlooking

starve 354

a starve US: /stɑːrv/ UK: /stɑːv/ [㐘] 1 To die of hun- stationery store [㐗] A store that sells

b ger: Thousands of people starved during the terri- pens, paper, ink and so on: I'm going to the statio-
ble drought in Africa this year. 2 to be starving To nery store to buy some envelopes, do you want to
be very hungry: When's dinner? I'm starving. ■ come? ■ In British English they say "stationer's".
c This use is informal.
statistics /stəˈtɪs.tɪks/ [㐗] Numbers giving in-
state1 /steɪt/ [㐗] 1 How somebody or some- formation about things: According to statistics,
d thing is: My bedroom is in a terrible state; I need to children who eat well do better at school. ■ It is usu-
tidy it up. 2 A country and its government: The ally used with a singular verb.

e head of state in the United States is the President. 3 statue /ˈstætʃ.uː/ [㐗] A figure of a person made
A region of a country: Florida is a state of the USA. of stone, wood or other material: There's a statue

f 4 state of mind How somebody feels, how some- of William Shakespeare outside our school.
body is mentally: He's in a rather confused state of statute /ˈstætʃ.uːt/ [㐗] A written law or regula-

g mind at the moment. tion: The limited company has statutes which all

state2 /steɪt/ [㐘] To say or to write something im- employees must comply with.

h portant: The principal stated that the vacations stave [㐗] The five parallel lines on which mu-
would start earlier this year. sical notes are written in a score: The music

i statement /ˈsteɪt.mənt/ [㐗] Something that a teacher wrote the tune of the song on a stave on the
person has said: The police spokesperson issued a whiteboard. 㐀 See page 460.
stay1 /steɪ/ [㐗] A time when you live some-
j statement about the road accident.
statesman /ˈsteɪt.smən/ [㐗] A very important where: I really enjoyed my stay in New York this

politician: Some people think that Sir Winston summer.

k Churchill was one of the greatest statesmen of the stay2 /steɪ/ [㐘] 1 Not to move from a place: My
twentieth century. ■ The plural is "statesmen". ■ A brothers went out to play but I stayed in the house
with my parents. 2 To live in a place for a short
l woman is a "stateswoman". time: I went to stay in New York with my aunt Shei-
stateswoman /ˈsteɪtˌswʊm.ən/ [㐗] A very im- la.
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to stay up Not to go to bed:
m portant female politician: Benazir Bhutto was a
stateswoman from Pakistan. ■ The plural is "states-

n women". ■ A man is a "statesman". Last night, I stayed up until three o'clock in the

static1 /ˈstætɪk/ [㐀] Staying in one place for a morning, watching a movie.

o long time or not changing: Prices will not stay steady /ˈsted.i/ [㐀] 1 Stable; not falling: Little
static for long. Janet is still not very steady on her feet. She's only

p static2 /ˈstætɪk/ [㐖] 1 Noise interference on a eighteen months old. 2 Constant, not changing:
television, cellphone or radio that is caused by He's making steady progress in his mathematics.

q electricity in the air: There was too much static to steak /steɪk/ [㐗] A thick piece of meat: My fa-
hear his message properly. 2 Electricity that col- vorite food is steak and french fries. ■ Be careful

r lects on some surfaces as a result of friction: Stat- with the pronunciation of this word. It rhymes with
ic can give you an electric shock. "make". (It helps if you remember "steaks make you

s station /ˈsteɪ.ʃən/ [㐗] 1 A place where buses strong").
and trains come and go: I'll meet you at the station steal, stole, stolen /stiːl/ [㐘] To take something
at 8 o'clock tomorrow. 2 A place where certain that is not yours: Somebody has stolen my purse

t people work: They've built a new police station from my desk. ■ Be careful! "Steal" is used when the
and a fire station in the center of town, very near object taken is mentioned, not the victim. We say:
u each other. 3 A television or a radio company: "he stole my bag". (We don't say: "he stole me". Com-
Some stations only have one type of program on pare with "rob" (taking away something illegally).

v them, often sports or news. 4 railway station See steam1 /stiːm/ [㐖] Vapor that water produces
railway station. when it is very hot: The power of steam was used

w stationary /ˈsteɪ·ʃəˌner·i/ [㐀] Not moving: The in steam engines for trains.
bus was stationary so we jumped on it, just in time. steam2 /stiːm/ [㐘] To send out steam: The water is

x ■ Compare with "mobile" (that can be moved). steaming in the bathtub.

stationer /ˈsteɪʃə·nər·/ [㐗] A person who sells steamboat /ˈstiːm.bəʊt/ US: /-boʊt/ [㐗] A boat

y writing materials: He bought a pen and a pad powered by steam: The steamboat moved slowly
from the stationer's. up the river.

z stationer's /ˈsteɪ.ʃən.əz/ US: /-ɚz/ [㐗] See sta- steam engine [㐗] An engine that uses
tionery store. ■ This use is British English. steam to generate power: The steam engine was

355 stile

an essential element during the Industrial Revolu- sterling /ˈstɜr·lɪŋ/ [㐖] The money used in a
b
tion. 㐀 See page 443. Britain: The value of sterling has fallen. ■ Be care- c
d
steel /stiːl/ [㐖] A very hard metal: Steel is ful. This word is formal. We usually say just e
f
used for example in buildings, bridges and trains. "pounds". g

steep /stiːp/ [㐀] That rises or falls strongly: It's stern /stɜːn/ [㐀] Serious and strict: My teacher h
i
impossible to run up this hill; it's too steep. is rather stern, but he's a very nice person all the j
k
steer US: /stɪr/ UK: /stɪər/ [㐘] To direct a vehicle: same. l
m
We'll row and you can steer the boat. sternocleidomastoid [㐗] A muscle found n
o
steering wheel [㐗] The wheel inside a car on each side of the neck at the front: The sterno- p
q
or other vehicle that is used for guiding it: In the cleidomastoid muscles help to bend and rotate the r
s
United States, the steering wheel in cars is on the head. 㐀 See page 423. t
u
left. 㐀 See page 441. sternum /ˈstɜː.nəm/ US: /ˈstɝː-/ [㐗] A flat bone v
w
stem /stem/ [㐗] The part of a plant that leaves in the center of the chest: The sternum is an ex- x
y
and flowers grow out of: These flowers have very tended, segmented bone that the ribs connect to. ■ z

thick stems, haven't they? ■ The same meaning: The plural is "sternums" or "sterna". ■ The same

"stalk". 㐀 See page 432. meaning: "breastbone". 㐀 See page 422.

stencil1 /ˈstensəl/ [㐗] A thin piece of card- stew US: /stuː/ UK: /stjuː/ [㐖] A dish made

board or plastic with a design cut into it: You can from meat and vegetables: My grandma makes us

use the stencil to draw the outline of the figure. a fantastic stew whenever we go for lunch.

stencil2 [㐘] To draw or paint a design using a steward US: /ˈstuː.ɚd/ UK: /ˈstjuː.əd/ [㐗] A man

stencil: He stenciled the design onto the T-shirt. who looks after passengers on a plane or a ship:

step1 /step/ [㐗] 1 A movement of your foot in a The steward asked us if we wanted a drink. ■ A

particular direction: Take three steps forwards woman who helps passengers is a "stewardess".

and one step back. Now swing your partner in the stewardess /ˈstjuːədes/ [㐗] A woman who
dance! 2 One part of the stairs, particularly when
looks after passengers on a plane or a ship: My
outdoors: There are three steps up to our front
door. 3 A part of a process: Follow the steps care- cousin wants to be a stewardess. ■ The plural is
fully when making this model. 4 step by step Lit-
"stewardesses". A man who helps passengers is a
tle by little; in the correct order: You have to learn
"steward".
to play the piano step by step.
stick1 /stɪk/ [㐗] 1 A long thin piece of wood:
step2 /step/ [㐘] To move your foot in a particular
Our dog loves it when you throw a stick for him to
direction: He stepped forward when the teacher fetch. 2 A thin piece of something: Pass me a stick

read his name out. of chalk.
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to step in To begin to take
part in a difficult situation in order to help: When stick2, stuck, stuck /stɪk/ [㐘] 1 To fix some-

we need help repairing our mountain bikes, uncle thing with glue: Let's try and stick the vase togeth-
er before mom gets back! 2 To put a pointed object
John always steps in. ■ Be careful with the spelling
into something: Be careful you don't stick the nee-
of these forms: "stepped", "stepping". dle into your finger. 3 To put something some-

stepfather /ˈstepˌfɑ·ðər/ [㐗] A man who is where: Just stick those books in the corner and
we'll sort them out later. ■ This use is informal. 4 To
married to your mother but is not your natural
be fixed and not be able to move: My finger is
father: My stepfather is always very kind to me.
stuck in this hole.
stepmother /ˈstepˌmʌð·ər/ [㐗] A woman who
sticker /ˈstɪk·ər/ [㐗] A piece of paper with a
is married to your father but is not your natural
drawing or photo, that you can stick to things:
mother: Jackie's stepmother is Colombian.
Rachel's folder is covered with football stickers.
stereotype /ˈster.i.ə.taɪp/ [㐗] A classification
sticking plaster [㐗] See plaster.
of people or things that is not based on observa- sticky /ˈstɪk.i/ [㐀] Covered with a substance

tion or experience: Forget your stereotypes: people that sticks: Spiders' webs have a sticky substance

are basically the same all over the world. to catch insects in. ■ The comparative form is "stick-

sterile /ˈster·əl/ [㐀] 1 Completely clean and ier" and the superlative form is "stickiest".

without any bacteria: A sterile bandage is used to stiff /stɪf/ [㐀] Difficult to bend: Get some stiff
cover the wound. 2 Unable to produce seeds, fruit,
young or children: A mule is a sterile animal. 3 cardboard and we'll use it to make the masks. ■

Unable to produce vegetation: This is sterile soil. The same meaning: "rigid".

You can't plant any crops here. stile /staɪl/ [㐗] A step device usually found be-

tween fields, which permits a fence or wall to be

still 356

a crossed: Stiles allow people to cross the fence but we make a noise. ■ Be careful with the spelling of

b not animals. these forms: "stirred", "stirring".

still1 /stɪl/ [㐀] Without moving: I stood com- stirrup /ˈstɪrəp/ [㐗] A metal object for resting

pletely still and the bee flew away. your foot when you are riding a horse: Put your
c still2 /stɪl/ [㐄] Until this time: My dad still enjoys foot into the stirrup and mount.
playing with train sets. ■ See box below. stitch1 /ˈstɪrəp/ [㐗] The piece of thread that
d stimulation /ˌstɪmjəˈleɪʃən/ [㐖] Something you put in cloth when you sew: These stitches are
which causes excitement, development, growth big and untidy. We'll have to do them again. ■ The

e or activity, or the action of doing this: Babies plural is "stitches".
need stimulation to help them develop. stitch2 /ˈstɪrəp/ [㐘] To fix material together with

f stimulus /ˈstɪmjələs/ [㐗] 1 Something which needle and thread: I need to stitch this button on
produces a reaction in a living thing: The applica- my coat. ■ The same meaning: "sew".

g tion of the stimulus to the knee produces a reflex re- stoat US: /stoʊt/ UK: /stəʊt/ [㐗] Small animal
action. 2 Something that encourages activity, with brown fur that in winter turns mainly white:

h growth or a greater effort, etc.: Stress can provide Stoats eat other animals. ■ Compare with "ermine"
you with a stimulus to achieve your goals. ■ The (the fur of the stoat in winter).
stock1 /stɒk/ [㐖] 1 Goods that are to be sold
i plural is "stimuli".
sting1 /stɪŋ/ [㐗] 1 A mark where an insect has or used: We have a very large stock of sports equip-

j stung you: Those herbs are very good for bee ment. 2 in stock Ready to be sold: Have you any
stings. 2 The part of an insect that can prick you: smoked salmon in stock, please? 3 out of stock
Scorpions usually use their stings in self defense. Not in the store: I'm sorry but those shoes are out
k sting2, stung, stung /stɪŋ/ [㐘] 1 To inject poi- of stock at the moment.
son, when you are talking about an insect, scor- stock2 /stɒk/ [㐘] To keep in a store to sell: We
l pion and so on: A wasp stung me last week when I don't stock classical music in our store.
trod on it at the swimming pool. 2 To feel a sharp stocking US: /ˈstɑː.kɪŋ/ UK: /ˈstɒk.ɪŋ/ [㐗] A long,
m pain: The cigarette smoke in my brother's office thin article of clothing for the leg: My mom used
makes my eyes sting. to have to wear thick, gray stockings when she went

n stink1 /stɪŋk/ [㐖] A very bad smell: What a to school.
stink there is in this classroom; let's open the win- stole US: /stoʊl/ UK: /stəʊl/ Past tense of steal.

o dows. stolen /ˈstoʊ·lən/ Past participle of steal.

stink2, stunk, stunk /stɪŋk/ [㐘] To smell very stomach /ˈstʌm.ək/ [㐗] The part of your body

p badly: Those eggs must be bad. They stink. ■ In where food goes when you eat it: My stomach
British English the past can also be "stank". hurts. I must have eaten too much. 㐀  See pages

q stir US: /stɝː/ UK: /stɜːr/ [㐘] 1 To move something 421 and 424.
round and round: Jane put two spoons of sugar in stone US: /stoʊn/ UK: /stəʊn/ [㐗] 1 A piece of

r her coffee and stirred it. 2 To move a little: Our ba- rock: Stop throwing stones; it's dangerous. 2 A
by sleeps so deeply that she doesn't stir even when type of rock: I love those little stone houses that

s still yet

t ðÜEmphasizes that something continues. ðÜAsks if something has happened or says that it hasn’t.
ðÜGoes next to the verb. ðÜGoes at the end of the sentence.
ðÜIs often used with the present perfect.
u ðÜIs used in affirmative sentences:
v - We are still waiting for a reply. ðÜIs used in negative sentences:
- We haven’t had a reply yet.
- That plant still has flowers. - Tom isn’t here yet.

w ðÜIs sometimes used in negative sentences to give
greater emphasis:

- He hasn’t come yet, but it’s only ten.

x - It’s ten o’clock and he still hasn’t come.

y ðÜIn questions, both are possible:
- Is he still here?

z - Hasn’t he gone yet?

357 strange

you often see in the country. 3 See pit. ■ This use is storm US: /stɔːrm/ UK: /stɔːm/ [㐗] Bad weather a
b
British English. with wind, rain and sometimes thunder: Did you c
d
stood /stʊd/ Past tense and past participle forms hear the storm last night? e
f
of stand. stormy /ˈstɔr·mi/ [㐀] With a lot of storms: The g

stool /stuːl/ [㐗] A small chair with no back: weather forecast says that there will be stormy h
i
You sit on the chair and we'll use the kitchen stools. weather all next week. j
k
stop1 /stɒp/ [㐗] 1 A place where a bus or a story US: /ˈstɔːr.i/ UK: /ˈstɔː.ri/ [㐗] A description l
m
train stops: Next stop, Times Square! 2 full stop of events that you write, say or listen to: Tell us a n
o
See period. ■ This use is British English. story! ■ The plural is "stories". ■ Compare with "his- p
q
stop2 /stɒp/ [㐘] 1 To finish doing something: Can tory" (things that happened in the past). r
s
you please stop talking and listen to me? 2 To fin- storyline [㐗] The plot of a novel, film or any t
ish moving: Does the number 18 bus stop here? 3 u
other story: The writers took three months to devel- v
To make something finish: Stop the bus! I want to w
get off. 4 To prevent somebody from doing some- op the storyline of the film. x
y
thing: I'm sorry, but I couldn't stop her from com- stove US: /stoʊv/ UK: /stəʊv/ [㐗] A machine that z

ing in. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these forms: is used for cooking or heating: Put the potatoes on

"stopped", "stopping". the stove and we'll have dinner as soon as possible.

stoplight US: /ˈstɒplaɪt/ [㐗] Lights that change ■ In British English they say "cooker". 㐀 See pictu-

color to control the traffic on roads: The stoplights re at kitchen.

are red. Don't drive on! ■ This word is more common straight1 /streɪt/ [㐀] 1 Not bent or curved:

in the plural. ■ In British English they say "traffic Stand in a straight line, please. 㐀 See pictures at
hair and opposite. 2 Level: Stand over there and
light". 㐀 See picture at street.
tell me if this picture is straight.
stopover US: /ˈstɑːpˌoʊ.vɚ/ UK: /ˈstɒpˌəʊ.vər/ [㐗]
straight2 /streɪt/ [㐄] 1 Directly: Go straight
A stop in a long journey: We had to have a stop-
home without stopping on the way. 2 In a straight
over in Vancouver on the way to New York because
line: Walk straight across the side of the mountain
of bad weather. and you'll come across a hut. 3 straight ahead or

stop watch /ˈstɒpwɒtʃ/ [㐗] A watch that is straight on Directly in front of you: You go

used to time sports events: Liz Jones was in straight on for two miles and then turn left at the
crossing. 4 straight away Immediately: Go and
charge of the stop watch during our athletics tour-
see the principal straight away!
nament.
straighten /ˈstreɪt·ə·n/ [㐘] To make something
store1 /stɔːr/ [㐗] 1 A place where you buy
straight: My mom straightened my dad's tie before
things: When I grow up I would like to work in a
they went out.
stationery store. ■ The same meaning: "shop1".
㐀  See picture at market. 2 See department straightforward /ˌstreɪtˈfɔr·wərd/ [㐀] Not
store. 3 Goods that you have for later: We always
complicated: You'll find the instructions quite
have a good store of food in the house, in case
straightforward.
something happens.
strain1 /streɪn/ [㐖] Too much pressure: The
store2 /stɔːr/ [㐘] To keep things in order to use
strain of work made my uncle ill.
them later: We usually store the apples from our
strain2 /streɪn/ [㐘] 1 To do something with a great
trees in the attic.
effort: Don had to strain his eyes to see the white-
storehouse /ˈstɔrˌhɑʊs/, /ˈstoʊr-/ [㐗] A build- board from where he was sitting. 2 To hurt your-

ing that is used for keeping things: Near where I self trying something too hard: Don't lift that

live there's a storehouse full of computer equip- heavy box on your own; you might strain your back.
3 To put a substance through an instrument with
ment. ■ The same meaning: "depot". ■ In British Eng-
small holes: My dad strained the boiled apples for
lish they say "warehouse".
the baby to eat.
storekeeper [㐗] A person who owns a shop:
strainer [㐗] A tool with little holes that lets
That storekeeper opens his shop every morning at
liquid pass and keeps solids: Can you use a strain-
nine o'clock.
er for my orange juice?
storey US: /ˈstɔːr.i/ UK: /ˈstɔː.ri/ [㐗] A floor of a
strait /streɪt/ [㐗] A narrow area of sea between
building: That building has thirty storeys.
two pieces of land: The Magellan Strait is between the
stork US: /stɔːrk/ UK: /stɔːk/ [㐗] A large bird
southern end of South America and Tierra del Fuego.
with long legs and a long beak: Storks build
strange /streɪndʒ/ [㐀] 1 Unusual, odd: I think
large nests on the top of churches and other high
that Christine is a bit strange sometimes. 2 Not
places.

stranger 358

a known: Isn't it interesting to walk around a strange streetlight /ˈstriːt.laɪt/ [㐗] A light on top of a

b town? tall post on a street or road: The streetlights illu-

stranger /ˈstreɪn·dʒər/ [㐗] A person you do not minate the streets when it is dark. ■ The same

know: When I opened the door a complete stranger meaning: "street lamp". 㐀 See picture at street.
c was standing there.
strength /streŋθ/ [㐖] Being strong: I haven't

strangle /ˈstræŋ.gl/̩ [㐘] To kill somebody press- the strength to lift these boxes; I'll have to get Bob
d ing their neck very hard: His body was found by to do it.
the river. He had been strangled. strengthen /ˈstreŋ.θən/ [㐘] To make or become

e strap1 /stræp/ [㐗] A narrow piece of material stronger or more efficient: These exercises will
for holding something: I'll have to buy another strengthen your stomach muscles. ■ Compare with

f watch strap; mine has just broken. "weaken" (to make somebody or something weaker).

strap2 [㐘] To fasten something with a strap: John stress1 /stres/ [㐌] 1 Nervous strain, tension: He

g strapped the books to his bicycle and went off to couldn't stand the stress of modern life. 2 Force,
school. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these forms: pressure: Architects need to calculate the stress of

h "strapped", "strapping". a roof on the walls.

strategy /ˈstræt·̬ ə·dʒi/ [㐗] A detailed plan of stress2 /stres/ [㐘] 1 To use extra force when pro-

i how to do something: The generals planned their nouncing part of a word: In the word "station", the
strategy for the battle. ■ The plural is "strategies". first part "sta" is the part stressed. 2 To give spe-

j stratosphere /ˈstræt·̬ əˌsfɪər/ [㐗] The layer cial attention: My teachers always stress the im-
above the troposphere: The stratosphere extends portance of reading at home to become a good
k up to 30 miles above the surface of the earth. reader. ■ Be careful with the spelling of the 3rd per-
㐀 See page 449. son singular present tense form: "stresses".

straw US: /strɑː/ UK: /strɔː/ [㐌] 1 The dried stems stretch1 /stretʃ/ [㐗] An area of land or water:
l of a plant: Our rabbit sleeps in a cage with straw in Now we go through a lovely stretch of woods.
it. 2 A long, thin tube for drinking through: stretch2 /stretʃ/ [㐘] 1 To pull something to
m Would you like a straw for your drinks?
change its size or shape: Don't put your new

strawberry US: /ˈstrɑːˌber.i/ UK: /ˈstrɔː.bər.i/ [㐗] sweater in the washing machine or it'll stretch. 2 To

n A soft red summer fruit: Strawberries are wonder- push out your arms, legs and so on as far as pos-
ful with cream. ■ The plural is "strawberries". sible: The cat stretched and went out for a walk in

o 㐀 See page 436. the backyard.

stray [㐀] Lost and far from home: We found a stretcher /ˈstretʃ·ər/ [㐗] A flat object to carry

p stray kitten in the street and took it home with us. a sick or injured person on: The ambulance men
stream1 /striːm/ [㐗] 1 A very small river: carried the injured people on stretchers.

q There's a stream opposite our house and we catch stricken Past participle of strike2.
frogs in it. 2 A continuous flow: There has been a strict /strɪkt/ [㐀] Very firm: My piano teacher is

r stream of visitors all week to see the new acquisi- very strict and makes me practice every day for
tion. three hours!

s stream2 /striːm/ [㐘] 1 To flow fast and strongly: stridden Past participle of stride.
Tears streamed down her face as she held the sick stride, strode, stridden /straɪd/ [㐘] To walk or
puppy in her arms. 2 To send to your screen on a to run with long steps: We watched Paul striding
t continuous basis: The quickest way to watch an across the street.
online movie is streaming. strike1 /straɪk/ [㐌] Stopping of work by workers,
u street /striːt/ [㐗] A road with houses on either usually because they want a change in condi-
side: There's a store on the corner of our street. ■ tions: In the company where my mother works, they

v The abbreviation "St" is only used in written lan- are going on strike next week. ■ Be careful. We al-
guage. See box at abbreviations. ■ When a particu- ways say: "on strike".

w lar street is mentioned, we use a capital "S": "Oxford strike2, struck, stricken /straɪk/ [㐘] 1 To hit
Street is a famous shopping street in London". ■ somebody or something: The car struck the barrier

x Compare with "road" (a hard path for vehicles in or and then ran into the wall. ■ We usually say "hit". 2
outside a city). In a clock, to ring a bell a particular number of

y street lamp [㐗] A light on top of a tall post times so that people know what time it is: The
on a street or road: Modern street lamps are provid- clock in the living room struck seven.

z ed with cells sensitive to light which turn the lamps striker /ˈstrɑɪ·kər/ [㐗] 1 A person who plays in
on at sunset. ■ The same meaning: "streetlight". a forward position in sports like soccer, hockey

359 string instrument

and so on: My brother plays as striker in the school instrument: One of my guitar strings broke in the a
team. 2 A person who goes on strike: The strikers b
asked for an interview with the Secretary. middle of the concert. 㐀 See page 458. c
d
string /strɪŋ/ [㐗] 1 Thin rope that is used for string instrument [㐗] A musical instru- e

tying things: Take this string and finish wrapping ment which has strings and produces sounds by
the parcel. 2 A fine wire or fiber that is used on an
making them vibrate: Guitars, violins and harps
STREET
are string instruments.

park library f
sidewalk g

h
i

j

sports center k

parking lot l
soccer field m
n

bus stop movie theater o
p
school newsstand q
corner r

s

traffic circle t
u
crosswalk v
w

streetlight x

stoplights y

z

strip 360

a strip1 /strɪp/ [㐗] A long, narrow piece of some- dents in my elementary school. 2 A person who

b thing: Cut the paper into strips. studies something: This dictionary is for English

strip2 /strɪp/ [㐘] 1 To take a covering of some- language students. 㐀 See picture at classroom.

thing off: We stripped the wallpaper off the walls studious /ˈstud·i·əs/ [㐀] Keen on studying: My

c and painted them white. 2 To take all your clothes older sister's very studious, but I prefer going out
off: When we arrived on the beach, we stripped our and enjoying myself.
d clothes off and dove into the water. ■ In this use, the study1 /ˈstʌdi/ [㐌] 1 Learning: When do you finish
same meaning: "undress". ■ Be careful with the your studies? 2 A room where somebody goes to

e spelling of these forms: "stripped", "stripping". study, read, write and so on: When my parents

stripe /straɪp/ [㐗] A long line of color: Zebras work at home, they do it in our study. ■ The plural is

f have black and white stripes and live in Africa. "studies".

striped /straɪpt/ [㐀] With stripes: Do you like study2 /ˈstʌdi/ [㐘] 1 To learn about something:

g my new striped skirt? ■ Be careful with the pronun- My cousin is studying Math at university. 2 To look
ciation of this word. The "e" is not pronounced. at something carefully: We studied the map but we

h strode US: /stroʊd/ UK: /strəʊd/ Past tense of stride. still couldn't find the name of the town where we
stroke1 /strəʊk/ [㐗] 1 A movement that you were going. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these

i make with your arm in a sport: I can go from one forms: "studies", "studied".
end of the swimming pool to the other in eight stuff1 /stʌf/ [㐖] Things, material or sub-

j strokes. 2 The sound of a clock: On the stroke of stance: What's all your stuff doing on the living
twelve, the new year starts. 3 A sudden illness of room floor?
k the brain: My grandpa died of a stroke last year. stuff2 /stʌf/ [㐘] 1 To fill something with some-
stroke2 /strəʊk/ [㐘] To move your hand over thing: My school bag is always stuffed with books.
somebody or something in an affectionate way: 2 To put something somewhere quickly: I could
l Don't stroke that dog; it looks a bit vicious to me!
hear the teacher coming, so I stuffed the sandwich

stroll1 [㐗] A slow walk: Let's go for a stroll in into my coat pocket.
m the park.
stuffing /ˈstʌf.ɪŋ/ [㐖] Something that you put
stroll2 /strəʊl/ [㐘] To walk slowly: We strolled into a thing: I love roast chicken with bread and

n along the river bank watching the ducks. onion stuffing.

stroller [㐗] A chair on wheels for a baby: I'm stumble /ˈstʌm.bl/̩ [㐘] To put your foot down

o going to take the baby to the park in the stroller. ■ badly and almost fall: As the kitchen was dark he
In British English they say "pushchair". stumbled over the stool.

p strong US: /strɑːŋ/ UK: /strɒŋ/ [㐀] 1 Physically stun /stʌn/ [㐘] 1 To make somebody dizzy by hit-
powerful: My big brother is very strong. He can lift ting them very hard on the head: Roger was

q my mom up. 2 Difficult to break: The rope will need stunned by a cricket ball hitting him on the head
to be very strong to lift the piano up. 3 When we while he watched the game. 2 To shock somebody:

r talk about a smell, a taste and so on, powerful or She was stunned when they offered her the job. She
intense: This coffee is very strong. was not expecting it at all. ■ Be careful with the

s struck /strʌk/ Past tense and past participle spelling of these forms: "stunned", "stunning".
forms of strike2. stung /stʌŋ/ Past participle of sting.

structure /ˈstrʌk·tʃər/ [㐌] 1 A building or some- stunk /stʌŋk/ Past tense and past participle forms

t thing that has been made: The new sculpture that of stink2.
they've put outside the Town Hall is a very strange stunning /ˈstʌn.ɪŋ/ [㐀] Very beautiful or im-
u structure, isn't it? 2 The way that something is pressive: Your cousin is absolutely stunning. Does
made: We've got a test tomorrow on the structure of she have a boyfriend?

v the eye. stunt man [㐗] A man who does dangerous
struggle1 /ˈstrʌgl/ [㐗] A fight: After a brief actions in movies in place of an actor: The stunt

w struggle the police managed to capture the thieves. man jumped from the moving train into the car. ■
struggle2 /ˈstrʌgl/ [㐘] To fight or to try very The plural is "stunt men". ■ A woman is a "stunt

x hard: We struggled to get the armchair out of the woman".
living room. stunt woman [㐗] A woman who does dan-

y stuck /stʌk/ Past tense and past participle forms gerous actions in movies in place of an actress:
of stick2. When the director shouted "Action!" the stunt wom-

z student /ˈstu·də·nt/, /-dənt/ [㐗] 1 A person who an jumped from one roof to another. ■ The plural is
attends a school or a college: There are 400 stu- "stunt women". ■ A man is a "stunt man".

361 such

stupid /ˈstu·pɪd/ [㐀] Silly or not clever: Don't be subterranean /ˌsʌbtərˈeɪniən/ [㐀] Under the a
b
stupid! Of course you can come to my party. ■ "Stu- ground: The subway trains go through subterra- c
d
pid" and "silly" have almost the same meaning, but nean tunnels. e
f
"stupid" is stronger. subtitles [㐑] The words sometimes put at g

stupidity US: /stuːˈpɪd.ə.i/ UK: /stjuːˈpɪd.ɪ.ti/ [㐌] Be- the bottom of the screen in a movie: The only rea- h
i
ing stupid: I've never seen such stupidity in all my son I could understand the movie was because j
k
life! ■ The plural is "stupidities". there were subtitles. l
m
stutter US: /ˈstʌ.ɚ/ UK: /ˈstʌt.ər/ [㐘] To speak re- subtle /ˈsʌt·̬ ə·l/ [㐀] Not immediately obvious or n
o
peating the same sounds: "I ddddon't know", he understandable, delicate: I don't like the way you p
q
stuttered. said that so directly; you should be more subtle. r
s
sty /staɪ/ [㐗] A place where pigs live: The sty subtract /səbˈtrækt/ [㐘] To take one number t
u
smells badly, even though it's just been cleaned away from another: If you subtract two from four, v
w
out. ■ The plural is "sties". ■ The same meaning: you get two. x
y
"pigsty", "pigpen". subtraction /səbˈtræk.ʃən/ [㐗] Taking one z

style /staɪl/ [㐌] 1 A particular way of doing some- number from another: She's only four but she can

thing: I really like his style of dancing. 2 The form already do simple addition and subtraction.

of something: I like her style of writing, with short subtropical /sʌbˈtrɑp·ɪ·kəl/ [㐀] Referring to

and precise sentences. the regions bordering on the tropics: Puerto Rico

subject /səbˈdʒekt/, /ˈsʌb.dʒekt/ [㐗] 1 Some- has a subtropical climate.

thing that you are studying at school: How many suburb /ˈsʌb·ɜrb/ [㐗] An area of the city that is
subjects do you study at school? 2 Something that
outside the center: We used to live in the center of
you are speaking or writing about: What's the
town until my parents bought a house in a suburb.
subject of the composition that we have to do for
homework? 3 The person or the thing that does subway /ˈsʌb.weɪ/ [㐗] Underground railway:

the action in a sentence: In "The cat sat on the Let's take the subway station into the Museum of
mat", "the cat" is the subject of the sentence. 4 A
Natural History. It's the quickest way. ■ In British
person who belongs to a particular country: My
English they say "underground, tube".
father is a Canadian subject because he was born
succeed /səkˈsiːd/ [㐘] To achieve what you are
in Toronto.
trying to do, to achieve recognition or popularity:
submarine /ˌsʌb.məˈriːn/ [㐗] A ship that trav-
At first the baby elephant couldn't stand up, but af-
els under the water: My brother is in the Navy and
ter lots of trying, she succeeded. ■ Be careful with
works on a submarine. ■ Be careful with the pronun-
the pronunciation of this word. The first "c" is pro-
ciation of this word! "sub" is pronounced as in "sun".
nounced like a "k" and the second like an "s".
㐀 See picture at transport.
success /səkˈses/ [㐖] Achieving what you
subscription /səbˈskrɪp.ʃən/ [㐗] Money that
want, achieving popularity: He was a big success
you pay to receive a magazine or to be in a club:
in the part of Hamlet. ■ Be careful with the pronun-
Have you paid your subscription for the mountain-
ciation of this word. The first "c" is pronounced like a
eering club this month?
"k" and the second like an "s".
subsoil /ˈsʌb.sɔɪl/ [㐖] The layer of soil which
successful /səkˈses.fəl/ [㐀] Achieving what you
is under the surface level: The subsoil often in-
want, achieving popularity: My dad's new store is
cludes only partially worked substances like sand
successful and he's very pleased with it. ■ Be care-
and clay that affect the quality of the soil.
ful with the pronunciation of this word. The first "c"
substance /ˈsʌb.stənts/ [㐗] A liquid or solid
is pronounced like a "k" and the second like an "s".
material: Water is a liquid substance and rock is a
succession /səkˈseʃ.ən/ [㐌] 1 The process of suc-
solid substance.
ceeding in genealogical line or time: The United
substantial /səbˈstæn.ʃəl/ [㐀] Large or impor-
States presidential succession defines who may be-
tant: There were substantial differences between
come or act as President of the United States upon
the two versions of the film.
the incapacity, death, resignation or removal from
substitute1 /ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/ [㐗] A person or a office. 2 A number of things or people which fol-

thing that takes the place of another: I've been low each other in order or time: Our teacher

chosen as a substitute for the school football team. showed us a succession of images relating to the

substitute2 /ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/ [㐘] To take the place of history of art in the 20th century.

somebody or something: Our teacher was away to- such /sʌtʃ/ [㐀] 1 A word that is used to give

day and the principal had to substitute for her. emphasis: This is such a nice place that I could
stay here for the rest of my life. 2 such as Like; for

suck 362

a example: Janice likes fiction books such as "Star suicide /ˈsuː.ɪ.saɪd/ [㐗] 1 Killing yourself: Her

b Wars", "Harry Potter" and "Hunger Games". attempt at suicide was the result of a profound de-

suck /sʌk/ [㐘] 1 To bring liquid into your mouth: pression. 2 commit suicide To kill yourself:

We went to see the new puppies. They were lying on Adolph Hitler committed suicide when he realized

c the floor, sucking milk from their mother's breasts. that he had lost the war.
2 To have something in your mouth for a long suit1 /suːt/ [㐗] 1 A jacket with either pants or a
d time: You're not allowed to suck candies in class.
skirt: My dad has bought himself a new gray suit

sucker /ˈsʌk·ər/ [㐗] 1 A part on the body of for my brother's wedding. 㐀  See picture at

e certain animals which enables them to stick to a clothes. 2 One of the four groups with the same
surface: Octopus have suckers on their tentacles. 2 symbol in a pack of cards: The four suits in United

f A rubber disc that enable things to be stuck to a States a pack of cards are: hearts, diamonds, clubs
surface: The toy gun fires darts with suckers on the and spades. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of

g end. 3 A person who believes everything they are this word. It rhymes with "boot".
told and so is easily tricked: I am a real sucker: suit2 /suːt/ [㐘] 1 To look good on you: I like your

h When Joe told me his dad is a millionaire I believed new dress; the color really suits you. 2 To be right:
him. 4 A person who likes something a lot and How about meeting at 8 o'clock? Does that suit

i does not distinguish between good ones and bad you? ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this
ones, because he likes them all: I am a sucker for word. It rhymes with "boot".
j love songs, any love songs. ■ This use is informal. ■ suitable /ˈsu·tə̬ ·bəl/ [㐀] Right or acceptable: I
We say: "to be a sucker for something/somebody". don't think that movie is really suitable for young

k sudden /ˈsʌd.ən/ [㐀] 1 Happening quickly: Ol- children. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this
ive's sudden illness gave us all a shock. 2 all of a word! The first part of this word rhymes with "boot".
sudden In a quick and unexpected way: Yester- suitcase /ˈsutkeɪs/ [㐗] A container to carry

l day I was walking to school when, all of a sudden, things in when you travel: We had to wait a long
a dog jumped out at me from behind a tree. time for our suitcases to come through at Los Ange-

m suddenly /ˈsʌd.ən.li/ [㐄] In a sudden way: I was les Airport. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of
sitting in the park reading when it suddenly began this word! The first part of this word rhymes with

n to rain. "boot". ■ "Case" is short for "suitcase".

suede /sweɪd/ [㐖] A soft leather: Do you like sulk /sʌlk/ [㐘] To be angry and not speak to any-

o my blue suede shoes? body: Stop sulking! I'm sorry I said that you're ter-

suffer /ˈsʌf·ər/ [㐘] To experience pain, sadness, rible at football.

p or loss: I'm suffering from a very bad flu and I can't sultan /ˈsʌltən/ [㐗] A Muslim ruler, especially
go to school. in the past: The first sultan ruled at the end of the

q suffering /ˈsʌf·ər·ɪŋ/ [㐖] Great pain, sadness 10th century.
or loss: Human beings often ask themselves why sum /sʌm/ [㐗] 1 A simple mathematical opera-

r there is so much suffering in the world. tion: Have you finished your sums yet? 2 The an-

sufficient /sjəˈfɪʃ.ənt/ [㐀] Enough: We didn't re- swer that you get when you add two numbers to-

s ally have sufficient time to finish the test. gether: The sum of fifteen and fifteen is thirty. 3 An

suffix /ˈsʌf.ɪks/ [㐗] Letters that you add to the amount of money: My cousin won a large sum of

end of a word to change its meaning: If you add money in the Lottery.

t the suffix "less" to "harm", you get "harmless", summarize or summarise /ˈsʌm·əˌrɑɪz/ [㐘]
which describes something that will not harm you. To give a short description of the most important
u sugar /ˈʃʊg·ər/ [㐖] 1 A substance that makes ideas of something: I usually summarize each
food sweet: Several countries in the Caribbean pro- chapter of my history book to help me remember it.

v duce and export sugar. 2 icing sugar See icing summary /ˈsʌm·ə·ri/ [㐗] A short description of
sugar. the most important ideas of something: We have

w suggest /səˈdʒest/ [㐘] To say what you think to write a summary of what we discussed in class
should be done: I suggested to my brother that he today. ■ The plural is "summaries".

x tell the teacher about his problem. ■ We say "sug- summer /ˈsʌm·ər/ [㐌] The season of the year be-
gest to (somebody)". tween spring and fall: When I was smaller, we al-

y suggestion /səˈdʒes.tʃən/ [㐗] Saying what you ways used to spend the summer at my uncle's
think should be done: We need some ideas for house. 㐀 See page 448.

z raising money for the school theater group. Any summer resort [㐌] A place for organized vaca-
suggestions? tion: On vacation we're going to a summer resort.

363 supply

summit /ˈsʌm.ɪt/ [㐗] The top of a mountain: suntan /ˈsʌn.tæn/ [㐗] The brown color that a
b
The first successful attempt to reach the summit of you get from sunbathing: What a fantastic suntan c
d
Mount Everest was in 1953. 㐀 See page 445. you've got. Have you been on vacation? ■ "Tan" is e
f
sun /sʌn/ [㐌] 1 The round object in the sky that short for "suntan". g

gives light and heat: Without the energy from the super /ˈsu·pər/ [㐀] Wonderful: What a super h
i
sun, life on earth would be impossible. 㐀 See page person Jimmy is. I really like him. ■ This word is in- j
446. 2 The light and the heat that the sun gives: k
formal. l
Don't sit in the sun for too long or you'll get burned. m
superb /sʊˈpɜrb/ [㐀] Extremely good: We had a n
■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! The o
superb meal in an Italian restaurant. p
"u" is pronounced like the "u" in "cup". q
superimpose /ˌsuːpərɪmˈpəʊz/ [㐘] To place words r
sunbathe /ˈsʌn.beɪð/ [㐘] To lie in the sun: Lying s
or images on top of something: The couple asked t
down on the beach sunbathing is very boring. ■ Be u
the photographer to superimpose some of the wed- v
careful with the pronunciation of this word! The "u" w
ding photos to form a collage. x
is pronounced like the "u" in "cup", and "ba" rhymes y
superior /sʊˈpɪər·i·ər/ [㐀] Better than some- z
with "day".
body or something: These shoes are of superior
sunburned or sunburnt /ˈsʌn.bɜːnt/ US:
quality to the ones I bought here last year.
/-bɝːnt/ [㐀] When talking of people, burnt by
being in the sun: Larry fell asleep on the beach superiority /sʊˌpɪər·iˈɔr·ɪ·t̬i/, /-ˈɑr·ɪ·t̬i/ [㐖] Be-

and got sunburned. ing superior: I can't stand Jill's air of superiority

Sunday /ˈsʌn.deɪ/ [㐌] The first day of the week: when she is answering the teacher's questions.

Sunday is between Saturday and Monday. ■ Be superlative /sʊˈpɜr·lə·t̬ɪv/ [㐍] The form of an

careful! "Sunday" has a capital "S". 㐀  See picture adjective that indicates its greatest level: "High-

at calendar. est" is the superlative form of "high".

sunflower /ˈsʌnˌflɑʊ·ər/, /-flɑʊər/ [㐗] A tall supermarket /ˈsu·pərˌmɑr·kɪt/ [㐗] A large

plant with very large yellow flowers: The sunflow- store where food and other things are sold: My

er is grown for its seeds as well as its flowers. parents always do the week's shopping on Satur-

㐀 See page 433. days in the local supermarket.

sung /sʌŋ/ Past participle of sing. supernatural /ˌsu·pərˈnætʃ·ər·əl/ [㐀] Relating
sunglasses US: /ˈsʌnˌglæs.ɪz/ UK: /ˈsʌŋˌglɑː.sɪz/
to ghosts, spirits and other unnatural forces: The
[㐗] Dark glasses to protect your eyes from the
sun's rays: I left my sunglasses on the beach and bad guy of the movie was over nine feet tall and

now I've lost them. ■ When we talk about two or had supernatural powers.

more "sunglasses", we use the word "pairs": "I have supersonic /ˌsu·pərˈsɑn·ɪk/ [㐀] Faster than the

two pairs of sunglasses". 㐀 See picture at glasses. speed of sound: Concorde was the world's first su-

sunk /sʌŋk/ Past participle of sink2. personic passenger aircraft and first flew in 1969.
sunken /ˈsʌŋ.kən/ [㐀] Which is beneath the
superstition /ˌsu·pərˈstɪʃ·ən/ [㐗] Something
surface, especially of water: The bottom of the
that people believe and that is not based on logic:
boat crashed into the sunken rocks.
There's a superstition that breaking a mirror brings
sunlight /ˈsʌn.laɪt/ [㐖] The light from the
you bad luck.
sun: Let's go in the shade; the sunlight's very
supervise /ˈsu·pərˌvɑɪz/ [㐘] To watch somebody
bright today.
doing something to make sure that it is done cor-
sunny /ˈsʌn.i/ [㐀] Bright with the light from
rectly: The teacher supervised us very carefully
the sun: What a lovely sunny day it is! Let's go on a
while we did the experiment.
picnic. ■ The comparative form is "sunnier" and the
supervision /ˌsu·pərˈvɪʒ·ən/ [㐖] Watching
superlative form is "sunniest".
somebody doing something to make sure that it
sunrise /ˈsʌn.raɪz/ [㐖] When the sun appears
is done correctly: Little children need supervision
in the sky: My aunt is a farmer and she has to get
at all times.
up at sunrise every day.
supper /ˈsʌp·ər/ [㐗] A meal that you have late
sunset /ˈsʌn.set/ [㐖] When the sun goes
in the evening: Shall we have supper out or stay at
down: Let's get a photograph of this sunset. Isn't it
home?
beautiful?
supply1 /səˈplaɪ/ [㐗] An amount of something
sunshine /ˈsʌn.ʃaɪn/ [㐖] The light and heat
that you keep: Have you bought the supplies for
from the sun: Let's eat our sandwiches outside in
the trip? ■ The plural is "supplies".
the sunshine.
supply2 /səˈplaɪ/ [㐘] To give or to sell something

that is needed: Tim's dad works in a bakery that

supplies all the local stores with bread, buns and

support 364

a cakes. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these forms: surgeon /ˈsɜr·dʒən/ [㐗] A doctor who performs

b "supplies", "supplied". operations: Kate's aunt is an excellent surgeon

support1 /səˈpɔːt/ [㐗] 1 A thing that holds whose specialty is doing heart transplants.

something up: Be careful with that post. It's the surgery /ˈsɜr·dʒə·ri/ [㐗] Cutting somebody's

c main support of the tent. 2 Help: I'd like to thank body for medical reasons: My grandpa has to have
you for all the support that you have given me. heart surgery next month.
d support2 /səˈpɔːt/ [㐘] 1 To hold something up: surname /ˈsɜr·neɪm/ [㐗] The name that you
These pillars support the roof of the building. 2 To share with other people in your family: My first

e give somebody the things that they need to live: I name is Michael and my surname is Smith. ■ The
don't know how Mrs. Duncan manages. She's got same meaning: "family name", "last name".

f four children and her parents to support. 3 To be surprise1 /səˈpraɪz/ [㐗] 1 Something that is
on the side of somebody: Harry and Bill support not expected: Don't tell Freddie about the present.

g New Orleans Saints. It's supposed to be a surprise. 2 The feeling that

supporter /səˈpɔr·t̬ər/, /-ˈpoʊr·tə̬ r/ [㐗] A fan or you have when something unexpected happens: I

h a follower: In our town the football supporters al- was sure that I was going to fail the test, but to my
ways behave well. surprise, I passed.

i suppose /səˈpoʊz/ [㐘] 1 To expect that some- surprise2 /səˈpraɪz/ [㐘] To give a surprise: Mag-
thing will happen: I suppose that you'll spend gie's reaction surprised us all.
j Christmas with you grandparents as usual. 2 to be surprised /sərˈprɑɪzd/, /sə-/ [㐀] Feeling or show-
supposed to To be expected to do something: ing surprise: She was so surprised when she saw
k Come here, please! You're supposed to be helping him that she dropped her coffee. ■ See box at bored.
me! surprising /sərˈprɑɪ·zɪŋ/, /sə-/ [㐀] Giving sur-
supposing [㐈] In case; if: Supposing the bus prise: We all found the movie surprising. It
l comes before Tom does, what do we do then?
wasn't what we had expected at all. ■ See box at

sure US: /ʃʊr/ UK: /ʃɔːr/ [㐀] 1 Certain: I'm sure I bored.
m saw you at the disco on Saturday. 2 to be sure to surrealistic /səˌrɪəˈlɪs.tɪk/ [㐀] Very unusual
To do something for sure: If you wait outside and strange, not appearing to be real: The atmo-

n school at 4 o'clock, you'll be sure to see Sally come sphere in the deserted city was surrealistic.
out. 3 to make sure To check something to be surrender /səˈren·dər/ [㐘] To stop fighting, to ad-

o sure about it: Make sure you switch off the gas be- mit defeat: The soldiers surrendered and the war
fore you leave the house. came to an end.

p surely /ˈʃʊər·li/, /ˈʃoʊr·li/ [㐄] Certainly, I am sure surround /səˈraʊnd/ [㐘] To go or be round some-
that: Surely you're not going to wear that awful thing: Our house is surrounded by trees.

q dress at the party! surroundings /səˈraʊn.dɪŋz/ [㐑] The things
surf1 /sɜːf/ [㐖] The white bubbles on top of that surround you: The hotel that we go to on va-

r waves: Look at all that surf on the waves! It must cation every year has beautiful surroundings.
be very windy. survey /ˈsɜr·veɪ/ [㐗] Asking questions about

s surf2 /sɜːf/ [㐘] To ride on the waves with a board: what people think: At school we did a survey on
I tried to learn to surf last summer but I found it the type of music people like.
very difficult. survival /sərˈvɑɪ·vəl/ [㐖] The state of con-
t surface /ˈsɜr·fəs/ [㐗] 1 The outside of some- tinuing to live: They went on a safari and took with
thing: Make sure you clean the surface of the them everything they needed for survival.
u laboratory bench properly. 2 The top of the wa- survive /sərˈvɑɪv/ [㐘] To live through difficult cir-
ter: The ball went under the water but then ap- cumstances: I don't know how Irene survived such

v peared on the surface. ■ Be careful with the pro- a terrible accident.
nunciation of this word! The "a" is pronounced like survivor [㐗] A person who survives a disas-

w "i" in "did". ter: There were no survivors of the air crash.

surfboard US: /ˈsɝːf.bɔːrd/ UK: /ˈsɜːf.bɔːd/ [㐗] A suspect1 /ˈsʌspekt/ [㐗] A person who the po-

x board that you use for surfing: Richard has lice think has done something wrong: The police
bought himself a new surfboard and has given me say that they have arrested a suspect.

y his old one. suspect2 /səˈspekt/ [㐘] 1 To believe that some-

surfing /ˈsɜr·fɪŋ/ [㐖] The sport of riding on thing may be true: I suspect that Tom is not com-

z the waves with a board: Anna won a cup in a surf- ing today. It's 10 o'clock and he hasn't phoned.
ing competition last year. 2 To believe that somebody may have done

365 sweep

something: "Who did that drawing on the white- careful with the spelling of these forms: "swapped", a
"swapping". b
board?" "I suspect George". c
swarm US: /swɔːrm/ UK: /swɔːm/ [㐗] A large d
suspend /səˈspend/ [㐘] 1 To hang something: At e
group of insects flying together: Look at that swarm f
the circus the best act was an acrobat who was sus- of bees coming this way! 㐀 See picture at groups. g
pended from the top of the tent. 2 To stop some-
sway /sweɪ/ [㐘] To move from side to side: The h
thing: The concert was suspended because one of i
palm trees swayed in the wind. j
the singers was ill. k
swear, swore, sworn US: /swer/ UK: /sweər/ [㐘] 1 l
suspenders /səˈspen·dərz/ [㐑] Elastic straps m
To use rude words: When he bumped his car into n
to keep your pants up: My uncle wears red sus- the lamp-post, he swore. 2 To make a solemn o
promise: I swore that I would never speak to her p
penders. ■ In British English they say "braces". again. 3 swear word A rude word: Don't use those q
swear words in front of grandma! r
suspense /səˈspents/ [㐖] A feeling of fear s
sweat1 /swet/ [㐖] The liquid that comes out t
and anxiety while waiting for something to hap- u
of your skin when you are hot: He had run for v
pen: The suspense in the movie was tremendous. miles and his T-shirt was wet with sweat. w
x
suspension /səˈspenʃən/ [㐖] 1 The condition sweat2 [㐘] To have sweat coming out of your skin: y
z
of being stopped temporarily: The suspension of It was so hot in the room that we were all sweating.

the building work is the result of problems with the sweater US: /ˈswet̬.ɚ/ UK: /ˈswet.ər/ [㐗] A warm
finance. 2 A form of punishment that consists in
piece of clothing with long sleeves: Do you like my
not being permitted to attend school or work or to new sweater? ■ The same meaning: "jersey", "jump-
er", "pullover". "Sweater" is the most commonly used
compete in sport: The player was punished with a word. 㐀 See picture at clothes.
three game suspension. 3 The condition of hang-
sweat gland [㐗] A gland which produces
ing in the air: For a climber, suspension on the end
of a rope is normal. 4 In chemistry, the dispersion and excretes sweat: Sweat glands are found be-
neath the skin.
of solid or liquid particles in a liquid or gas with-
sweatshirt /ˈswetˌʃɜrt/ [㐗] A sweater made
out being mixed: When flour is added to water, a
suspension is produced. 5 The system by which a out of thick cotton: It was so hot that I had to take
my sweatshirt off. 㐀 See picture at clothes.
vehicle is supported on its wheels and the pas-
sweep, swept, swept /swiːp/ [㐘] 1 To clean
sengers protected from the shocks: My father's car
something by brushing it: Can you sweep the floor,
is a 4x4 and has independent suspension for each please? 2 To move very quickly: The principal
wheel. 6 suspension bridge A bridge suspended swept through the classroom, telling us all to go to
the lunch room. 3 To push something quickly and
from steel cables: We crossed Brooklyn Bridge smoothly: She swept the money off the table and
into her pocket.
which is one of the most famous suspension bridg-
TO SWEEP
es in the world.

suspicion /səˈspɪʃ.ən/ [㐗] The belief, without

certain proof, that something has happened: I

have a suspicion that Jennifer is in trouble.

suspicious /səˈspɪʃ.əs/ [㐀] Feeling or giving

the idea that something is wrong: Marilyn Monroe

died in suspicious circumstances.

swallow1 /ˈswɒləʊ/ [㐗] A small bird with a

long split tail and special way of flying: You know

that summer is really here when you see the swal-

lows.

swallow2 /ˈswɒləʊ/ [㐘] To make food or drink go

from your throat to your stomach: She swallowed

her breakfast quickly and ran down the stairs.

swam /swæm/ Past tense of swim.
swamp /swɒmp/ [㐗] Very wet ground: There

are always a lot of insects near a swamp in sum-

mer.

swan US: /swɑːn/ UK: /swɒn/ [㐗] A large bird

with a long neck: Swans are beautiful, elegant

birds that live on lakes and rivers.

swap /swɒp/ [㐘] To exchange one thing for anoth-

er: I like your T-shirt. Will you swap it with me? ■ Be

sweet 366

a sweet1 /swiːt/ [㐀] 1 With sugar: This cake is too swimming trunks. Where did you get them? ■ When
b sweet for me. 㐀  See picture at opposite. 2 Nice: we talk about two or more "swimming trunks", we
What a sweet baby! 3 Kind and loving: I was very use the word "pairs": "I bought three pairs of swim-
upset, but the teacher was sweet to me and I felt ming trunks". ■ We also say "trunks". 㐀 See picture

c better. 4 Smelling good: Those flowers smell sweet. at clothes.
sweet2 /swiːt/ [㐗] 1 See candy. ■ This use is swimsuit /ˈswɪmˌsut/ [㐗] A piece of clothing
d British English. 2 A sweet dish that you have at the that women and girls wear for swimming: Put
end of a meal: What would you like for sweet? Fruit your swimsuit on and we'll go to the beach.

e or apple pie? ■ In this use "sweet" is informal. swing1 /swɪŋ/ [㐗] A suspended seat that

sweet corn /ˈswiːt.kɔːn/ US: /-kɔːrn/ [㐖] The moves backwards and forwards: Let's go and play

f yellow part of the corn plant: I love sweet corn on the swings in the park.
with butter. ■ Compare with "corn" (the plant). swing2, swung, swung /swɪŋ/ [㐘] 1 To move

g sweetheart /ˈswitˌhɑrt/ [㐗] Somebody that backwards and forwards while you are hanging
you love: My grandma married her childhood from something: He tied the rope to the branch

h sweetheart: my grandfather! and swung on it for a long time. 2 To make some-

swell, swelled, swollen /swel/ [㐘] To get big- thing move backwards and forwards: Swing your

i ger: I got bitten by a wasp the other day, and my arms as you walk and you'll soon get warm.
arm swelled like a balloon. swipe [㐘] To steal something: Hey! You've swiped

j swelled Past tense of swell. ■ Be careful with the my pencil. ■ This use is informal.
pronunciation of the end of this word. The last "e" is switch1 /swɪtʃ/ [㐗] A small object that you
not pronounced. press to turn electricity on: The light switch is on
k swelling /ˈswel.ɪŋ/ [㐗] A lump on the body: I the left as you go in.
went to the doctor's because I had a swelling on my switch2 /swɪtʃ/ [㐘] To change to another thing:
l hand.
We always used to walk to school but this term

swept /swept/ Past tense and past participle we've switched to getting the bus.

m forms of sweep. ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to switch off To press a

swerve /swɜːv/ [㐘] To turn quickly to avoid switch to turn electricity off: Switch the television

n something: The car swerved so as not to hit the dog off and listen to me. · to switch on To press a
and went off the road. switch to turn electricity on: Switch the light on,

o swift /swɪft/ [㐀] Fast: Claire is a very swift play- please. It's getting dark.
er and we're hoping that she'll score some goals for swollen /ˈswəʊlən/ Past participle of swell.

p our team. sword US: /sɔːrd/ UK: /sɔːd/ [㐗] A very long,

swiftly [㐄] In a rapid, easy way: We swiftly put sharp knife for fighting: We saw some beautiful

q the tables back in the right place. swords at the Viking exhibition on Sunday.

swim1 /swɪm/ [㐗] Moving through the water: swore US: /swɔːr/ UK: /swɔːr/ Past tense of swear.

r Shall we go for a swim? sworn /swɔːn/ Past participle of swear.

swim2, swam, swum /swɪm/ [㐘] To move swum /swʌm/ Past participle of swim.

s through the water: I swam across the lake in about swung /swʌŋ/ Past tense and past participle
twenty minutes. ■ Be careful with the spelling of this forms of swing.
form: "swimming". syllable /ˈsɪl.ə.bl̩/ [㐗] A part of a word that
t swim bladder [㐗] A sac filled with gas has one vowel sound: The word "institution" has
which helps fish control their buoyancy: The four syllables.
u swim bladder helps a fish to stay at the depth it symbol /ˈsɪm.bəl/ [㐗] A sign or an object that
wants without wasting energy. represents something: The dove is the symbol of

v swimmer /ˈswɪm·ər/ [㐗] A person who swims: peace.
Mark is an excellent swimmer. symmetrical /sɪˈmet.rɪ.kəl/ [㐀] That has parts

w swimming /ˈswɪm.ɪŋ/ [㐖] The sport you do that are in pleasant harmony or that exactly
when you swim: Swimming is my favorite sport. match: The new arts center building is not symmet-

x 㐀 See picture at sport. rical, it is very unusual.

swimming pool [㐗] A place where you can symmetry /ˈsɪm.ə.tri/ [㐖] The state where

y swim: Let's go to the outdoor swimming pool. It's a the parts or sides of something are in harmony or
really nice day. ■ We also say "pool". exactly match each other: From the front the air-
craft has perfect symmetry. ■ The plural is "symme-
z swimming trunks [㐑] Short pants that tries".
men and boys wear for swimming: I like your new

367 systole

sympathetic /ˌsɪm·pəˈθet̬·ɪk/ [㐀] Understand- syringe /sɪˈrɪndʒ/ [㐗] A medical instrument a
b
ing and kind: Kitty was very sympathetic when my for giving injections: Most hospitals and clinics c
d
boyfriend left me. use disposable syringes. e
f
sympathy /ˈsɪm.pə.θi/ [㐖] Understanding syrup /ˈsɪr.əp/ [㐖] 1 A sweet substance made g

and kindness: Everyone showed a lot of sympathy from sugar and juice or water: I like tinned fruit h
but I don't like the syrup. 2 Liquid medicine: I had i
when my father died. ■ The plural is "sympathies". j
some cough syrup last night and I slept great.
symphonic /sɪmˈfɒn.ɪk/ US: /-ˈfɑː.nɪk/ [㐀] Refer-
system /ˈsɪs.təm/ [㐗] 1 An arrangement of
ring to a symphony: The orchestra played some
things which work together: Today we studied the
beautiful pieces of symphonic music. human nervous system at school. 2 A way of orga-

symphony /ˈsɪmp.fə.ni/ [㐗] A long musical nizing something, a method: You must tell me

composition for an orchestra: Symphonies usually what your system is for studying, you always get re-

have four parts. ■ The plural is "symphonies". ally good grades.

symptom /ˈsɪmp.təm/ [㐗] A sign of an illness: systemic /sɪˈstem.ɪk/ [㐀] Referring to or affect-

All your symptoms make me think that you must ing a system, organism or institution as a whole:

have chickenpox. Blood poisoning is a systemic infection.

synagogue /ˈsɪn·əˌgɑg/ [㐗] A place where systole /ˈsɪs·tə·li/ [㐗] A single heart contrac-

Jews meet to pray: There are many synagogues in tion: In the course of a systole, blood is pumped in-

United States. to the arteries. ■ Compare with "diastole" (the peri-

synthetic /sɪnˈθet·̬ ɪk/ [㐀] False; not natural: od separating two contractions of the heart).

This dress is made of synthetic material.

k

l

m
n
o
p
q

r
s

t
u
v
w
x
y

z

T t /tiː/ The twentieth letter of the alphabet: The
t
name "Thomas" begins with a "T".

tab1 /tæb/ [㐗] 1 A small piece of paper, metal

or other material that is attached to something

else and used for identification or for fastening:

A tab was attached to each document showing its
ID number. 2 to keep tabs on somebody /

something To watch somebody or something

periodically to check on the situation: We

should keep tabs on him: he could be a real tal-

ent.

tab2 [㐘] To apply identifying strips: The docu-

ments have to be tabbed for identification purpos-

es. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these forms:

"tabbing", "tabbed".

table /ˈteɪbl/ [㐗] 1 A piece of furniture with a

flat top and legs: We always play dominoes on

the kitchen table. 㐀 See picture at living room.
2 Facts or numbers arranged in columns: Ra-
chel is busy learning her multiplication tables. 3

coffee table See "coffee table" in the word cof-
fee. 4 set the table See "set the table" in the

word set2.

tablecloth /ˈteɪ·bəlˌklɔθ/ [㐗] A cloth that you

put over a table: Take that tablecloth off; it's dirty.

table soccer [㐗] Game often played in bars

in which you move players on bars on a table: We

used to play table soccer in my garage. ■ The same

meaning: "foosball".

tablespoon /ˈteɪ.bl.̩ spuːn/ [㐗] A spoon for

serving food: Don't forget to put tablespoons on

the table for the mashed potatoes.

tablet /ˈtæb.lət/ [㐗] A small, round piece of

medicine: Take these tablets three times a day.

table tennis [㐗] A game that is played by

hitting a ball over a net on a table: Sarah and An-

drew are playing table tennis in the garage. ■ The

same meaning: "ping-pong".

tabulator [㐗] The key of a computer for ad-

vancing certain positions: Please do not use the

space bar too often and use the tabulator instead.

tact /tækt/ [㐖] Acting or speaking carefully

so that you do not upset people: You didn't show

much tact when you said that auntie Linda had be-

come fat.

tactful /ˈtækt.fəl/ [㐀] Careful not to do or to say

things that upset people: Be tactful. Don't mention

the accident.

tactic /ˈtæk.tɪk/ [㐗] Way of doing something in

order to be at an advantage: The coach changed

the tactics and the team won the game.

tactile /ˈtæk.taɪl/ US: /-təl/ [㐀] Referring to the

sense of touch: Modern phones are now provided

with a tactile screen.

369 take

tactless /ˈtækt.ləs/ [㐀] Not careful about upset- a look at my drawing and give me some advice? 14 a
to take care of (somebody) See "to take care of b
ting people: She was tactless when she said that (somebody)" in the word care. 15 to take into ac- c
she didn't like their sister. count To consider something when you decide, d
evaluate or do something: I will take that into ac- e
tadpole /ˈtædˌpoʊl/ [㐗] A small animal with a count when I decide. 16 to take note To notice f
and learn: I took note of how Joe does it, and I g
simple form that lives in water and develops into think I know how to do it. 17 to take notes To
a frog: The frog's eggs hatched and produced lots write down things to help you understand or h
of tadpoles. study something: I take a lot of notes in that class. i
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to take after (somebody) To j
tag /tæg/ [㐗] A label that gives you informa- resemble somebody who is a relation: The baby k
really takes after his mother. · to take (something) l
tion about something: There's no price tag on the apart To disconnect the parts of a machine, in- m
CD so I'm going to ask the store assistant. strument or piece of furniture: Help me to take n
apart this machine. · to take (somebody or some- o
tail /teɪl/ [㐗] The long and thin part at the thing) away 1 To remove, to cause something to p
disappear: Here's an aspirin. It will take away the q
back of an animal: Monkeys have very long tails. pain; When he had the attack they took him away. 2 r
To get prepared food from a place to take home or s
TAIL take to the street: I want a sandwich to take away. t
· to take (something) back 1 To return some- u
tailor1 [㐗] A person who makes men's thing: I'm going to take these shoes back to the v
store. They are too small. 2 To retract your words, w
clothes: My father has his suits made by the local to admit that what you said before was wrong: I x
tailor. ■ A person who makes women's clothes is a take back what I said, it is a good place. · to take y
"dressmaker". (something) down 1 To take notes of something z
that is said: The students took down the teacher's
tailor2 [㐘] To make and fit men's clothes: He has explanation. 2 To lower something: They took
down the flag. · to take (somebody) in To deceive
his suits tailored in New York. somebody: He really took us in. Everyone thought
he was a nice guy. · to take (something) in To as-
take, took, taken /teɪk/ [㐘] 1 To carry some- similate ideas or information: I'm going to stop
studying for today. I can't take in any more infor-
thing: Take these glasses to the kitchen, please; mation. · to take off 1 To go into the air from the
Don't forget to take your keys. 2 To remove; to ground: The plane took off at exactly eight o'clock.
steal: Somebody has taken my pencil case. 3 To 2 To become successful or popular: Her business
hold something: Can you take the baby a minute? has really taken off. · to take (something) off To
4 To accompany somebody or drive somebody remove something, especially clothes or accesso-
somewhere: Who's taking the children to school to- ries: Take your boots off before you come into the
morrow? 5 To catch a vehicle: We took the bus to house, please. · to take (somebody) on 1 To begin
the center; Why don't you take the night plane? It's to employ somebody: Thirty workers have been
cheaper. 6 To occupy a place or space: Is this seat taken on at the new factory. 2 To compete against
taken? 7 To swallow medicine: He has to take the or fight somebody: We took on the champions in
pills after lunch. ■ Be careful! We don't use "take" the semi-final, and beat them. · to take (some-
when we talk about food and drink, we use "have". body) out To invite somebody out: He took me out
We say "have dinner", "have coffee", and so on. 8 To to dinner. · to take (something) out To remove
need time, to last: The flight from Orlando to Dal- something from a pocket, bag and so on: I took
las takes two hours. It took me 30 minutes to do the out my cell phone. · to take over 1 To get responsi-
test. 9 To accept something: This hotel doesn't bility for: Mrs. Wallace took over the class while
take dogs. 10 To capture a place: The enemy our teacher was ill. 2 To take control of some-
troops have just taken the town. 11 To stand: I thing: A German company has taken over the firm
can't take this pressure. 12 To require a quality: It my sister works for. · to take to (somebody) To
takes courage to do that. 13 to take a look at like somebody: I took to Susie from the start. · to
something To examine something: Can you take

taken 370

a take up 1 To occupy space or time: The armchair tame2 /teɪm/ [㐘] To make a wild animal accus-

b by the bed takes up a lot of room. 2 To start in a tomed to human beings: It took Kim a lot of pa-
position: After three years in the department I think tience to tame his monkey.
you're ready to take up the manager position. 3 To tan /tæn/ [㐗] See suntan.
c start a hobby: I have taken up chess.
tangerine /ˌtæn·dʒəˈrin/ [㐗] A small orange:

taken /ˈteɪ.kən/ Past participle of take. Would you like a tangerine?
d take-off /ˈteɪkˌɔf/ [㐗] The moment when an tangram [㐗] A puzzle originating in China
airplane leaves the ground: What time is take-off? that is made of seven flat pieces: The pieces of the

e ■ Compare with "landing" (the act of arriving on tangram have to be put together to make different
land). shapes.

f takeout [㐗] 1 A restaurant that sells food to tank /tæŋk/ [㐗] 1 A large container for liquids
eat at home or in the street: How about buying or gases: We'll have to fill the tank at the next gas

g something at the Mexican takeout? 2 Food for eat- station. 2 A heavy army vehicle with a long gun
ing at home or in the street: My father ordered an out front: The army used tanks to take the rebels'

h Indian takeout for lunch last Sunday. positions.

tale /teɪl/ [㐗] 1 A story: I like mystery tales. 2 A tanker /ˈtæŋ·kər/ [㐗] A large ship that carries

i report: Pat's always telling tales about her class- oil: When the tanker hit the rocks it spilled a lot of
mates. 3 fairy tale A story about magic people or petroleum into the sea.
j events, usually for children: "The Beauty and the tap1 /tæp/ [㐗] 1 See faucet. ■ This use is British
Beast" is one of my favorite fairy tales. English. 2 A light blow: The dog started barking

talent /ˈtæl.ənt/ [㐖] A special skill at some- when it heard the tap on the window.

k thing: The teacher says Hannah has a talent for tap2 /tæp/ [㐘] To hit something softly: Tap on the
languages. door to see if anybody's in. ■ Be careful with the
l talented /ˈtæl·ən·tɪd/ [㐀] Able to do something spelling of these forms: "tapped", "tapping".
well: Everyone agrees that she's a talented ac- tape1 /teɪp/ [㐗] 1 A long, thin strip of cloth, pa-
m tress. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of the end per or sticky material: We used some tape to pre-
of this word. The last "e" is pronounced like the "i" pare the parcels. 2 A thin band of plastic for record-

n in "did". ing sound or images: My parents still have some

talk1 /tɔːk/ [㐗] 1 A conversation: Matthew and I 80's music tapes that they like to play in our car.
o had a long talk on the phone this morning. 2 A tape2 /teɪp/ [㐘] 1 To fix something with a tape:
more or less informal speech: A doctor's giving us You'll have to tape the parcel up before you take it

p a talk about sex this afternoon. to the post office. 2 To record music or a film:

talk2 /tɔːk/ [㐘] To speak: Sarah says she doesn't Shall we tape the Charlie Chaplin film tonight?

q want to talk to me. ■ Be careful! We say: "talk to tape measure [㐗] A long piece of cloth or
somebody" or "talk about (something)". ■ "Speak" metal marked in centimeters or inches, used for

r has almost the same meaning as "talk". We usually measuring: Do you have a tape measure? I want to
say "talk" when we are referring to a conversation: measure the length of this shelf.

s "We talked for ages". We usually say "speak" when tape-recorder [㐗] A machine that records
we are referring to the general action: "He speaks a and plays back sounds: The journalist prepared her
lot. She speaks five languages". tape-recorder for her interview with the candidate.
t talkative US: /ˈtɑː.kə.ɪv/ UK: /ˈtɔː.kə.tɪv/ [㐀] Who tapestry /ˈtæp.ɪ.stri/ [㐗] A piece of cloth with
talks a lot: Linda is very talkative in class. a picture on it: When we visited the White House
u tall US: /tɑːl/ UK: /tɔːl/ [㐀] Somebody or some- we saw some beautiful tapestries. ■ The plural is
thing with more than average height: My cousin "tapestries".

v James is very tall. He's 6 feet 2 inches. ■ "Tall" is tapeworm /ˈteɪpˌwɜrm/ [㐗] A parasite which
usually used for people, trees and structures. Com- lives in the intestines of humans and other ani-

w pare with "high1" (is used for abstract nouns like mals: The tapeworm has a long, segmented body
"tech" or "definition" and for inanimate things). and a small head.

x 㐀 See picture at opposite. tap or tap dance [㐗] A kind of dance with

tambourine /ˌtæm.bəˈriːn/ [㐗] A small, round shoes with metal plates on the heels and toes to

y drum with metal pieces around it: I play the tam- make sound with your feet: We're learning new
bourine in the school band. tap steps for the recital.

z tame1 /teɪm/ [㐀] Accustomed to human beings: target /ˈtɑr·gɪt/ [㐗] An object that you aim at:
Our next-door neighbor keeps a tame monkey. The missile just missed the target.

371 tease

tarnish /ˈtɑr·nɪʃ/ [㐘] To stain something: The rep- tax /tæks/ [㐌] Money paid to the government: a
b
utation of this actor was tarnished by the scandal. People pay taxes according to their income. ■ The c
d
tarsal [㐀] Referring to the ankle bones: He plural is "taxes". e
f
broke his tarsal bones in the accident. ■ Compare to taxi /ˈtæk.si/ [㐗] A car that takes you some- g

"carpal" (referring to the wrist bones). where if you pay: We took a taxi to the airport. ■ h
i
tart1 /tɑːt/ [㐗] A piece of pastry with sweet The same meaning: "cab". j
k
food on top: Would you like another piece of straw- tea /tiː/ [㐌] 1 A drink that is made with hot water l
m
berry tart? ■ Compare with "pie" (a dish made of and dry leaves: Mom's making tea in the kitchen. 2 n
o
pastry filled with meat, vegetables or fruit). A plant that you make a drink with: What sort of p
tea shall I get, dad? 3 A light afternoon meal: My q
tart2 /tɑːt/ [㐀] With a sharp or acid taste: I like aunt can't come to lunch, but she's coming to tea. 4 r
s
candy made with tart lemon flavor and cover with An evening meal: Will you join us for tea tonight? t
u
sugar. teach, taught, taught /tiːtʃ/ [㐘] 1 To give les- v
w
tartan US: /ˈtɑːr.ən/ UK: /ˈtɑː.tən/ [㐖] A woolen sons: My uncle Jim teaches English. 2 To show x
y
cloth with colored squares on it: In 1998 the US somebody how to do something: My father's going z

Senate designated 6 April as Tartan Day in recog- to teach me to make spaghetti.

nition of the monumental achievements and in- teacher /ˈti·tʃər/ [㐗] A person who gives les-

valuable contributions made by Scottish Ameri- sons: Our history teacher gave us a talk about

cans. Abraham Lincoln yesterday. ■ Be careful! We say:

task US: /tæsk/ UK: /tɑːsk/ [㐗] A job that you "She is a teacher". (We don't say: "She is teacher").

must do: I was given the task of checking that all 㐀 See picture at classroom.

the younger children crossed the road safely. teaching /ˈtiː.tʃɪŋ/ [㐖] A teacher's job or

taste1 /teɪst/ [㐌] 1 The ability to appreciate food work: Our new teacher has unusual teaching meth-

and recognize flavors: Taste is one of the five sens- ods.
es. 2 The particular flavor of food or drink: Some
olives have a very bitter taste. 3 The ability to teacup /ˈtiːkʌp/ [㐗] A cup for drinking tea: He

choose what is good: Jenny has great taste in mu- poured tea into the teacups.
sic. 4 A small quantity of food or drink: Can I
team /tiːm/ [㐌] 1 A group of people who play
have a taste of your pie?
sport together: There are eleven players in a soccer
taste2 /teɪst/ [㐘] 1 To test the flavor of food or team. 2 A group of people who work together: The

drink: Can I taste a bit of that cheese to see if I like operation was carried out by a team of doctors.
it? 2 To have a particular flavor in your mouth:
teamwork /ˈtimˌwɜrk/ [㐖] The work done by
This soup tastes delicious.
a team: This project requires good teamwork.
taste bud US: /ˈteɪst ˌbʌd/ [㐗] Any of the many
teapot /ˈtiˌpɑt/ [㐗] A special pot with a handle
nerve endings on the surface of the tongue: Taste
and a spout for making tea: I dropped my grandma's
buds allow us to savor food as we eat it.
best china teapot and broke it. 㐀 See picture at pot.
tasteful /ˈteɪst.fəl/ [㐀] Having good taste: The
tear1 /teər/ [㐗] 1 A drop of water from the eye:
clothes Lynn wears are very tasteful.
The tears ran down his cheeks as he peeled the on-
tasteless /ˈteɪst.ləs/ [㐀] 1 Without taste: This ion. 2 to be in tears To be crying: Johnny was in
tears when he discovered that his puppy was lost. 3
soup is tasteless. 2 Having a bad taste: Their din-
to burst into tears To start crying suddenly and
ing room furniture is completely tasteless.
dramatically: She burst into tears when she heard
tasty /ˈteɪ.sti/ [㐀] Having a pleasant taste: The
the news.
pizza we had yesterday was really tasty. ■ The com-
tear2 /tɪər/ [㐗] A hole usually in a piece of
parative form is "tastier" and the superlative form is
cloth: It's time you sewed the tear in your coat.
"tastiest".
tear3, tore, torn /teər/ [㐘] 1 To make a hole in
tattoo /təˈtuː, tætˈuː/ [㐗] A picture on a per-
something by pulling: I tore my sleeve on a wire
son's skin: He has a tattoo of a dragon on his right this morning. 2 To remove something roughly:

arm. The baby has torn some pages out of this book.
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to tear (something) up To
taught US: /tɑːt/ UK: /tɔːt/ Past tense and past par- pull paper or cloth into pieces: I didn't like the

ticiple forms of teach. ■ Be careful with the pro- photograph so I tore it up.

nunciation of this word. It rhymes with "fort". tease /tiːz/ [㐘] To annoy or to irritate somebody

Taurus US: /ˈtɔːr.əs/ UK: /ˈtɔː.rəs/ [㐌] A sign of the in a joking way: She teased Adam about his new

zodiac: If your birthday is between April 21st and haircut.

May 20th, you're a Taurus. ■ Be careful. "Taurus"

has a capital "T".

teaspoon 372

a teaspoon /ˈtiː.spuːn/ [㐗] A small spoon for telephone booth [㐗] See phone booth.
b putting sugar into drinks and so on: Pass me a telephone directory [㐗] A book with a
teaspoon, please. list of names and telephone numbers: I've forgot-

technical /ˈtek.nɪ.kəl/ [㐀] That requires special ten Simon's number. Pass me the telephone directo-

c knowledge: Books about medicine are difficult to ry, please. ■ The same meaning: "phone book".
understand because they are full of technical telephone number [㐗] See phone num-
d terms.
ber.

technically /ˈteknɪkəli/ [㐄] 1 In terms of me- telescope /ˈtel·əˌskoʊp/ [㐗] An instrument for

e chanics, applied sciences: Technically the vehicle looking at distant objects: If the sky's clear tonight
is very complicated. 2 In terms of a specialized we'll look at the stars through my telescope.

f knowledge or skill: Technically she is a fantastic television /ˈtel·əˌvɪʒ·ən/ [㐌] 1 A machine that re-
dancer. 3 Strictly, according to the regulations: ceives and shows pictures and sound: My father

g Technically speaking you are not bilingual, but... has bought a new television for the kitchen. ■ "Boob
technician /tekˈnɪʃ.ən/ [㐗] A worker with tube" is informal for "television". 㐀 See picture at

h practical skills, particularly in industry or sci- living room. 㐀 See page 443. 2 A system of send-
ence: Dad sent for a technician to repair the heat. ing out pictures and sound: Did you see the base-

i technique /tekˈniːk/ [㐌] A special way of doing ball game on television this afternoon? ■ "TV" is an
something: Scientists are trying to find new tech- abbreviation for "television".
tell, told, told /tel/ [㐘] 1 To make something
j niques to cure cancer.
technological /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/ [㐀] Referring known in words to somebody: Louise has told ev-

k to technology: Technological advances have made eryone she's got a new hamster. ■ Be careful. We
the treatment possible. don't say: "He told that he had no money". We say:
"He told me that he had no money" or "He said that
technology /tekˈnɑl·ə·dʒi/ [㐌] The knowledge or he had no money". ■ Compare with "say" (to pro-
nounce words o sounds but not directly to some-
l application of scientific or industrial methods: body). ■ See box at say. 2 To give somebody in-
Computer technology is advancing very rapidly structions: Tell him to wash his hands at once. 3

m nowadays. ■ The plural is "technologies".
teddy or teddy bear /ˈtediˌbeər/ [㐗] A soft

n toy bear: Jason has had his teddy bear since he was To recognize something: Can you tell which horse
a baby. ■ The plural is "teddies" or "teddy bears". is in front? 4 I told you so Words that you say
when you warned somebody that something was
o tee [㐗] In golf, the spot from which you first going to happen, and it did: "I've burned my fin-
hit the ball when playing a hole: He put the ball

p on the tee, looked at the hole and hit the ball. gers on the heater again". "I told you so".

teenage [㐀] Of, or suitable for, people in ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to tell (somebody) off To

q their teens: They have a teenage son. speak angrily to somebody because of what they

teenager /ˈtinˌeɪ·dʒər/ [㐗] A person between have done: Father will tell you off when he sees

r thirteen and nineteen years old: The disco on my what you have done to your jacket.
street is always full of teenagers on Friday nights. temper /ˈtem·pər/ [㐌] 1 A person's mood particu-

s teens [㐑] The years of a person's life be- larly their capacity to be angry: Nicola's got a
tween the ages of thirteen and nineteen: She's in sweet temper. She's always smiling. 2 to lose your
her teens. temper To become angry: Wayne loses his temper
each time he has to see the doctor.
t tee-shirt [㐗] See T-shirt.
teeth /tiːθ/ The plural of tooth. tempera /ˈtem.pər.ə/ US: /-pɚ.ə/ [㐖] A paint-
u telecommunications /ˌtelɪkəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃənz/ ing method which uses paint combined with egg:
[㐑] Communications by phone, TV or radio, This canvas was painted using tempera. ■ Compare

v and the related science: My sister works for a tele- with "watercolor" (pigment diluted with water).
communications company. temperate /ˈtem·pər·ət/ [㐀] When we talk

w telegram /ˈtel.ɪ.græm/ [㐗] A message sent by about the weather, that is neither hot nor cold:
telegraph: In his telegram my brother told us to The weather is temperate in the Canary Islands all

x pick him up at the airport. the year round.

telegraph /ˈtel·əˌgræf/ [㐖] A system of send- temperature /ˈtem·pər·ə·tʃər/, /-ˌtʃʊr/ [㐌] 1 A de-

y ing messages by radio: Before the ship sank, the gree of heat or cold: The temperature of the sea
radio operator sent out messages by telegraph. water here is cold even in summer. 2 A body tem-
perature that is above normal: Mom gave me an
z telephone1 /ˈtelɪfəʊn/ [㐗] See phone1. aspirin when she found I had a temperature.
telephone2 /ˈtelɪfəʊn/ [㐘] See phone2.

373 terrible

template /ˈtempleɪt/ [㐗] A pattern to be fol- tension /ˈtent.ʃən/ [㐖] The state of being a
b
lowed when working with metal or wood, or the tense: The tension was enormous at the end of the c
d
model for a computer text: The use of a template movie. e
f
allows each item to be made identically. tent /tent/ [㐗] A structure made of strong cloth g

temple /ˈtem.pl/̩ [㐗] A building where people and poles, that you can sleep in: We put our tent h
i
pray: Churches are Christian temples and mosques up under some trees in the field. j
k
are Muslim temples. tentacle /ˈten·tɑ·kəl/ [㐗] A long arm with l
m
temporary /ˈtem·pəˌrer·i/ [㐀] Used or held for suckers possessed by some sea creatures, such as n
o
a short time only: My brother got a temporary job the octopus: Tentacles are used for feeling, holding p
q
as a waiter when he went to Sydney. and feeding. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of r
s
tempt /tempt/ [㐘] To attract somebody to do this word! "cle" is pronounced as in "uncle". t
u
something: The boy was tempted to steal the choc- tenth /tentθ/ [㐍] Referring to ten: The record v
w
olates from his sister's room. department in this store is on the tenth floor. ■ x
y
temptation /tempˈteɪ.ʃən/ [㐌] Something that at- "Tenth" can also be written "10th". z

tracts you: Philip resisted the temptation to take term US: /tɝːm/ UK: /tɜːm/ [㐗] 1 One of the parts

the money out of his brother's money box. of a year at school: The spring term always seems
the longest one to me. 2 A period of time: We all
tempting /ˈtemp.tɪŋ/ [㐀] Attractive: The apple
still remember Carol's term of office as President of
tart was so tempting that we couldn't resist having the student union. 3 A name or a word with a spe-

a taste of it before our mother came back. cial meaning: This engineering book is difficult to
understand because it's full of technical terms. 4
tempura US: /ˈtem.pʊ.rɑː/ UK: /temˈpʊə.rə/ [㐖] in the long term In a long period from now or

A Japanese dish made of fish or vegetables lightly over a long period: My father says that in the long

covered in batter and deep fried: I always order term, it's better to buy a good camera even if it is
quite expensive. 5 in the short term For a short
tempura when I come to this restaurant.
period from now: My plans in the short term are to
ten /ten/ [㐐] The number 10: Two times five
find any job and a house to rent. Later I will try to
equals ten.
find a good job.
tend /tend/ [㐘] To be inclined to do something:
terminal /ˈtɜr·mə·nə·l/ [㐗] A place where a
Marty tends to catch cold very easily when he plays
journey begins or ends: Don't get off the bus until
outside.
you get to the terminal.
tendency /ˈten.dənt.si/ [㐗] The way a person
terms US: /tɝːmz/ UK: /tɜːmz/ [㐑] 1 Conditions
usually behaves: Sally has a tendency to lose
that tell you what you must do: Jackie always
things. ■ The plural is "tendencies". wants us to play on her terms. 2 Relations: I

tender /ˈten·dər/ [㐀] 1 Easy to cut and to eat: haven't been on good terms with Bob since the sum-

The steak I had at lunch was really tender. 2 Kind, mer.
loving: My grandfather is a very tender person. 3
terrace /ˈter.əs/ [㐗] A flat surface outside a
Hurt, damaged: I hit my leg with a baseball bat
restaurant where people can eat or drink: It was
last week and it's still a bit tender.
such a nice day that we had lunch on the hotel ter-
tendon /ˈten.dən/ [㐗] A thin piece of fibrous
race.
tissue which attaches muscle to bone: The Achil-
terrain [㐖] An extension of land, consid-
les tendon connects the lower leg muscles to the
ered in terms of its physical characteristics: The
heel bone.
terrain in this area is uneven.
tennis /ˈten.ɪs/ [㐖] 1 A game in which you hit
terrestrial /təˈres.tri.əl/ [㐀] 1 Living or grow-
a ball over a net with a racket: Sheila always wins
when we play tennis. 2 tennis court The place ing on land, not in the sea or in the air: The ele-
phant is a terrestrial creature. 2 Of or relating to
where you play tennis: If the tennis court gets wet
the planet earth: These are my terrestrial everyday
we won't be able to play our game. 㐀 See picture problems. 3 terrestrial planet A planet made

at sport. mainly of rock, like the earth: Saturn and Venus

tense1 /tens/ [㐌] A form of a verb that shows are not terrestrial planets, they are gas planets. ■

when things happen: "I'll answer the phone" is a Compare with "celestial" (referring to heaven or the

sentence in the future tense. sky).

tense2 /tens/ [㐀] 1 Nervous, tight, anxious: I'm terrible /ˈter.ə.bl/̩ [㐀] 1 Very bad: We had terri-

always tense at the beginning of a test. 㐀 See pic- ble weather when we visited Minneapolis last sum-
ture at emotions. 2 Pulled tight: Kirpal's leg mus-

cles were tense after the game and he had to have a

massage.

terrific 374

a mer. 2 With very bad consequences, horrible: gidity and paralysis of the muscles, especially

b They saw a terrible accident on the freeway yester- around the mouth.
day. text1 /tekst/ [㐌] The main part of a book, a mes-
terrific /təˈrɪf.ɪk/ [㐀] 1 Very good: We had a ter- sage or a newspaper, with writing but not with

c rific lunch at my aunt's yesterday. 2 Very great: The pictures: We have to translate this text from Span-
man drove across the junction at a terrific speed. ish into English for homework.
d terrify /ˈter.ə.faɪ/ [㐘] To frighten somebody great- text2 /tekst/ [㐘] To send a text message: Please,
ly: The children were terrified by the big rat. ■ Be text me when you get to the airport.

e careful with the spelling of these forms: "terrifies", textbook /ˈtekst.bʊk/ [㐗] A book that students
"terrified". study at school: You'll find the answer to these

f terrifying /ˈter.ə.faɪ.ɪŋ/ [㐀] Frightening: Our questions in your textbook.
dog was very nervous last night because of the ter- textile1 /ˈtek.staɪl/ [㐗] Woven cloth: Textiles

g rifying storm. are used for clothing, for drapes and for many other

territory /ˈter·əˌtɔr·i/, /-ˌtoʊr·i/ [㐌] 1 The land un- household items.
h der the control of a government: The United States textile2 [㐀] Referring to cloth or weaving: The
was British territory until 1776. 2 An area domi- textile industry is mostly concentrated in Asia.

i nated by a person or an animal: We crossed into texture /ˈteks·tʃər/ [㐌] The feel or appearance of
enemy territory under the cover of darkness. ■ The a surface or a substance: This fabric has a wonder-

j plural is "territories". ful soft texture.

terror /ˈter·ər/ [㐖] Great fear: The boy ran than /ðæn, ðən/ [㐉] A word used when com-

away from the snake in terror. paring people or things: Kate is much taller than
k terrorism /ˈter·əˌrɪz·əm/ [㐖] The use of vio- me. ■ Be careful! We say: "taller than me". (We don't
lence and murder to achieve political objectives: say: "taller that me").
l Terrorism is a big problem in many countries.
thank /θæŋk/ [㐘] 1 To say how grateful you are

terrorist /ˈter·ə·rəst/ [㐍] A person who uses vi- for something: He thanked Laura for coming to his
m olence and murder to try to achieve political ob- party. 2 thanks to Because of: Thanks to Mr. Gib-
jectives: The terrorists announced that they had bon, we managed to collect enough money for the

n put a bomb in a garbage can in the main street. new theater.

tertiary [㐀] Relating to the third stage or lev- Thanksgiving /ˌθæŋksˈgɪvɪŋ/ [㐌] A public holi-

o el of something: People at university are in tertiary day in the United States and Canada when people
education. give thanks for the food that has been grown that
year: In the United States, Thanksgiving is cele-
p test1 /test/ [㐗] 1 An examination to see if brated on the fourth Thursday in November. ■ Be
something works well or is healthy: I'm going to

q have a blood test. 2 A short written or practical careful! "Thanksgiving" has a capital "T".
examination to see what somebody knows: The thank you or thanks /ˈθæŋkju , θæŋks/ [㐋]

r teacher's giving us a math test tomorrow. Words you say to show that you are grateful:

test2 /test/ [㐘] 1 To examine or try something to Thanks for the dictionary. ■ "Thank you" is more for-

s see how it works: Yesterday I tested my new bas- mal than "thanks".
ketball boots. 2 To give somebody a short exami- that1 [㐂] 1 The person or the thing distant
nation: The teacher tested us in geography today. from the speaker: That boy doesn't live here any

t testicle /ˈtestɪkl/ [㐗] Either one of two male more. 2 The person or the thing more distant
reproductive organs that lie behind the penis: from the speaker: I don't like this dress I'm wear-

u The testicles produce spermatozoa. 㐀  See page ing; pass me that one, please. ■ The plural is
425. "those".

v testimony /ˈtes·təˌmoʊ·ni/ [㐌] A statement that that2 /ðæt/ [㐕] A word that is used instead of
something is true: The bank clerk's testimony "who" or "which": The ballpoint that you're using

w proved that the robbers knew somebody working at is mine.
the bank. ■ The plural is "testimonies". that3 /ðæt/ [㐄] So: I don't think Janet's mom can

x test tube [㐗] A small glass tube used in be that old.
chemical tests or in experiments: We used test that4 /ðæt, ðət/ [㐈] A word that is used after

y tubes to do an experiment in chemistry this morn- certain verbs, nouns and adjectives to introduce
ing. 㐀 See page 440. a new part of the sentence: He said that he'd call
at a quarter to nine. ■ Be careful! We say: "older
z tetanus /ˈtetənəs/ [㐖] A disease caused by a than me". (We don't say: "older that me").
specific bacteria: The symptoms of tetanus are ri-

375 thief

the /ðiː, ðə/ [㐇] 1 A word that you use about there1 /ðeər/ [㐄] In that place: We're going to the a
b
something or somebody that is already known or seaside on Friday and we'll be staying there until c
d
has already been mentioned: There's a book here. Sunday night. e
Is it the one you sent for? 2 A word that you use f
there2 /ðeər, ðər/ [㐕] 1 Used with the verb "to g
when there is only one of a thing: Make the earth
a better place! 3 A word that you use to define a be", to show that somebody or something exists: h
i
group of people: The old should try to understand There is plenty of cheese in the fridge; just help j
the younger generation. 4 A word that you use be- k
yourself. ■ In this use, "there" can also be used with l
fore dates: My sister is getting married on the third m
modal verbs or the verbs "seem" and "appear": n
of May. ■ Be careful! We don't use "the" with parts of "There seems to be a problem". 2 there you are o
p
the body: "My leg hurts". Words that you can say when you offer some- q
r
theater US: /ˈθiː.ə.ɚ/ [㐌] 1 A building in which thing: "There you are!" he said, putting the book in s
t
plays are acted: Shall we go to the theater tonight? 2 my hand. u
v
Plays in general: I want to study theater when I leave therefore US: /ˈðer.fɔːr/ UK: /ˈðeə.fɔːr/ [㐄] So, for w
x
school. ■ The British English spelling is "theatre". this reason: It's not easy for Harriet to make y
z
theatre UK: /ˈθɪə.tər/ [㐌] See theater. ■ This is a friends. We must therefore make an effort with her.

British English spelling. thermal /ˈθɜr·məl/ [㐀] Referring to the genera-

theft /θeft/ [㐌] The act of stealing, usually with- tion, presence or retention of heat: Thermal un-

out violence and secretly: The woman was sent to derwear holds in the heat of the body.

prison for theft. thermometer US: /θɚˈmɑː.mə.ɚ/ UK: /θəˈmɒm.ɪ.tər/

their US: /ðer/ UK: /ðeər/ [㐀] Of people or things [㐗] An instrument for measuring tempera-
ture: The nurse took my temperature with the ther-
that have already been named, or belonging to
mometer and it was very high.
them: They've lost their ball.
thermosphere [㐖] The layer of the atmo-
theirs US: /ðerz/ UK: /ðeəz/ [㐕] Belonging to
sphere which is directly above the mesosphere:
them: This ball isn't ours. It must be theirs.
The thermosphere is the biggest layer in the atmo-
them /ðem, ðəm/ [㐕] A word used for "they",
sphere. 㐀 See page 449.
usually when it is the object of a sentence or
these /ðiːz/ The plural of this.
comes immediately after a preposition: I saw Sam they /ðeɪ/ [㐕] 1 The people or things being talk-

and Louise at the movie theater last night and told ed about: Wash your hands at once! They're very
dirty. 2 A person who has already been men-
them about the party on Saturday.
tioned, when the person's sex is not stated or
theme /θiːm/ [㐗] A subject that you write or
isn't important: If there is a doctor on board,
talk about: The main theme of the book is life in the
would they please come forward?
Middle Ages.
they'd /ðeɪd/ The contraction of "they had" or
theme park [㐗] A large area with many at-
"they would".
tractions, usually connected by a main idea: Dis-
they'll /ðeɪl/ The contraction of "they will".
neyland is one of the most popular theme parks. they're US: /ðer/ UK: /ðeər/ The contraction of "they

themselves /ðəmˈselvz/ [㐕] 1 A word that re- are".

fers to the people or things who are the subject of they've /ðeɪv/ The contraction of "they have".
thick /θɪk/ [㐀] 1 Having a large distance be-
a sentence: My brothers both hurt themselves when
they played football on Saturday. 2 A word that tween its opposite sides, not thin: The jewels in
the exhibition were protected by thick glass. 2 Hav-
underlines that they are the people the verb re-
fers to: They did all the decorating themselves. 3 ing a lot close together, dense: There were a lot of
by themselves 1 Alone: The children can't stay at
road accidents on the roads yesterday because of
home by themselves. 2 Without help: My brothers the thick fog. 3 Not flowing easily: This sauce is
too thick. Why didn't you add a little more water? 4
repaired the brakes themselves.
Stupid: Don't call me thick! I'm just as intelligent
then /ðen/ [㐄] 1 At that time: How can I write
as you are. ■ This use is informal.
about what happened in 1960, Mrs. Athey? I wasn't
alive then. 2 After that: They went shopping and thickness /ˈθɪk.nəs/ [㐌] Being thick: The castle
then had lunch. 3 In that case: If you don't like this
wall was about two feet in thickness.
pizza, then don't eat it.
thief /θiːf/ [㐗] A person who steals, usually
theory US: /ˈθɪr.i/ UK: /ˈθɪə.ri/ [㐗] An explana-
without violence and secretly: A thief stole my
tion that tries to prove something: Einstein's theo-
mother's purse while she was in the bus line. ■ The
ries caused a revolution in the world of science. ■
plural is "thieves".
The plural is "theories".

thigh 376

a thigh /θaɪ/ [㐗] The part of the leg above the and that one over there is my sister's. 2 When we

b knee: Peter kicked me in the thigh in judo. 㐀 See talk about a period of time, of the present: My
page 421. cousin's coming to see us this week. ■ The plural is

thin /θɪn/ [㐀] 1 Not fat: Sheila eats a lot but she "these".

c is very thin. 㐀  See picture at a piece of... 2 Not thistle /ˈθɪs.l/̩ [㐗] A plant with sharp points:
thick, fine: The walls were so thin that we could The thistle is the symbol of Scotland.
d hear the people in the next room talking. 3 With a thong US: /θɑːŋ/ UK: /θɒŋ/ [㐗] 1 A narrow strip
lot of water, when talking of a liquid mixture: I of leather: His sandals are fastened by a thong. 2

e don't like this soup. It's too thin. ■ The comparative A type of open sandal usually made from plastic
form is "thinner" and the superlative form is "thin- or rubber: The thong has a strap which goes be-

f nest". tween the toes. ■ In British English they say
thing /θɪŋ/ [㐗] 1 An object or an idea: Put "flip-flop". 㐀  See picture at clothes. 3 Minimal
piece of underwear or bottom part of a bikini:
g those things back in your bedroom, please. 2 Some women prefer a thong when they wear tight
Something that you do or think: You mustn't say

h those things in front of your parents. pants.

think, thought, thought /θɪŋk/ [㐘] 1 To use thorax US: /ˈθɔːr.æks/ UK: /ˈθɔː.ræks/ [㐗] The

i your mind: I can't think if you keep talking to me. 2 part of the body between the neck and the abdo-
To have an opinion about something: She thinks men: The organs of the thorax are protected by the

j she can swim faster than me. 3 I think so Words rib-cage. ■ The plural is "thoraxes" or "thoraces".
that you say when you agree with something: thorn US: /θɔːrn/ UK: /θɔːn/ [㐗] A sharp point
k "Danny's coming, isn't he?" "Yes, I think so". growing from some plants: Be careful with the

◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to think about To consider: thorns when you pick the roses; you might prick

My parents are thinking about buying a second your fingers.
l hand car for my sister. · to think about (some- thorough /ˈθɜr·oʊ/, /ˈθʌr-/ [㐀] Careful and com-
body or something) To have somebody or some- plete: You must give your bedroom a thorough

m thing in your mind: I never think about school cleaning.
when I'm on vacation. those US: /ðoʊz/ UK: /ðəʊz/ The plural of that1.

n third US: /θɝːd/ UK: /θɜːd/ [㐍] 1 Referring to though1 /ðəʊ/ [㐈] 1 Although, even if:
three: My grandparents live on the third floor. ■ Though he's rich he isn't selfish. 2 as though As if:

o "Third" can also be written "3rd". 2 One of three Lisa behaves as though she knows everything. 3
equal parts: We kept a third of the apple tart for even though See "even though" in the word

p Gillian. even2.

thirst US: /θɝːst/ UK: /θɜːst/ [㐖] The feeling though2 /ðəʊ/ [㐄] However: I quite like school,

q that you want to drink liquid: I have such a thirst though this year we have to work very hard.
that I could drink a river dry. ■ We say "thirst for thought1 [㐌] 1 The act of thinking: I didn't give

r something". much thought to the things she said at the party. 2

thirsty /ˈθɜr·sti/ [㐀] Wanting or needing to A plan: She had no thought of buying herself the

s drink: Have some lemonade if you feel thirsty. ■ necklace.
The comparative form is "thirstier" and the superla- thought2 Past tense and past participle forms of
tive form is "thirstiest". Be careful! We always say: "I think.
t am thirsty". We don't say: "I have thirsty".
thousand /ˈθaʊ.zənd/ [㐐] The number

thirteen /ˌθɜrtˈtin/ [㐐] The number 13: A lot 1,000: My father's computer cost about a thousand
u of people believe thirteen is an unlucky number.
dollars.

thirteenth /ˌθɜrtˈtinθ/ [㐍] Referring to thir- thousandth /ˈθaʊ.zəndθ/ [㐍] Referring to a

v teen: Thirteenth amendment abolished slavery in thousand: How many miles can light travel in a
the United States. ■ "Thirteenth" can also be written thousandth of a second?

w "13th". thread1 /θred/ [㐌] A thin line of material used in

thirtieth /ˈθɜr·ti̬ ·ɪθ/ [㐍] Referring to thirty: sewing: Here's a needle and thread to sew the but-

x Mary's birthday is on May the thirtieth. ■ "Thirtieth" ton on.
can also be written "30th". thread2 /θred/ [㐘] To pass a thread through

y thirty US: /ˈθɝː.ti̬ / UK: /ˈθɜː.ti/ [㐐] The num- something: I always thread the needles for grand-
ber 30: Some months have thirty days. ma because she can't see very well.

z this /ðɪs/ [㐂] 1 The person or the thing close threat [㐌] 1 A warning that one is going to hurt
to or closer to the speaker: This is my bedroom, or punish somebody: He will certainly carry out

377 tibia

his threat to harm you. 2 A sign of something dan- ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to throw (something) away a
To put something in the garbage: Why don't you b
gerous or unpleasant which may be, or is, about c
to happen: a threat of rain. 3 A source of danger: throw that clock away. It's broken. · to throw up d
e
His presence is a threat to our plan. To bring up food through your mouth: Dad, can f
g
threaten /ˈθret.ən/ [㐘] To warn that you may do you stop the car? I feel like I'm going to throw up.
h
something unpleasant if somebody doesn't do ■ In this use, the same meaning: "to be sick", "to i
j
what you want: He threatened to call the police. vomit". k
l
three /θriː/ [㐐] The number 3: A triangle thrown Past participle of throw. m
thrust, thrust, thrust /θrʌst/ [㐘] To push some- n
has three sides. o
body or something firmly: He walked along with p
three-dimensional /ˌθriː.daɪˈment.ʃən.əl/ [㐀] q
his hands thrust into his pockets. r
Having length, depth and height, or appearing to: s
thud /θʌd/ [㐗] A sound made by something t
You need special glasses to see three-dimensional u
heavy falling: We heard a thud upstairs and went v
movies. ■ See box at abbreviations. w
up immediately to see what was happening. x
threw /θruː/ Past tense of throw. y
thrill1 /θrɪl/ [㐗] A feeling of great excitement: thug /θʌg/ [㐗] Violent person: Two thugs z

It was such a thrill to compete in the finals of the pulled up the roses in the park.

national youth athletics competition. thumb /θʌm/ [㐗] The short, thick finger at the

thrill2 /θrɪl/ [㐘] To cause great excitement: When side of your hand: Put your thumbs up when you

we were small, my grandpa thrilled us with fantas- are ready. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this

tic stories about his adventures at sea. word! The "b" is silent. 㐀 See picture at hand.

thriller /ˈθrɪl·ər/ [㐗] An exciting novel or mov- thumbtack [㐗] A pin with a round flat top:

ie, usually about crime: I like reading thrillers. Get some thumbtacks and put this poster up in the

thrilling /ˈθrɪl.ɪŋ/ [㐀] Exciting: What a thrilling hallway, please. ■ In British English they say "draw-

movie that was! ing pin".

throat US: /θroʊt/ UK: /θrəʊt/ [㐗] 1 The front thump /θʌmp/ [㐘] 1 To hit somebody with your

part of the neck: She had a real diamond necklace hand closed: Mom! Peter has just thumped me on
around her throat. 2 The part of the body inside the back! 2 To make a regular, heavy sound: My

your neck: I've got a really sore throat so I'll have heart was thumping as we waited for the teacher to

to have a day off school. tell us our results.

throne US: /θroʊn/ UK: /θrəʊn/ [㐗] A special seat thunder1 /ˈθʌndər/ [㐖] A loud noise in the

for a king or a queen: The king sat on the throne sky during a storm: Did you hear the thunder last

during the ceremony. night?

through /θruː/ [㐅] 1 From one side of some- thunder2 /ˈθʌndər/ [㐘] 1 To produce thunder: It

thing to the other, particularly when there is ob- rained and thundered all day long. 2 To make a

struction: The train from Reno to Denver has to go sound like thunder: His heavy footsteps thundered
through several tunnels. 2 From the beginning of
across the floor.
something to the end: I looked through the book
but I didn't like it much. 3 Because of somebody: I thunderstorm /ˈθʌn·dərˌstɔrm/ [㐗] A storm

heard about the swimming competition through my with thunder and lightning: The thunderstorm
cousin. 4 to put (somebody) through See "to put
started in the town next to ours and was soon just
(somebody) through" in the word put. ■ See box
above our valley.
at across. 㐀 See pictures at across and preposi-
Thursday /ˈθɜrz·deɪ/, /-di/ [㐌] The fifth day of the
tion.
week: Thursday is between Wednesday and Friday.
throughout /θruːˈaʊt/ [㐅] 1 In all parts of
■ Be careful! "Thursday" has a capital "T". ■ Be care-
something: There has been rain throughout the
country today. 2 From the beginning to the end of ful with the pronunciation of this word. "Thur"

something: Those two boys talked throughout the rhymes with "her". 㐀 See picture at calendar.

movie. thus /ðʌs/ [㐄] 1 In this way, like this: "It is done

throw1 /θrəʊ/ [㐗] The act of sending some- thus", said the math teacher. ■ We usually say "like
this". 2 Therefore, as a result of this: My grandfa-
thing through the air from your hand, often a
ther is only 59 and thus is not old enough to receive
ball: What a brilliant throw!
a pension.
throw2, threw, thrown /θrəʊ/ [㐘] To send
tibia /ˈtɪb.i.ə/ [㐗] The largest of the two lower
something through the air with your hand: Throw
leg bones and the one closest to the center: The
me the ball!
tibia extends from the knee to the ankle. ■ The plu-

ral is "tibias" or "tibiae". 㐀 See page 422.

tick 378

a tick1 /tɪk/ [㐗] 1 See check1. ■ This use is British ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to tie (somebody or some-
b English. 2 The sound of a clock or a watch: I could thing) up To fix somebody or something in a cer-
hear the tick of Henry's watch from the other side of tain position, using a rope, piece of string and so
the classroom. 3 A small parasite that sucks on: They found the dog tied up to a post in the

c blood: Ticks can transmit many diseases, so it's im- backyard, making a lot of noise. ■ Be careful with
portant to remove then completely. the spelling of this form: "tying".

d tick2 /tɪk/ [㐘] 1 To make a mark showing that tiger /ˈtɑɪ·gər/ [㐗] A wild animal with yellow
something is correct: My teacher spent her whole fur and black stripes: The tiger is the largest of the

e break ticking the exercises. 2 To make a small reg- big cats. 㐀 See page 428.
ularly repeated sound: I love hearing the old clock tight /taɪt/ [㐀] 1 Firmly pulled together: The

f ticking when I go to sleep in my gran's house. knot in these shoelaces is so tight that I can't undo

ticket /ˈtɪk.ɪt/ [㐗] A small piece of card or pa- it. 2 Closely fitting: This shoe is a bit too tight for

g per showing that something has been paid for: me; I think that I should take the next size.
Let's go and get tickets for "Washington Redskins" tighten /ˈtaɪ.tən/ [㐘] To make something tight:

h this evening. Can you help me tighten this screw, please?

ticket office [㐗] A small office where you tile /taɪl/ [㐗] A flat piece of clay used to cover

i buy tickets: There was a long line at the ticket of- roofs, floors or walls: My mom has put some lovely
fice when we got there. Spanish tiles on our bathroom walls. 㐀 See pictu-

j tickle /ˈtɪk.l̩/ [㐘] To irritate a part of somebody's re at bathroom.
body lightly: Stop tickling me! You're making me till1 /tɪl/ [㐈] Up to when: I waited till the clock
laugh! struck ten and then I went home.
k tide /taɪd/ [㐗] 1 The movement that the sea till2 /tɪl/ [㐓] Up to a particular time: We are on
makes twice a day: I like walking along the beach vacation till the weekend and then we go back to

l when the tide is low. 2 high tide The time when school.
the sea has reached its highest point up the sand: tilt /tɪlt/ [㐘] To lean to one side: Frances leaned on

m At high tide the sea comes up almost as far as those the table and it tilted and all the books fell off.
houses. 3 low tide The time when the sea has time1 /taɪm/ [㐌] 1 An amount of minutes, days,

n gone away from the sand: Let's cross the bay at years and so on, or their passing: They played
low tide. for a really long time. The concert lasted 3 hours.
2 A certain point in the day: What time is it? 3
o tidings /ˈtaɪ.dɪŋz/ [㐑] News and information: An occasion: Do you remember the time we went
The ship brought glad tidings to the people on the

p island. ■ This word is now old-fashioned. fishing on the lake and fell in the water? 4 Expe-

tidy1 /ˈtaɪdi/ [㐀] 1 In good order, neat: What a rience: Didn't we have a lovely time the day we

q nice tidy room this is. 2 Keeping things in good or- went to Bangor? 5 A particular period: Grandpa
der: Dave is a very tidy boy. ■ The comparative form says that in his time, children had more fun. ■ Be

r is "tidier" and the superlative form is "tidiest". careful! We say: "The weather's good today, it's
㐀 See picture at opposite. sunny". (We don't say: "The time's good today"). 6
at times Sometimes: You really are rude, at
s tidy2 /ˈtaɪdi/ [㐘] To make something ordered: times! 7 for the time being For the moment:
When you've tidied your room you can watch the
television. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these Our school is in repairs so we are having classes
in the gym for the time being. 8 from time to
t forms: "tidies", "tidied". time Occasionally: I'm not really a football fan
tie1 /taɪ/ [㐗] 1 A long strip of material that but I like to watch a game from time to time. 9 in
time 1 Not late for something: We got to school
u men and boys sometimes wear around their
neck: I like wearing a black tie and jacket some-

v times. 㐀 See picture at clothes. 2 The result of a just in time to hear the bell go for assembly. 2 Af-
game when both sides finish equal: The soccer ter a while, with the passing of time: I didn't

w game ended in a tie so we'll have to play again next like my new school at first but in time I got used
week. ■ In this use, in British English we say "draw". to it. 10 on time Not late or early: The plane
from New York was on time. 11 one at a time
x tie2 /taɪ/ [㐘] 1 To hold something with a rope, Each one separately: I can't understand a word.
piece of string and so on: We tied the dog's leash

y to the fence while we went in the store to buy can- Speak one at a time, please! 12 spend time To
dies. 2 To end a game without winning or losing: use time doing something: I spend a lot of time

z Amy and Sarah tied in the sack race so they had a playing the piano. 13 tell the time To say what
prize each. ■ In British English they say "draw". time it is by looking at a clock or a watch: Dar-

379 to

ren has learnt to tell the time at school this week. tire1 /tɑɪər/ [㐗] A thick piece of rubber that fits a
■ See box below. b
on a wheel: If you live in Colorado you need good c
time2 /taɪm/ [㐘] To measure how much time it snow tires for your car in the winter. ■ The British d
English spelling is "tyre". 㐀 See page 441. e
takes to do something: We timed how long it took f
us to run round the track. tire2 /tɑɪər/ [㐘] To make somebody or something g

timeline /ˈtaɪm.laɪn/ [㐗] A chronological ac- tired: Working on the computer for a long time tires h
my eyes. i
count of events that have happened, or a sched- j
ule of planned events, often in diagram form: The tired US: /taɪrd/ UK: /taɪəd/ [㐀] 1 Needing to rest: k
timeline shows the key events in the history of that l
period. I'm tired. I want to go to bed. 2 to be tired of m
(something) To have had too much of something n
times /taɪmz/ [㐓] Multiplied by: Three times you don't like: I'm tired of the way you always ig- o
nore me when I see you in the playground. 3 to be p
three is nine. tired out To be very tired: I'm tired out after all q
those tests. I could do with a vacation! ■ Be careful r
timetable /ˈtaɪmˌteɪ.bl̩/ [㐗] A list of times: with the pronunciation of this word. The "e" is not s
pronounced. t
There's a bus timetable over there! u
tiring /ˈtɑɪər·ɪŋ/ [㐀] Making somebody tired: I v
timid /ˈtɪm.ɪd/ [㐀] Easily frightened, shy: Jen- w
find trying to speak Chinese extremely tiring. x
ny's very timid. She doesn't like speaking in public. y
tissue /ˈtɪʃ.uː, ˈtɪs.juː/ ❚ [㐖] 1 One of the kinds z
timpani [㐑] A set of kettledrums: My cousin
of substance of which the organs of the body are
plays the timpani in the municipal band. 㐀  See made: nervous tissues; muscle tissue. ❚ [㐗] 2 A
page 459. thin piece of soft paper: Get me some tissues when
you go to the store, please. I think I'm getting a
tin /tɪn/ [㐌] 1 A soft metal: My dad had some toy cold.

soldiers made of tin when he was a little boy. 2 See title /ˈtɑɪ·t̬ə·l/ [㐗] 1 The name of something:
can. ■ This use is British English.
What is the title of this movie? 2 A word that goes
tiny /ˈtaɪ.ni/ [㐀] Very small: What tiny shoes. in front of somebody's name: "Mrs.", "Dr.", "Lord"
and "Duchess" are examples of titles.
They must be for a new baby. ■ The comparative
form is "tinier" and the superlative form is "tiniest". to US: /tə, t̬ə, tu/ UK: /tuː, tʊ, tu, tə/ [㐓] 1 In the

tip1 /tɪp/ [㐗] 1 The pointed or thinner end of direction of: Montana is to the north of United
States. 2 A word that shows why you do some-
something: I've hurt my finger tips playing the gui- thing: Mary came to see you the other day but you
tar for too long. 2 A small amount of money that
you give for example to a waiter: My mom left a tip Time: prepositions
for the waiter because he had been so helpful. 3 A
piece of advice: Let me give you a tip about playing in in the morning, in the afternoon,
tennis against Laura. Send the balls to her left side. in the evening
in July, in November
tip2 /tɪp/ [㐘] To make something lean at an angle: in (the) spring, in (the) summer
in (the) fall, in (the) winter
She tipped her school hat to one side so that it in 1997, in 1992
would look a bit more fashionable. in recent years
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to tip (something) over To in the meantime
make something fall: Jane tipped her chair over
when she got up. ■ Be careful with the spelling of on on January 4th, on July 15th
these forms: "tipped", "tipping".
on Monday
tiptoe /ˈtɪpˌtoʊ/ [㐘] To walk on the tips of your
on Tuesday morning
toes: She tiptoed up the stairs so that her parents
wouldn't hear her. on the first day of term

TO TIPTOE at at night

at Christmas

at Easter

at two o’clock

at breakfast, at lunch, at dinner

toad 380

a weren't in. 3 A word that you use to compare token /ˈtoʊ·kən/ [㐗] 1 A sign of something: We
b things: I prefer Geography to Math. 4 As far as: Go gave Mrs. Harris a present at the end of the school
to the junction, turn left and follow the signs for year as a token of our gratitude. 2 A piece of plas-
Helmsley. 5 Until: This store is open from eight in tic, metal and so on that you can use instead of

c the morning to nine at night. 6 A word that indi- money: The children have their own store where
cates the number of minutes before the hour: It's they buy things with tokens instead of money.
d ten to eight. Pete is late. 7 The word that goes be- told US: /toʊld/ UK: /təʊld/ Past tense and past parti-
fore a verb to indicate the infinitive: "To be or not ciple forms of tell.

e to be, that is the question". tolerant /ˈtɑl·ər·ənt/ [㐀] Allowing or accepting

toad US: /toʊd/ UK: /təʊd/ [㐗] An animal like a something that you don't agree with or don't like;

f big frog: Toads have rough skins. with an open mind: My parents are very tolerant.

toast1 /təʊst/ [㐖] A thin piece of bread that tolerate US: /ˈtɑː.lə.reɪt/ UK: /ˈtɒl.ər.eɪt/ [㐘] To allow

g has been heated until it is brown: I always have or to accept something that you don't agree with
toast for breakfast. ■ Be careful with the pronuncia- or don't like: How can you tolerate that noise?

h tion of this word. It rhymes with "most". tomato /təˈmeɪ·to̬ ʊ/, /-ˈmɑ-/ [㐌] A red fruit that
toast2 /təʊst/ [㐘] To hold up your glass and drink you often eat in salads: The tomatoes from my

i to somebody or something: At the end of the din- grandpa's garden are absolutely delicious. ■ The
ner, they all toasted the newly married couple. plural is "tomatoes". 㐀 See page 437.

j toaster US: /ˈtoʊ.stɚ/ UK: /ˈtəʊ.stər/ [㐗] A ma- tomb /tuːm/ [㐗] A stone object where a dead
chine that toasts bread: My dad's bought a new body is buried: We went to see the tomb of Elvis
k toaster that not only toasts the bread but keeps it Presley when we went to Memphis. ■ Be careful with
warm, too! the pronunciation of this word!

tobacco /təˈbæk·oʊ/ [㐗] Dried leaves of a par- tomorrow /təˈmɑr·oʊ/, /-ˈmɔr-/ [㐎] The day af-

l ticular plant that people smoke: Tobacco was ter today: I'm so glad that it's Saturday tomorrow.
brought to Europe from America in the sixteenth ton /tʌn/ [㐗] A very large unit of weight: There
m century.
are 907 kilos in a ton. ■ In British English a ton

today /təˈdeɪ/ [㐄] 1 This day: We've got a hockey equals 1,016 kilograms.

n game against Stoke Park Girls' School today. 2 At tone US: /toʊn/ UK: /təʊn/ [㐌] The quality of a
present: Today, most people believe in equal rights sound: Marie sings beautifully. Her voice has a

o for men and women. lovely tone. ■ Compare with "pitch" (how high or low

toe US: /toʊ/ UK: /təʊ/ [㐗] One of the five parts at a sound is on a musical scale).

p the end of your feet: I broke my big toe skating last tongs /tɒŋz/ [㐑] An instrument used for pick-
year. ■ Compare with "finger" (at the end of your ing up objects: My mom always uses kitchen tongs

q hands). to turn the food while it is cooking. 㐀 See page 440.

toenail /ˈtoʊˌneɪl/ [㐗] The hard part that grows tongue /tʌŋ/ [㐗] The soft and long part inside

r at the end of your toes: My mom always paints her the mouth that is used for speaking and eating:
toenails in summer. ■ Compare with "fingernail" (at Ow! I've just bitten my tongue eating this sandwich!
tongue twister [㐗] Something that is diffi-
s the end of your fingers).
toffee US: /ˈtɑː.fi/ UK: /ˈtɒf.i/ [㐌] A small brown cult to say quickly: "She sells sea shells on the sea

sweet that you chew: My favorite toffee is the one shore" is a tongue twister.
t my aunt brings me from Devon.
tonight /təˈnaɪt/ [㐌] The night of today: I'm going

together /təˈgeð.ər/ US: /-ɚ/ [㐄] 1 With each oth- to the movies with Ron tonight.
u er: Patsy and Viv walk home from school together tonne /tʌn/ [㐗] A very large unit of weight:
every afternoon. 2 So that two or more things are There are 1,000 kilos in a tonne.

v mixed or joined: Mix the eggs and flour together too /tuː/ [㐄] 1 Also, in addition: I really enjoy va-
and then add the milk. cations but I like school, too! ■ "Too", "as well" and

w toilet /ˈtɔɪ.lət/ [㐗] 1 A seat that you use when "also" have the same meaning. "Too" and "as well" go
you eliminate waste from your body: You should at the end of a sentence. "Also" usually goes in the

x use this product to clean the toilet. 2 See bath- middle of a sentence. ■ See box at also. 2 A word
room. ■ This use is British English. 㐀 See picture used before an adjective or adverb to indicate

y at bathroom. that they are in excess: It's too hot today.

toilet paper [㐖] Paper that you use to took /tʊk/ Past tense of take. ■ Be careful with the

z clean yourself after using the toilet: This toilet pronunciation of this word! "Took" rhymes with
paper is very soft. "book".

381 touch

tool /tuːl/ [㐗] An object that you use to do a tore US: /tɔːr/ UK: /tɔːr/ Past tense of tear. a
torn US: /tɔːrn/ UK: /tɔːn/ Past participle of tear3. b
particular job: My mom likes doing jobs around the tornado US: /tɔːrˈneɪ.doʊ/ UK: /tɔːˈneɪ.dəʊ/ [㐗] A c
d
house so we gave her a new box of tools for her violent wind that goes round and round: The e
f
birthday. winds inside a tornado can reach speeds of up to g

tooth /tuːθ/ [㐗] 1 One of the hard parts in your 180 miles per hour. ■ Be careful with the pronuncia- h
i
mouth: I'm going to have one of my back teeth tak- tion of this word! "nad" rhymes with "made". ■ The j
en out tomorrow. 2 tooth decay The process of go- k
same meaning: "twister". l
ing bad of a tooth: Eating too many candies can m
torrent /ˈtɒrənt/ [㐗] 1 A very strong, fast n
cause tooth decay. ■ The plural is "teeth". o
stream of rain: The heavy rain produced a torrent p
toothache /ˈtuːθ.eɪk/ [㐖] A pain in one or which caused a lot of damage in the town. 2 A very q
r
more of your teeth: I slept very badly last night. I big, sudden amount of something: a torrent of in- s
t
had an awful toothache. sults. u
v
toothbrush /ˈtuːθ.brʌʃ/ [㐗] A small brush tortoise US: /ˈtɔːr.əs/ UK: /ˈtɔː.təs/ [㐗] A reptile w
x
that you use for brushing your teeth: I gave my with a very hard shell on its back that lives in the y
z
dad an electric toothbrush for his birthday. 㐀 See sea or on land: The tortoises of the Galapagos is-

pictures at brush and bathroom. lands can live for over 150 years. ■ The same mean-

toothpaste /ˈtuːθ.peɪst/ [㐖] A substance that ing: "turtle". In British English "tortoise" is used to

you use for brushing your teeth: You don't need a refer to this reptile that lives on land, whereas "tur-

lot of toothpaste to brush your teeth, just a little bit. tle" is used to refer to this reptile that lives in the

㐀 See picture at bathroom. sea.

toothpick /ˈtuːθ.pɪk/ [㐗] A small, thin piece of torture1 [㐌] Making somebody feel great pain:

wood used to remove pieces of food caught be- Torture should be prohibited in all countries.

tween the teeth: Can you give me a toothpick? torture2 /ˈtɔːtʃər/ [㐘] To make somebody feel

top1 /tɒp/ [㐗] 1 The highest part of something: great pain to get information or just to be cruel:

We sat at the top of the hill and looked down on the In the movie, the gangsters tortured the hero but he
sea. 2 The cover of something: I like the picture on
the top of this chocolate box. 3 A piece of clothing didn't betray his friends.

that you wear on the top part of your body: I toss /tɒs/ [㐘] 1 To throw something quickly: Jack

bought a new top for tomorrow's party. Do you like tossed the orange peel into the trash can. 2 To
it? 4 on top On the highest part of something:
Here's the cake. Let's put a cherry on top. 5 on top throw a coin into the air: Let's toss a coin to de-
cide who has to go and buy the drinks. 3 To move
of On something or over it: Look at the clouds on
quickly up and down: The donkey tossed its head
top of the mountain. I think we're going to have rain.
when we tried to stroke it. ■ Be careful with the
top2 /tɒp/ [㐀] Highest: This book goes on the top
spelling of the 3rd person singular present tense
shelf. Can you put it back?
form: "tosses".
top dog [㐗] The person in the most impor-
total1 /ˈtəʊtəl/ [㐀] Complete: There was total si-
tant position: Who is the top dog in your gang? ■
lence as the principal walked into the hall.
This word is informal.
total2 /ˈtəʊtəl/ [㐗] The final number that you
topic US: /ˈtɑː.pɪk/ UK: /ˈtɒp.ɪk/ [㐗] A subject: To-
get after adding numbers together: A total of three
morrow in class, we have to talk for five minutes on
hundred people were at the game.
a topic related to the environment.
toucan /ˈtuː.kən/ US: /-kæn/ [㐗] A bird found in
topographic US: /ˌtɑp·əˈgræf·ɪk/ [㐀] Referring
tropical America that has a very large colored
to topography: The topographic survey provides a
beak: The toucan eats fruit.
detailed representation of the physical features of
touch1 /tʌtʃ/ [㐌] 1 The act of putting part of your
the region.
body against somebody or something: I felt a
topography US: /təˈpɑg·rə·fi/ [㐖] A detailed
light touch on my arm and turned round and saw
description of the physical features of a particu- Henry smiling at me. 2 One of the five senses:

lar place: Having studied the topography of the ar- Braille writing consists of a pattern of raised dots
that can be read by touch. 3 to get in touch To
ea, we decided on the best place to camp.
establish contact with somebody: Don't forget to
topsoil /ˈtɑpˌsɔɪl/ [㐖] The upper layer of soil:
get in touch with me when you arrive in Portland.
The gardener adds natural fertilizer to improved 4 to keep in touch Not to lose contact: Although

the topsoil. my friend left our town at the age of twelve, we still

torch US: /tɔːrtʃ/ UK: /tɔːtʃ/ [㐗] See flashlight. ■ keep in touch.

This word is British English. ■ The plural is "torches".

touch 382

a touch2 /tʌtʃ/ [㐘] 1 To put your hand or anoth- townhouse and now he's bought a duplex. 㐀  See

b er part of the body in contact with somebody picture at house.
or something: Don't touch the pots on this table; toy /tɔɪ/ [㐗] An object that a child plays with:
they're fragile. 2 To come into contact with: Paul's favorite toy is his teddy bear.

c This skirt is so long that it touches the ground. trace1 /treɪs/ [㐌] A mark that shows that some-
touching /ˈtʌtʃ.ɪŋ/ [㐀] That produces tender body has been in a place: The police could find no
d feelings: It's a very touching movie.
trace of the murderer.

tough /tʌf/ [㐀] 1 Strong, hard: Jackie is very trace2 /treɪs/ [㐘] 1 To look for and find some-

e tough; she broke her arm riding the other day and body or something: The bills stolen in the robbery
didn't even cry. 2 Difficult: The math test we had have been traced. 2 To put transparent paper

f today was really tough. 3 Not tender: This steak is over something and draw it: Don't tell me that
so tough that it's practically impossible to cut. you drew that dinosaur by yourself. I bet you

g tour US: /tʊr/ UK: /tʊər/ [㐌] 1 A journey where you traced it.
stop at different places: We went on a marvelous trachea US: /ˈtreɪ.kiə/ UK: /trəˈkiː.ə/ [㐗] The pas-

h tour of California last summer. 2 A visit to a par- sage which carries air from the larynx to the
ticular place with a guide: They took us on an in- bronchial tubes: The trachea is also known as the

i teresting tour of The White House. windpipe. ■ The plural is "tracheas" or "tracheae".

tourism /ˈtʊrˌɪz·əm/ [㐖] The vacation indus- 㐀 See page 425.
track1 /træk/ [㐌] 1 A path or a rough road: We fol-
j try: Tourism is very important for our economy.
tourist US: /ˈtʊr.ɪst/ UK: /ˈtʊə.rɪst/ [㐗] A person lowed the track and ended up near the canal. 2 A

k who visits a place on vacation: There are lots of special path or road for races: The car race will
tourists in New York in the summer. have to be postponed because the track is wet. 3 A

tourist office [㐗] An office where tourists footprint or other mark left on the ground: We
l get information: My cousin speaks several lan- knew that a car had been there because we could
guages and has got a summer job in the local tour- see the tire tracks in the sand.

m ist office. track2 /træk/ [㐘] To follow tracks to find some-

tournament /ˈtʊr·nə·mənt/, /ˈtɜr-/ [㐗] A sports body or something: They tracked the murderer to

n competition with several teams or competitors: the station and captured him there.
There is a basketball tournament in our town next track and field [㐗] Sports where people

o week. run, jump and so on: My brother's great at track

tow /tʌtʃ/ [㐘] To pull a vehicle using a rope or a and field; he can run, jump and throw the javelin. ■

p chain attached to another vehicle: Our car broke In British English they say "athletics".
down in the snow and it had to be towed back to tracksuit /ˈtræk.sjuːt/ US: /-suːt/ [㐗] A pair of

q town. pants and a jacket that you wear for sport: I got a

towards or toward US: /tʊˈwɔːrdz/ UK: /təˈwɔːdz/ lovely red tracksuit for Christmas. 㐀 See picture at

r [㐓] 1 In the direction of somebody or some- clothes.
thing: They walked towards the house together. 2 tract /trækt/ [㐗] 1 A large area of land: Sequoia

s Near a particular time: I was getting quite bored National Park in California is a tract of land dedi-
towards the end of the movie. cated to natural conservation. 2 In anatomy, a sys-

towel /taʊəl/ [㐗] A piece of material that you tem of connected tubes: The digestive tract of the

t use to dry yourself on: Don't forget to bring your cow includes four stomachs.
swimsuit and towel with you in case the weather is tractor /ˈtræk·tər/ [㐗] A big vehicle that is
u nice. 㐀 See picture at bathroom.
used for pulling things on a farm: My uncle has

tower US: /taʊɚ/ UK: /taʊər/ [㐗] A tall, narrow just bought a new tractor and it saves him a lot of

v building or part of a building: Empire State is one work.
of the most famous towers in United States. trade1 /treɪd/ [㐌] 1 Buying and selling: My dad

w town /taʊn/ [㐗] A place where people live and works in a company that deals with international
work with many streets and buildings: I was trade. 2 A particular kind of business: June's mom

x brought up in a small town. is in the secondhand car trade. 3 A particular job:

town hall [㐗] A building where the local gov- Karen's uncle is a carpenter by trade. 4 trade

y ernment has its offices: Our neighbor is a local union See union.
councilor and he works at the town hall. trade2 /treɪd/ [㐘] To buy and to sell things: The

z townhouse [㐗] A house that is part of a con- United States trades with many countries. ■ Be
tinuous row of houses: Sharon's uncle sold his old careful with the spelling of this form: "trading".

383 transfer

trademark /ˈtreɪdˌmɑrk/ [㐗] A mark on a prod- tragic /ˈtrædʒ.ɪk/ [㐀] Very sad, relating to trag- a
b
uct that shows who made it: This trademark is edy: There was a tragic accident on the canal this c
taken from the name of the man who founded the d
company. afternoon. Three people drowned. e
f
tradition /trəˈdɪʃ.ən/ [㐌] A custom that has exist- trail1 /treɪl/ [㐗] 1 A path in the country: Just go g

ed for a long time: In United States, it is a tradition along that trail and you'll soon come to the river. 2 A h
for many people to listen to the President's speech i
on Independence Day. line of marks that shows where somebody or some- j
k
traditional /trəˈdɪʃ.ən.əl, -ˈdɪʃ.nəl/ [㐀] Referring thing has been: We followed the trail of footsteps l
m
to tradition: I love traditional Spanish food. and soon found where the children had hidden. n
o
traffic /ˈtræf.ɪk/ [㐖] Vehicles on a road: There's trail2 /treɪl/ [㐘] To pull something along behind p
q
always a lot of traffic at this time of the morning. you: That little boy is always trailing an old rag r
s
traffic circle [㐗] A place where roads meet doll behind him. t
u
and cars move in a circle: Go to the traffic circle trailer /ˈtreɪ·lər/ [㐗] 1 A vehicle with two v
and take the second exit. ■ In British English they w
say "roundabout". 㐀 See picture at street. wheels that is pulled by a car or by another vehi- x
y
TRAFFIC CIRCLE cle: We couldn't get all our luggage into the trunk z
so we had to take the trailer with us. 2 A very short
traffic jam [㐗] See gridlock.
traffic light [㐗] See stoplight. ■ This word is film that is used as publicity for a film that is

British English. ■ This word is more common in the about to be released: We saw the trailer for the new
plural.
Spielberg film when we went to the movies yester-
traffic policeman [㐗] A man who makes
day. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this
sure that cars are correctly parked: The traffic po-
liceman wrote down the numbers of all the cars word!
that were parked in the street. ■ The plural is "traffic
policemen". ■ A woman is a "traffic policewoman". ■ train1 /treɪn/ [㐗] Cars pulled by an engine
In British English they say "traffic warden".
along a railway: My aunt and uncle went all the
traffic policewoman [㐗] A woman who
way to Ottawa by train when they were young.
makes sure that cars are correctly parked: The
traffic policewoman wrote down the numbers of all 㐀 See picture at transport.
the cars that were parked in the street. ■ The plural
is "traffic policewomen". ■ A man is a "traffic police- train2 /treɪn/ [㐘] 1 To teach a person or an animal
man". ■ In British English they say "traffic warden".
how to do something: Iris trains dogs for the blind.
traffic sign [㐗] A sign providing information 2 To prepare yourself for a competition or for

to drivers: Speed limits are one kind of traffic sign. something difficult: Maggie was determined to do

traffic warden [㐗] See traffic policeman. ■ well in the school athletics tournament so she

This word is British English. trained very hard.

tragedy /ˈtrædʒ.ə.di/ [㐌] 1 A terrible thing that trainer /ˈtreɪ·nər/ [㐗] 1 A person who trains

happens: The fire was a tragedy. Several people sportsmen and sportswomen: Tim's the trainer for
died. 2 A very serious play with a sad or terrible
ending: The movie "Romeo and Juliet" is based in our local baseball team. ■ The same meaning:
one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. ■ The "coach". 2 A person who trains animals: My cousin
plural is "tragedies".
is a racehorse trainer.

trainers [㐑] See sneakers. ■ This word is Brit-

ish English. ■ When we talk about two or more "train-

ers", we use the word "pairs": "I bought three pairs

of trainers".

training /ˈtreɪ.nɪŋ/ [㐖] Preparing for a sport

or job: We have basketball training every Tuesday

and Thursday.

traitor /ˈtreɪ·t̬ər/ [㐗] A person who is not loyal

to their friends, country and so on, and causes

them harm: Judas was a traitor.

tramp /træmp/ [㐗] Somebody who has no

home and no job and moves from place to place:

There are a lot of tramps sleeping in the streets in

New York. ■ The same meaning: "hobo".

transfer1 [㐌] Moving from one place to another:

Pau Gasol has asked for a transfer to another bas-

ketball team.

transfer2 /trænsˈfɜːr/ [㐘] To move somebody or

something from one place to another: My mom

transform 384

a has been transferred to the Dallas branch of her transparent /trænˈspær·ənt/, /-ˈspeər-/ [㐀] That

b bank, so we're moving there next month. ■ Be care- you can see through: Glass is used to protect pic-
ful with the spelling of these forms: "transferred", tures because it is strong and transparent. ■ Com-
"transferring". pare with "opaque" (that you cannot see through).
c transform /trænsˈfɔrm/ [㐘] To change dramati- transplant1 /ˈtrænsplɑːnt/ [㐗] The action of re-
cally: When he performs he is transformed into an- moving an organ from one person and putting it
d other person. ■ We say "to transform into some- into another person, or the new organ the second
thing". person receives: He had a heart transplant opera-

e transfusion /trænsˈfjuː.ʒən/ [㐗] A medical treat- tion. ■ Compare with "implant1" (something which is
ment in which blood is transferred from one per- inserted into a part of the body).

f son to another: The blood transfusion saved his life. transplant2 /ˈtrænsplɑːnt/ [㐘] 1 To remove a
transition /trænˈzɪʃən/ [㐌] The change from one plant and plant it at another place: The gardener

g type or condition to another, or the process when explained us that in order to transplant successful-
this happens: The supremacy of the Caucasian in ly we need to take the plant's roots as well. 2 To re-

h United States is having a transition to a multiracial move an organ or tissue from one person in order
society. ■ We say "transition from something into to put it into another person: The surgeon trans-

i something". plants and the patient then needs to accept the

translate /trænsˈleɪt, trænz-/ [㐘] To put something transplanted organ. ■ Compare with "implant2" (to

j which is in one language into another language: insert into the body).
He asked me to translate the letter into Spanish. transport1 /ˈtrænspɔːt/ [㐖] 1 A way of taking
translation /trænsˈleɪ.ʃən, trænz-/ [㐌] Saying or people from one place to another: My dad has a

k writing something in a different language: I've good car but he goes to work by public transport. 2
got a Latin translation to do for tomorrow's class. means of transport See "means of transport" in
l translator /trænsˈleɪ·tə̬ r/, /ˈtræns·leɪ·t̬ər/ [㐗] the word means.
Person who translates: Sarah wants to be a trans- transport2 /ˈtrænspɔːt/ [㐘] To take people or
m lator so she is studying languages at university.
things from one place to another: The horses were

translucent /trænzˈluːsənt/ [㐀] Semi-transpar- transported to the show in horse trailers.

n ent: Fine bone china is almost translucent. transportation /ˌtræns·pərˈteɪ·ʃən/ [㐖] The

transmission /trænzˈmɪʃən/ [㐌] 1 The condition act of taking people or things from one place to

o of being transmitted: The transmission of comput- another: The transportation of goods by train has
er data often occurs nowadays via wi-fi. 2 A radio many advantages.

p or TV broadcast, or the process of transmitting it: trap /træp/ ❚ [㐗] 1 An object that is used to
The transmission of the game was interrupted by a catch animals with: We put mouse traps out on the

q newsflash. 3 The passing of something from one kitchen floor but we didn't manage to catch any. 2
person or place to another: the transmission of the A plan to catch somebody: The detective set a trap

r disease. for the murderer. ❚ [㐌] 3 Mouth: Keep your trap

transmit /trænsˈmɪt/, /trænz-/ [㐘] 1 To emit or shut. ■ This word is informal.

s send out by radio or TV: Under the terms of its li- trapeze /trəˈpiːz/ [㐗] A swing used by acro-
cense, the radio station has to transmit twenty four bats: Mastery of the trapeze takes many years.
hours a day. 2 To pass something from one per- trapezium or trapezoid /trəˈpiː.zi.əm/ [㐗]

t son to another: Some characteristics are transmit- 1 A shape with four straight sides, two of which
ted from parents to children through their genes. ■ are parallel: A trapezoid is a geometrical shape. 2
u Be careful with the spelling of these forms: "trans- A bone located in the wrist near the base of the
mitting", "transmitted". thumb: The trapezoid is a carpal bone. ■ The plural

v transparency /trænˈspærənsi/ ❚ [㐖] 1 The is: "trapeziums" or "trapezia". ■ Compare with "tra-
quality of being easy to see through: The key char- pezius" (large triangular muscle).

w acteristics of glass is its transparency. 2 Open trapezius [㐗] Either of two large, triangular
communication about actions so that they can be muscles on each side of the top of the back and

x seen and understood: Transparency is the soul of shoulders: The trapezius muscles help to rotate the
democratic government, but is very difficult to shoulder blades. ■ The plural is "trapezii". ■ Com-

y achieve. ❚ [㐗] 3 A slide that is shown using a pare with "trapezium" (a bone located in the wrist).
projector: The first transparency shown is a photo- 㐀 See page 423.

z graph taken before the eruption. ■ The plural is: trapezoidal [㐀] Showing a trapezoid form:
"transparencies". They used a sheet with a trapezoidal prism form.

385

TRANSPORT a
b
helicopter airplane c
van d
balloon e
train f
bus truck g
motorbike car motor boat
yacht h
ferry i
j
canoe k
l
submarine m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z

trash 386

a trash /træʃ/ [㐖] 1 Things or material that you treason /ˈtriː.zən/ [㐖] A crime that harms

b don't need and that you throw away: Please, put your country: By giving the secret papers to the en-
the trash out. ■ The same meaning: "garbage". 2 emy, the spy committed treason.
Foolish or silly things: Don't talk trash! Think be- treasure /ˈtreʒ·ər/ [㐖] Gold, silver and other

c fore you speak. ■ In British English they say "rub- valuable objects: The pirates found the treasure in
bish". a cave on the beach.

d trash can [㐗] A container for garbage: Put treat1 /triːt/ [㐗] Something special that you
out the trash cans, the garbage truck comes by to- give to somebody or arrange for somebody: My

e day. ■ In British English they say "dustbin". mom and dad took me to Disneyland as a treat for
my birthday.

f TRASH CAN treat2 /triːt/ [㐘] 1 To behave towards somebody

or something in a particular way: Some people

g treat their pets very badly. 2 To try to make a sick
person well again: After the accident she was treat-

h ed for shock. ■ In this use we say: "to treat (some-
body) for (something)". 3 To give somebody some-

i thing special: Come on! I'll treat you to an ice
cream!

j treatment /ˈtriːt.mənt/ [㐌] 1 The way that you
behave towards somebody or something: You only

k travel1 /ˈtrævəl/ [㐖] The idea of going from get the best treatment in this hotel! 2 The things
one place to another: I'm really interested in travel that a doctor does or orders to make a sick person
and I often read books about it. ■ Be careful! This better: You must follow the treatment the doctor
l word is not used to talk about specific occasions. has given you.
(We say: "How was your journey back from Paris?". treaty /ˈtri·ti̬ / [㐗] An agreement between two
m We don't say: "How was your travel back from Par- countries: Countries often have commercial trea-
is?"). ties. ■ The plural is "treaties".

n travel2 /ˈtrævəl/ [㐘] To go from one place to an- treble clef [㐗] A musical sign on a stave
other: My grandfather traveled all around the which indicates the pitch of written notes: The

o world when he was in the Navy. ■ The British Eng- treble clef is placed on the second line of the stave.
lish spelling is "travelled" and "travelling". 㐀 See page 460.

p travel agency [㐗] A company that organiz- tree /triː/ [㐗] 1 A large plant with roots, a
es trips and vacations for people: Have you seen trunk, branches and leaves: We have four apple

q the offers for cheap flights to New York in the travel trees and one pear tree in our back yard. 2 family
agency? tree See "family tree" in the word family. 㐀 See

r travel agent [㐗] A person who works in a pages 434 and 435.
travel agency: My mom called her travel agent and tremble /ˈtrem.bl/̩ [㐘] To shake: The dog trembled

s asked him to book her two tickets for Acapulco. with fear when he heard the thunder.

traveler [㐗] A person who travels or is trav- tremendous /trɪˈmen.dəs/ [㐀] 1 Very big: Some

eling: A lot of travelers on their way to Oregon stop of the dinosaurs were tremendous in size, but oth-

t at this hotel. ■ The British English spelling is "travel- ers were small. 2 Very good: Did you see the movie
ler". on television last night? It was tremendous!
u traveler's check [㐗] A special check that trench /trentʃ/ [㐗] A long, narrow hole in the
people use when they go to other countries: Have ground: Thousands of soldiers died in the trenches

v you got everything? Passport, ticket, traveler's during the First World War.
checks? trend [㐗] A general direction or tendency:

w traveller [㐗] See traveler. ■ This is a British She follows all the latest trends in fashion.
English spelling. trendy /ˈtrendi/ [㐀] Very fashionable: This is a

x tray /treɪ/ [㐗] A flat object that is used to carry trendy disco. It plays all the latest music.
food and drinks: The waiter's tray was so full that trespass /ˈtresˌpæs/, /-pəs/ [㐘] To go on some-

y we thought he was going to drop it. body's land without permission: Private Property.

tread, trod, trodden /tred/ [㐘] To step on Do not trespass. ■ Be careful with the spelling of the

z something: Please try not to tread on my feet while 3rd person singular present tense form: "trespasses".
we're dancing! trial /traɪəl/ [㐌] 1 The process in a court of law

387 trot

which establishes if a person is guilty: The trial trigger /ˈtrɪg·ər/ [㐗] A small lever on a gun a
b
lasted for weeks and the suspects were declared that makes it fire: The farmer aimed the gun at the c
guilty of murder. 2 A period of time when some- d
rabbit and pulled the trigger. e
thing or somebody is tested: We've got our new f
trillion /ˈtrɪl.jən/ [㐌] One million million: In fig- g
car on trial for a month.
ures, one trillion is written 1,000,000,000,000. ■ h
triangle /ˈtraɪ.æŋ.gl̩/ [㐗] 1 A flat shape with i
Compare with "billion" (a thousand million). j
three sides and three angles: How can you calcu- k
late the angles in a triangle? 㐀 See page 457. 2 A trip1 /trɪp/ [㐗] A journey also involving an ac- l
m
musical instrument which consists of a thin met- tivity like business, shopping, sightseeing and so n
o
al bar in the shape of a triangle: One of the angles on: We went on a school trip to Paris last weekend. p
q
of the triangle is left open. 㐀 See page 459. ■ Compare with "journey" (the act of going from one r
s
triangular /traɪˈæŋgjələr/ [㐀] Having the form place to another). t
u
of a triangle: Kites usually have a triangular trip2 /trɪp/ [㐘] To hit your foot against something v
w
shape. and fall: I tripped on the step and fell and hurt my x
y
tribe /traɪb/ [㐗] A group of people who live to- knee. z
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to trip (somebody) up To
gether and who have the same customs and lan- make somebody fall or nearly fall: Ken tripped me

guage: There are still tribes living in the Amazon. up when I was just about to score a goal. ■ Be care-

tributary /ˈtrɪb·jəˌter·i/ [㐗] A small river that ful with the spelling of these forms: "tripped", "trip-

joins a larger one: The Amazon is the largest river ping".

in the world and takes in many tributaries. ■ The triumph /ˈtraɪ.əmpf/ [㐗] A great success: The

plural is "tributaries". school football team celebrated their triumph in the

tribute /ˈtrɪb.juːt/ [㐌] Something that is done to league by having a big party.

show respect for somebody: There is a large black triumphant /traɪˈʌmp.fənt/ [㐀] Very happy

monument in Washington that was built as a trib- about a great success: Robbie was triumphant

ute to those who died in the Vietnam war. when he won the art competition.

triceps /ˈtraɪ.seps/ [㐗] The large muscle at the trod US: /trɑːd/ UK: /trɒd/ Past tense of tread.
trodden US: /ˈtrɑː.dən/ UK: /ˈtrɒd.ən/ Past participle
back of the upper arm: The triceps has three
of tread.
points of attachment. ■ The plural is also "triceps".
trolley US: /ˈtrɑː.li/ UK: /ˈtrɒl.i/ [㐗] See cart. ■
㐀 See page 423.
This word is British English.
trick1 /trɪk/ [㐗] 1 A clever plan to deceive
trombone US: /trɑːmˈboʊn/ UK: /trɒmˈbəʊn/ [㐗] A
somebody: Don't believe him! It's a trick! 2 Some-
large musical instrument with a sliding tube:
thing clever that you do to amuse people: Richard
Sam is learning to play the trombone at school.
is a clown in his spare time and he does some won-
derful card tricks. 3 to play a trick on (some- 㐀 See page 459.

body) To deceive somebody for a joke: The chil- troops /truːps/ [㐑] Soldiers: Troops were sent

dren played a trick on their father changing the to the area to try and keep the peace.

sugar and the salt. trophy /ˈtroʊ·fi/ [㐗] A prize for a game or a

trick2 /trɪk/ [㐘] To deceive somebody: The robber race: I keep my swimming trophy on my bedside ta-

tricked the old man into thinking that he worked for ble. ■ The plural is "trophies".

the Town Council. tropical /ˈtrɑp·ɪ·kəl/ [㐀] Referring to the trop-

trickle1 /ˈtrɪk.l̩/ [㐗] A thin line of liquid: A ics: The coconut is a tropical fruit.

trickle of gasoline comes out of the car. tropics /ˈtrɒpɪks/ [㐑] The very hot part of the

trickle2 /ˈtrɪk.l/̩ [㐘] To flow very slowly: It rained earth either side of the equator: The boundaries

all afternoon and we sat and watched the water of the tropics are the tropic of Cancer and the tropic

trickle down the windows. of Capricorn.

tricycle /ˈtraɪ.sɪ.kl̩/ [㐗] An object like a bicy- troposphere /ˈtrɑp·əˌsfɪər/, /ˈtroʊ·pə-/ [㐗]

cle, but with three wheels: My little brother wants The lowest part of the atmosphere: The tropo-

a red tricycle for Christmas. sphere extends up between 9,000 and 54,000

trident /ˈtraɪ.dənt/ [㐗] In the past, a weapon feet from the surface of the earth. 㐀  See page

like a fork with three points and a long pole: Nep- 449.

tune carries a trident. trot US: /trɑːt/ UK: /trɒt/ [㐘] To run quickly with

trifle /ˈtraɪfl/ [㐌] A sweet made of jelly, fruit small steps: The horses trotted around the ring at

sponge and custard: What do you want for dessert, the circus. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these

trifle or fruit? forms: "trotted", "trotting".

trouble 388

a trouble1 /ˈtrʌbl/ [㐌] 1 Problems and difficulties: transporting things when you travel: Has my trunk
b My aunt and uncle have had a lot of trouble finding arrived yet? 3 The long nose of an elephant: Ele-
a school for my cousin. 2 Conflict or violence: phants use their trunks for breathing, smelling and
There is sometimes trouble in this area on Satur- sucking up water. 4 The back part of a car: Please
help me take my luggage out of the trunk. ■ In this use,
c days because of the soccer game. 3 An illness: My in British English we say "boot". 㐀 See page 441.
grandfather has got heart trouble. 4 to get into
TRUNK
d trouble To do something that brings problems:
Joseph has got into trouble with the police for

e drinking and shouting on the town square.
trouble2 /ˈtrʌbl/ [㐘] To worry somebody or cause

f somebody problems: I'm sorry to trouble you but
can you tell me where the hospital is, please?

g troubled /ˈtrʌb.l̩d/ [㐀] Worried because of
problems: I'm a bit troubled about the situation

h with Matthew. He doesn't talk to me.
trousers /ˈtrɑʊ·zərz/ [㐑] See pants. ■ Be care-

i ful with the pronunciation of this word! ■ This word
is British English. ■ When we talk about two or more

j "trousers", we use the word "pairs": "I bought three
pairs of trousers".
trout /traʊt/ [㐌] A large, spotted fish that lives in

k rivers: We went for a meal in a restaurant the other
day and I had trout. ■ The plural is also "trout".

l 㐀 See page 430.
truant /ˈtruː.ənt/ to play truant To stay away from

m school without permission: How many times have
you played truant this term, Jimmy?

n truce /truːs/ [㐗] An agreement between ene-
mies to stop fighting for a certain time: The

o armies of both countries decided to call a truce.
truck /trʌk/ [㐗] 1 A big vehicle for carrying

p heavy things: There are a lot of trucks on the roads
at this time of year. ■ In British English they say "lor-

q ry". 㐀 See picture at transport. 2 See freight car.
■ This use is British English.
r trucker [㐗] A professional driver of a truck:
My uncle is a trucker and spends long periods away trunks /trʌŋks/ [㐑] See swimming trunks.

s from home.
true /truː/ [㐀] 1 Right or correct, agreeing with trust1 /trʌst/ [㐖] The belief that somebody or

the facts: Is it true that you are going to America something is good or reliable: A good friendship is
t for the Christmas vacations? 2 Real, not false: Is based on trust.
this a true story or are you making it up? trust2 /trʌst/ [㐘] To believe that somebody or
u truly /ˈtruː.li/ [㐄] 1 Really, in truth: Georgina was something is good or reliable: I don't trust Chris-
truly sorry for having upset her mother. 2 yours tine because she tells lies.

v truly Words that you put before your name at the trustworthy /ˈtrʌstˌwɜr·ði/ [㐀] Honest and
end of a formal letter: She finished the letter in the able to be trusted: There is no problem in letting

w following way: "I look forward to receiving your re- Ian look after the money. He's very trustworthy.
ply. Yours truly, Penny Davies". truth /truːθ/ [㐖] 1 Being true: There is some

x trumpet /ˈtrʌm.pɪt/ [㐗] A musical instrument truth in what you say. 2 to tell the truth To say
with three buttons: The great jazz musician Louis what is true: Come on, tell the truth. Did you take

y Armstrong used to play the trumpet. my pen?

trunk /trʌŋk/ [㐗] 1 The main part of a tree: The truthful /ˈtruːθ.fəl/ [㐀] 1 True: Give me a truth-

z trunk of the oak tree is so wide that I can't get my arms ful answer to my question. 2 Who tells the truth:
around it. 㐀 See page 434. 2 A large strong box for Lewis is a very truthful person. He never lies.

389 turn

try1 /traɪ/ [㐗] An attempt: I've never been sail- tulip /ˈtu·lɪp/ [㐗] A spring flower shaped like a a
b
ing, but I'd love to have a try. champagne glass: Holland is famous for its tulips. c
d
try2 /traɪ/ [㐘] 1 To attempt to do something: I tried ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! e
f
to open the door but I couldn't. 2 To test some- 㐀 See page 433. g

thing to see if you like it: Would you like to try one tumble /ˈtʌmbl/ [㐘] To fall suddenly: I tripped h
of these candies? 3 To ask somebody questions in i
court: The prisoner was tried and found guilty. 4 to over the carpet and tumbled down the stairs. j
try and (do) To attempt to do something: Try and k
tummy /ˈtʌm.i/ [㐗] Stomach: I've got an awful l
get the little ball into the hole. m
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to try (something) on To put tummy ache after eating all those chocolates. ■ This n
a piece of clothing on to see if you like it: "Where o
word is informal. ■ The plural is "tummies". p
can I try these jeans on?" "In the changing rooms q
tumor [㐗] A mass of dead cells that grows on r
over there". ■ Be careful with the spelling of these s
or in the body: They operated on him for a brain t
forms: "tries", "tried". u
tumor. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this v
T-shirt /ˈtiˌʃɜrt/ [㐗] An article of clothing w
word. x
made of cotton like a shirt with no collar: I've got y
tuna /ˈtu·nə/ [㐌] A large fish that lives in the sea: z
a new T-shirt with my name on the back. ■ This
My mom makes a delicious tuna salad. ■ Be careful
word is also written "tee-shirt". 㐀  See picture at
clothes. with the pronunciation of this word! 㐀  See page

T-square [㐗] A ruler like the letter "T" form 430.

drawing perpendicular lines and right angles: I tune1 /tjuːn/ [㐗] A series of musical notes ar-

need a T-square for my drawing class. ranged in a pleasant way: Can you remember the

tsunami /tsuːˈnɑː.mi/ [㐗] A very big wave, usu- tune of that song we learnt at school the other day?

ally caused by an undersea earthquake: A tsuna- ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word.

mi devastated the coastal areas of many southeast tune2 /tjuːn/ [㐘] To make a musical instrument

Asian countries a few years ago. sound correct: The orchestra tuned their instru-

tub /tʌb/ [㐗] 1 A round container: I'm going to ments before they began to play. ■ Be careful with

have a tub of ice cream. Do you want one? 2 See the pronunciation of this word.

bathtub. tunnel /ˈtʌn.əl/ [㐗] A long passage under the

tuba /ˈtjuːbə/ [㐗] A musical instrument which ground or water: The Holland Tunnel in New York

consists of a long, curved metal bent tube: The was the first underwater tunnel designed for auto-

tuba produces low notes. 㐀 See page 459. mobiles. 㐀 See page 445.

tube US: /tuːb/ UK: /tjuːb/ [㐗] 1 A pipe made of turban /ˈtɜr·bən/ [㐗] A covering for a man's

metal, plastic and so on: When you donate blood, head: A turban is made from a very long piece of

the blood goes from your arm along a tube into a cloth.
bag. 2 A long, thin container with a hole at one
turbine /ˈtɜːbaɪn/ [㐗] A turning engine driven
end: Don't forget to get a tube of toothpaste when
you go to the store. 3 See subway. ■ This use is in- by wind, water or steam: Turbines are often used

formal. This use is British English. ■ Be careful with to generate energy.

the pronunciation of this word. The first part "tu" is turkey /ˈtɜːki/ [㐌] A large farm bird: In United

pronounced like the word "you" with a "t" in front. States, turkey is the traditional dish for Thanksgiv-

Tuesday /ˈtuz·deɪ/, /-di/ [㐌] The third day of the ing day. 㐀 See page 429.

week: Tuesday is between Monday and Wednes- turn1 /tɜːn/ [㐗] 1 Moving something around:

day. ■ Be careful! "Tuesday" has a capital "T". ■ Be Give the wheel another turn. 2 A change of direc-

careful with the pronunciation of this word. The first tion: Take a right turn when you get to the stop
lights. 3 Your time to do something: It's your turn
part, "Tue" sounds like "you" with a "t" in front. to throw the dice. 4 in turns One after the other:

㐀 See picture at calendar. Let's do the shopping in turns. That's the fairest
way. 5 to take turns To do something, one person
tug1 /tʌg/ [㐗] 1 A hard pull: The little girl gave
after the other: Don't all rush to the table at once.
her mother's hand a tug. 2 A small, strong boat:
Take turns to serve yourselves.
The tug towed the fishing boat across the harbor.
turn2 US: /tɝːn/ UK: /tɜːn/ [㐘] 1 To go around and
tug2 /tʌg/ [㐘] To pull hard and suddenly: Don't
around: The wheels of a vehicle turn as it goes. 2
tug at that knot or you'll never get it undone. ■ Be
To change direction: When you get to the station,
careful with the spelling of these forms: "tugged", turn left. 3 To move so that you are facing a differ-

"tugging". ent direction: She turned and waved before she
went into school. 4 To change color or state: The

sea was so bad that Frank turned white and looked

turning 390

a as if he was going to be sick. 5 to turn the page To bies find their way back to the sea. ■ The same

b move to the next page: Please, turn the page and meaning: "tortoise". In British English "turtle" is
read the first paragraph. used to refer to this reptile that lives in the sea,

◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to turn around 1 To face whereas "tortoise" is used to refer to this reptile that

c the opposite direction: Turn around and look at lives on land. 㐀 See page 430.
me! 2 To make an unsuccessful business suc- tusk /tʌsk/ [㐗] A long tooth that grows outside

d cessful again: Our transformation plan helped the mouth of some animals: Elephants have long
turn around the company. ■ The same meaning: "to tusks which are in fact their teeth.

e turn round". · to turn back To stop and return in tutu [㐗] A short stiff skirt that the female bal-
the direction you came from: They turned back let dancers wear: My mom bought me a new tutu

f when they saw that it was impossible to continue. for my ballet class.
· to turn (somebody) down To reject somebody TV /ˌtiːˈviː/ [㐌] See television. ■ Be careful! "TV" is

g for a job or other thing: They turned my sister always written in capital letters. ■ See box at abbre-
down for the job. · to turn (something) down 1 viations.

h To refuse something: Gina turned down our offer tweet1 /twiːt/ [㐗] 1 A single sound made by a
of help. 2 To lower the volume: Turn that music young or small bird: A bird makes the sound of a

i down. I can't concentrate. · to turn into (some- tweet. 2 A contribution to Twitter: Stephen Fry's
thing) To become different: Water turns into ice tweets are followed by millions of people.

j when it freezes. · to turn (something) off To stop tweet2 [㐘] 1 To make the sounds young or small
something functioning: Let's turn the television birds make: This morning when I woke up I heard
k off. I'm fed up of watching it. · to turn on (some- the birds tweeting. 2 To contribute to Twitter: You
body) To attack or criticize somebody unexpect- have to tweet frequently if you want people to fol-
edly: After a year of friendship Kathy turned on low you on Twitter.

l her best friend after the field trip. · to turn (some- tweezers /ˈtwi·zərz/ [㐑] A small pair of pin-
thing) on To start something functioning: Let's cers: Tweezers are used for handling small objects.

m turn on the radio and listen to the eight o'clock twelfth /twelfθ/ [㐍] Referring to twelve: De-
news. · to turn out 1 To end in a particular way: cember is the twelfth and last month of the year. ■

n The concert didn't start well, but it turned out well "Twelfth" can also be written "12th".
in the end. 2 It turns out that... · to turn (some- twelve /twelv/ [㐐] The number 12: There

o thing) over To move something so that the other are twelve months in the year.
side is facing up: The child turned the pages over twentieth /ˈtwen·ti·ɪθ/ [㐍] Referring to twenty:

p slowly looking at the pictures. · to turn round It's my sister's twentieth birthday today. ■ "Twenti-
See to turn around. · to turn up 1 To appear, to eth" can also be written "20th".

q arrive: Tammy turned up late as usual; Who twenty /ˈtwen·ti/ [㐐] The number 20: There
turned up at the party? 2 To increase the volume are twenty boys in our class and ten girls.
r of something: Turn the radio up. I can't hear it twice /twaɪs/ [㐄] Two times: I liked that movie so
properly. much that I saw it twice in one week.

s turning /ˈtɜr·nɪŋ/ [㐗] The place where a road twig /twɪg/ [㐗] A very small, thin branch of a
goes to the left or right: Take the first turning on tree: My mom cut off all the twigs that had been
the right. damaged by the frost.
t turnip /ˈtɜr·nɪp/ [㐌] A round, white vegetable: My twin /twɪn/ [㐗] One of two children that are
grandma used to make lovely turnip stew when we born of the same mother at the same time: Eliza-
u were little.
beth and Margaret are identical twins.

turn signal [㐗] A light on a car that shows twinkle /ˈtwɪŋkl/ [㐘] To shine with a small light:

v in which direction the driver is intending to turn: "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" is a popular lullaby in
The turn signal shows that the car's going to turn United States.

w right. 㐀 See page 441. twist1 /twɪst/ [㐗] 1 A hard turn: Give the lid a

turquoise /ˈtɜːkwɔɪz/ [㐌] A precious blue stone: twist and see if you can undo it. 2 A curve: The

x Turquoise is an opaque blue mineral. road had a lot of twists and turns in it.

turquoise blue [㐍] The color of a turquoise: twist2 /twɪst/ [㐘] 1 To turn something strongly: I

y The ocean is a turquoise blue today. twisted my ankle playing hockey the other day. 2 To

turtle US: /ˈtɝː.l/̩ UK: /ˈtɜː.tl/̩ [㐗] A reptile with a turn in different directions: The road twisted up

z very hard shell on its back that lives in the sea or the hill. 3 To wind together: She twisted her hair
on land: Turtles lay their eggs on land and the ba- into a braid.

391 tyre

twister US: /ˈtwɪstər/ [㐗] A violent wind that typewriter /ˈtɑɪpˌrɑɪ·t̬ər/ [㐗] A machine that a
b
goes round and round: The village was destroyed types: an electronic typewriter. c
d
by a twister. ■ The same meaning: "tornado". typical /ˈtɪp.ɪ.kəl/ [㐀] Showing the qualities of e
f
two /tuː/ [㐐] The number 2: I've got two sis- a particular group: In United States it is typical to g

ters and a brother. eat turkey on Thanksgiving.

two-way /ˈtuː.weɪ/ [㐀] Going in opposite direc- typist /ˈtaɪ.pɪst/ [㐗] A person who types: My

tions: This is a two-way street. cousin works as a typist for a publishing company.

type1 /taɪp/ [㐗] A sort or kind of something: It's tyrant /ˈtɑɪ·rənt/ [㐗] A very cruel ruler of a

a horror movie and I don't like that type of movie. country: Many of the Roman Emperors were ty-

type2 /taɪp/ [㐘] To write using a machine: We are rants.

learning to type at school. ■ Be careful with the tyre UK: /taɪər/ [㐗] See tire1. ■ This is a British

spelling of this form: "typing". English spelling.

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

U u /juː/ The twenty-first letter of the alphabet: The
u
word "uniform" begins with a "u".

UFO /ˌju·efˈoʊ/ [㐗] A strange object seen in the

sky: My uncle said he saw a UFO on the way back

from the pub last week. ■ Be careful! "UFO" is al-

ways written in capital letters. "UFO" is an abbrevia-

tion for "Unidentified Flying Object". ■ See box at ab-

breviations.

ugly /ˈʌg.li/ [㐀] Not pretty, unpleasant to look

at: What an ugly face you've got when you're angry!

■ The comparative form is "uglier" and the superla-

tive form is "ugliest".

UK Used to refer to the country of Great Britain

and Northern Ireland: She lives in the UK. ■ "UK" is

an abbreviation for "United Kingdom". ■ See box at

abbreviations.

ulna /ˈʌl.nə/ [㐗] The thinnest and longest of

the two bones in the forearm between the elbow

and the hand: The ulna is on the side opposite the

thumb. ■ The plural is "ulnae" or "ulnas". 㐀 See pa-
ge 422.

ultrasound /ˈʌltrəsaʊnd/ [㐖] 1 Band of spe-

cial sound with a frequency above the upper limit

of human hearing: Ultrasound is used to examine
unborn babies and to test objects for defects. 2 A

scan to examine a baby still inside its mother:

She had an ultrasound at the hospital.

ultraviolet /ˌʌltrəˈvaɪələt/ [㐀] Referring to the

spectrum of light beyond that which people can

see: Ultraviolet light is found in sunlight and is the

main cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

umbilical cord /ʌmˈbɪlɪklˌkɔːd/ [㐗] A flexible

tube that is the connection between the fetus and

its mother: The umbilical cord is cut when the ba-

by is born.

umbrella /ʌmˈbrel.ə/ [㐗] An object that you

use to protect yourself from the rain: Don't forget

your umbrella. It looks like rain.

umpire /ˈʌm·pɑɪər/ [㐗] The referee in some

games, especially tennis and baseball: The um-

pire decided that the ball was out.

un- /ʌn-/ [㐒] An addition to the beginning of a

word that usually gives it the opposite meaning:

If you add "un-" to "happy", you get "unhappy",

which means "sad".

UN Used to refer to an international organization

that was established in 1945 to keep world peace:

Harry James works for the UN. ■ "UN" is an abbrevi-

ation for "United Nations". ■ See box at abbrevia-

tions.

unable /ʌnˈeɪ.bl/̩ [㐀] Not able: I'm sorry, I'm un-

able to help you at the moment. I'm too busy. ■ Be

careful with the pronunciation of this word! It is pro-

nounced like "table".

393 understanding

unanimous /juːˈnæn.ɪ.məs/ [㐀] With every- under /ˈʌndər/ [㐅] 1 Below something: The a
b
one's agreement: The decision to suspend the cat sat under the table. 2 Less than: If you are un- c
d
game was unanimous. der sixteen, you are not allowed to apply for a driv- e
ing license. 3 Subject to the orders or authority of: f
unarmed /ʌnˈɑrmd/ [㐀] Without a gun, knife, g
My aunt is a manager in a restaurant and she has
or other weapon: Rangers in the National Park are h
about twenty people working under her. 㐀 See pic- i
usually unarmed. ■ Be careful with the pronuncia- j
ture at preposition. k
tion of the end of this word. The "e" is not pro- l
underclothes /ˈʌn·dərˌkloʊz/, /-ˌkloʊðz/ [㐑] m
nounced. n
Clothes that you wear next to your skin under o
unattractive /ˌʌn.əˈtræk.tɪv/ [㐀] Not attrac- p
your other clothes: I went shopping yesterday with q
tive: I think that style of blouse is very unattractive. r
my mom to buy some new underclothes. ■ The same s
unbearable /ʌnˈbeər·ə·bəl/ [㐀] Awful, that you t
meaning: "underwear". u
can't tolerate: What an unbearable movie! v
undergraduate /ˌʌn·dərˈgrædʒ·u·ət/ [㐗] A stu- w
unbelievable /ˌʌn.bɪˈliː.və.bl/̩ [㐀] Difficult x
dent at university doing a first degree, specially a y
to believe, very surprising: What you say is so un- z
bachelor's degree: There's a special dining room
believable that I think that you must be inventing
for undergraduates and one for postgraduates at
it.
the local university.
uncertain /ʌnˈsɜr·tə·n/ [㐀] Not sure: We were
underground1 /ˈʌndəgraʊnd/ [㐁] Under the
uncertain about which way to go.
ground: We can leave the car in the underground
unchain [㐘] To remove the chains by which
parking lot.
somebody or something is fastened: She un-
underground2 /ˈʌndəgraʊnd/ [㐌] See subway. ■
chained the dog and took him to the car.
This word is British English.
uncle /ˈʌŋ.kl̩/ [㐗] Your father's or mother's
underline /ˈʌn·dərˌlɑɪn/ [㐘] To draw a line under
brother, or your aunt's husband: My aunt and un-
something: Write the title and the date and then
cle live next-door to us. ■ Be careful of the pronunci-
underline them.
ation of this word! "un" is pronounced like "sun".
underneath /ˌʌn·dərˈniθ/ [㐅] Under some-
㐀 See picture at family.
thing: Put your bag underneath the chair and then
unclear /ʌnˈklɪər/ [㐀] Not clear, not evident:
you won't fall over it.
The instructions for this computer program are un-
underpants /ˈʌn·dərˌpænts/ [㐑] A piece of
clear.
clothing that a boy or a man wears under his
uncomfortable /ʌnˈkʌm·fər·t̬ə·bəl/, /-ˈkʌmf·tər·bəl/
pants: We gave my dad a pair of underpants with
[㐀] Not comfortable: These shoes are very un-
comfortable. I think they're too small. "Angeles Lakers" written on them. ■ "Pants" is short

uncommon /ʌnˈkɑm·ən/ [㐀] Not common, un- for "underpants". ■ When we talk about two or more

usual: That bird is uncommon in this part of the "underpants", we use the word "pairs": "I bought

country. three pairs of underpants".

unconscious /ʌnˈkɑn·ʃəs/ [㐀] Not conscious: underprivileged /ˌʌn·dərˈprɪv·lɪdʒd/ [㐀] Very

Timmy was knocked unconscious when he fell off poor, without the advantages of other members

his bike. of society: The people in this area of the city are

uncontrollable /ˌʌn·kənˈtroʊ·lə·bəl/ [㐀] Im- underprivileged.

possible to control: The children in that class are undersea /ˌʌn.dəˈsiː/ US: /-dɚ-/ [㐀] Beneath the sur-

uncontrollable. face of the sea: The submarine is an undersea vessel.

uncooked [㐀] Not cooked: I can't eat this undershirt [㐗] An article of underwear that

meat; it's uncooked in the middle. ■ Be careful with you wear on the top part of your body: Don't for-

the pronunciation of the end of this word. The last get to put your woolly undershirt on. It's extremely

"e" is not pronounced. ■ The same meaning: "raw". cold today. ■ In British English they say "vest".

uncountable /ʌnˈkɑʊn·tə·bəl/ [㐀] That cannot understand, understood, understood

be counted: "Water" is an uncountable noun be- /ˌʌn·dərˈstænd/ [㐘] 1 To know the meaning of
something: I don't understand this word. What
cause you cannot have "one water", you have does it mean? 2 To know something because it

"some water" or "a glass of water". has been explained to you: I understand the phys-

uncover /ʌnˈkʌv·ər/ [㐘] 1 To take a cover off ics we did in class today now that you have ex-

something: We uncovered the birthday cake and plained it to me.
showed it to everyone. 2 To discover a crime or a
understanding1 /ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ [㐀] Kind and
criminal: The police uncovered a drug gang in the
sympathetic: I told my teacher about how I had
town next to ours.

understanding 394

a fallen over on the way to school and she was very unfair /ʌnˈfeər/ [㐀] Not fair or just: It's unfair

b understanding. that I have to stay one hour after class.

understanding2 /ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ [㐖] The unfamiliar /ˌʌn·fəˈmɪl·jər/ [㐀] Not familiar, not

ability to understand something: You must have a seen or known before: I knew that I had got off the

c good understanding of mathematics to do this train at the wrong station when everything looked
physics course. so unfamiliar.
d understood /ˌʌndəˈstʊd/ Past tense and past par- unfashionable /ʌnˈfæʃ.ən.ə.bl/̩ [㐀] Not fash-
ticiple forms of understand. ionable, out of date: I don't want to wear those

e underwater /ˌʌndəˈwɔːtər/ [㐁] Under the wa- clothes. They're so unfashionable.
ter: We had an underwater swimming race from unfasten /ʌnˈfæs·ən/ [㐘] To undo, to make loose

f one end of the pool to the other. something that was fastened: Can you unfasten

underwear /ˈʌn·dərˌweər/ [㐖] Clothes that this knot for me? It is very tight.

g you wear next to your skin under your other unfit /ʌnˈfɪt/ [㐀] 1 Not healthy or strong: The
clothes: Here are the clean clothes: jeans and doctor told my dad that he was unfit and that he

h shirts in this basket and underwear in the other. ■ should do more exercise. 2 Not good enough for
The same meaning: "underclothes". something: The inspectors said that the old build-

i undid /ʌnˈdɪd/ Past tense of undo. ing was unfit to be used as a school.

undo, undid, undone /ʌnˈduː/ [㐘] To untie or unfortunate /ʌnˈfɔr·tʃə·nət/ [㐀] Unlucky: My

j unfasten something: Help me to undo my shoelac- mom has been very unfortunate recently. First she
es, please. lost her job and then she had a car accident.

undone /ʌnˈdʌn/ Past participle of undo. unfriendly /ʌnˈfrend.li/ [㐀] Not friendly: Mark
k undoubtedly /ʌnˈdɑʊ·t̬ɪd·li/ [㐀] Without a is a very unfriendly person. He hardly ever smiles.
doubt: Michelle is undoubtedly the best tennis ungrateful /ʌnˈgreɪt.fəl/ [㐀] Not grateful: It

l player we have ever had in this school. ■ Be careful was very ungrateful of you not to say "Thank you"
with the pronunciation of this word. The "b" is silent for the present.

m and the "e" is pronounced like the "i" in "did". unhappiness /ʌnˈhæp.ɪ.nəs/ [㐖] The state of

undress /ʌnˈdres/ [㐘] To take your clothes off: I being unhappy: Can you explain the reason for

n undressed and got in the bathtub. ■ The same your unhappiness?
meaning: "strip2". ■ Be careful with the spelling of unhappy /ʌnˈhæp.i/ [㐀] Sad, not satisfied: Stu-

o the 3rd person singular present tense form: "un- art says that he was very unhappy at his last
dresses". school. ■ The comparative form is "unhappier" and

p uneasily /ʌnˈiː.zɪ.li/ [㐄] Showing that you are the superlative form is "unhappiest".
worried: We waited uneasily while the teacher went unhealthy /ʌnˈhel.θi/ [㐀] 1 Not healthy: Elaine

q to fetch the principal. looks very unhealthy these days. She's very pale

uneasy /ʌnˈiː.zi/ [㐀] Worried; a little afraid: and thin. 2 Not good for you: Too many potato

r Mom and dad always get uneasy when we come chips and candies are unhealthy for you. ■ The
home late. comparative form is "unhealthier" and the superla-

s unemployed /ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪd/ [㐀] Without a paid tive form is "unhealthiest".
job: James lost his job last March and has been un- unhelpful /ʌnˈhelp.fəl/ [㐀] Not helpful: The in-
employed ever since. ■ Be careful with the pronunci- structions for this computer are very unhelpful.

t ation of the end of this word. The last "e" is not pro- unicellular /ˌju·nəˈsel·jə·lər/ [㐀] Referring to
nounced. an organism, that only has one cell: An amoeba is

u unemployment /ˌʌn.ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/ [㐖] The unicellular.
state of not having a paid job, the totally number uniform /ˈju·nəˌfɔrm/ [㐌] Specially designed

v of unemployed: The unemployment figures have clothing that members of a group institution
gone up a lot in this town over the past year. wear: Our school uniform is a gray skirt or pants

w uneven /ʌnˈiː.vən/ [㐀] Not level, not regular: and a blue sweater.
The ground is very uneven in this part of the back- unimportant /ˌʌn·ɪmˈpɔr·tə·nt/ [㐀] Not impor-

x yard. tant, of little importance: Don't worry about the

unexpected /ˌʌn.ɪkˈspek.tɪd/ [㐀] Not expected, type of paper you use, that's quite unimportant for

y surprising: The test results were totally unexpect- the moment.
ed. We all thought we would pass. ■ Be careful with uninhabited /ˌʌn.ɪnˈhæb.ɪ.tɪd/ US: /-t̬ɪd/ [㐀]

z the pronunciation of the end of this word. The last Without people living there: Some of the small
"e" is pronounced like the "i" in "did". islands off the coast of Alaska are totally unin-

395 unsteady

habited. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of the unlikely /ʌnˈlaɪ.kli/ [㐀] Not probable: It's un- a
b
end of this word. The "e" is pronounced like the "i" likely that our team will beat Chicago Bulls, but you c
d
in "did". never know. e
f
uninteresting /ʌnˈɪn.tər.es.tɪŋ/ US: /-tɚ-/ [㐀] unload /ʌnˈləʊd/ [㐘] To take things out of a car, g

Not interesting: That book is really uninteresting, boat or other vehicle: Can you help me unload the h
i
isn't it? van, please? j
k
union /ˈjuː.ni.ən/ [㐌] 1 An association of workers: unlock /ʌnˈlɑk/ [㐘] To open something with a l
m
My dad is the representative of his department in key: I've lost the key of my suitcase and now I can't n
o
the National Union of Teachers. ■ We also say unlock it. p
"trade union". 2 A group of countries or people q
unlucky /ʌnˈlʌk.i/ [㐀] Not lucky, with bad luck: r
that get together: My sister belongs to the Women's s
Union that meets once a week. 3 Coming together: We were very unlucky to lose the game. We were the t
u
The union of the girls' school with the boys' school better team. v
w
took place last year. unmarried /ʌnˈmær·id/, /-ˈmeər-/ [㐀] Not mar- x
y
Union Jack [㐗] The British flag: The Union ried: My uncle is unmarried. z

Jack is formed by the combined flags of Scotland, unnatural /ʌnˈnætʃ·ər·əl/ [㐀] Not natural, that

Wales and England. ■ Be careful. "Union Jack" has is not usual or expected: It's unnatural for a per-

capital letters. son never to have any friends.

unique /jʊˈniːk/ [㐀] Not like anybody or any- unnecessary /ʌnˈnes.ə.ser.i/ [㐀] Not neces-

thing: This painting is quite unique in its style. sary: It's unnecessary to take so much money on a

unit /ˈjuː.nɪt/ [㐗] 1 One thing which is com- school trip.

plete in itself, although very often part of a se- unpack /ʌnˈpæk/ [㐘] To take your things out of

ries: The Social Studies textbook we use in class is your suitcase or bag after a trip: When you've un-
divided into 10 units. 2 A measurement: A "dollar"
packed, come down and have something to eat.
is a unit of money; a "mile" is a unit of length; and
unpleasant /ʌnˈplez.ənt/ [㐀] Not pleasant, un-
a "pound" is a unit of weight.
friendly: Pat was very unpleasant to my friends the
unite /jʊˈnaɪt, juː-/ [㐘] To bring things together:
other day. It was quite embarrassing.
Texas and United States united in 1845.
unpopular /ʌnˈpɑp·jə·lər/ [㐀] Not popular:
universal /ˌju·nəˈvɜr·səl/ [㐀] Which is every-
Dave is unpopular because he's so rude to people.
where, which affects everyone: There was univer-
unreasonable /ʌnˈriː.zən.ə.bl̩/ [㐀] Not reason-
sal excitement when the first person stepped on the
able: Don't be so unreasonable, mom! Why can't I
moon.
go to the party?
universe /ˈju·nəˌvɜrs/ [㐌] The earth, the planets
unreliable /ˌʌn.rɪˈlaɪə.bl/̩ [㐀] Not reliable:
and all the stars: My uncle is an astronomer and
Frank is very unreliable. You can never trust him to
studies the universe.
do anything.
university /ˌju·nəˈvɜr·sɪ·ti̬ / [㐌] A place of higher
unsafe /ʌnˈseɪf/ [㐀] Not safe, not dangerous:
education: I would like to study Biology at univer-
That bicycle is unsafe because the brakes don't
sity. ■ The plural is "universities".
work very well.
unkind /ʌnˈkaɪnd/ [㐀] Not kind, cruel: I don't
unsatisfactory /ˌən·sæt̬·əsˈfæk·tə·ri/ [㐀] Not
like Susan very much. She's very unkind sometimes.
satisfactory, not acceptable: You work is most un-
unknown /ʌnˈnoʊn/ [㐀] Not known: The paint-
satisfactory. You never pay attention in class.
er of that picture is unknown.
unscramble /ʌnˈskræm.bl/̩ [㐘] To return to a legi-
unleaded [㐀] Not containing lead: Our car
ble state something that has been coded: We need
uses unleaded gas.
to unscramble the message to find out what it says.
unless /ənˈles/ [㐈] If... not; except if: Unless
unselfish /ʌnˈsel.fɪʃ/ [㐀] Not selfish, thinking
you start studying for your test now, you'll never
of others before yourself: My mother is a very un-
pass it.
selfish person and is always doing things for others.
unlike1 [㐀] Not like something, different
unskilled /ʌnˈskɪld/ [㐀] Without special train-
from: This school is unlike my last one.
ing: Unskilled workers often have to do the most tir-
unlike2 /ʌnˈlaɪk/ [㐓] 1 In contrast to: Unlike
ing jobs in a factory. ■ Be careful with the pronunci-
me, my sister is very lively and likes going out. I like
reading and listening to music. 2 Not typical of: I ation of the end of this word. The "e" is not

am very surprised at what you say about Judy. It's pronounced.

unlike her to be cruel. unsteady /ʌnˈsted.i/ [㐀] Not steady: That ta-

ble's very unsteady. Let's put something under one

of the legs.

unsuccessful 396

a unsuccessful /ˌʌn.səkˈses.fəl/ [㐀] Not success- in the word cut2 8 to get up See "to get up" in the
b ful: There were several unsuccessful attempts to word get 9 to go up See "to go up" in the word
climb Everest before a British expedition reached go2. 10 up and down In one direction and then in
the top in 1953. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation the other: Mr. Browning walked up and down the
road waiting for his daughter. 11 up to Until:
c of this word. The first "c" is pronounced like a "k", We've got up to the end of the month to finish the
the second "c" like an "s". project. 12 to use up See "to use up" in the word
"use2" 13 What's up? Words that you say when
d unsuitable /ʌnˈsu·t̬ə·bəl/ [㐀] Not suitable: you ask somebody what's happening or what's
Those dirty old jeans are quite unsuitable to wear the matter: What's up with you? Why are you look-

e to a wedding.
unsympathetic /ˌʌn.sɪm.pəˈθet.ɪk/ US: /-ˈθet̬-/

f [㐀] Not sympathetic: My father was quite un- ing so sad? 㐀 See picture at preposition.
sympathetic when I told him that I wasn't feeling update /ˈʌp.deɪt/, /ʌpˈdeɪt/ [㐘] To bring up to date:

g well. Update me on the news. What's been happening?
untidy /ʌnˈtaɪ.di/ [㐀] Not tidy, in disorder: Kar- uphill /ʌpˈhɪl/ [㐄] Towards the top of a hill: We

h en's room's always untidy, but she seems to like it walked uphill to the farmhouse.
that way. ■ The comparative form is "untidier" and upon /əˈpɑn/, /əˈpɔn/ [㐓] On: The church stands

i the superlative form is "untidiest". 㐀 See picture at upon a little hill, about two miles from the town. ■
opposite. We usually say "on".

j untie /ʌnˈtaɪ/ [㐘] To undo a piece of string, shoe- upper /ˈʌp·ər/ [㐀] Higher: The upper part of the
lace and so on: Untie your shoes before you take mountain is covered in snow.
k them off, please! ■ Be careful with the spelling of upright /ˈʌpraɪt/ [㐁] Straight up, in a vertical
this form: "untying". position: Carry that box upright or the contents will

until1 /ənˈtɪl/ [㐈] Up to the time when: Wait be damaged.
l here on the corner until I finish in the store.
uprising /ˈʌpˌraɪ.zɪŋ/ [㐗] A rebellion: There
until2 /ənˈtɪl/ [㐓] Up to a certain time: The was an uprising in United States against British
m swimming pool doesn't open until 5 o'clock.
rule in 1776.

untrue /ʌnˈtruː/ [㐀] Not true, false: The story upset1 /ʌpˈset/ [㐀] 1 Sad, angry or otherwise

n George told you about me is completely untrue. emotionally disturbed: We were all very upset

unused /ʌnˈjuːzd/ [㐀] Not used: We can prac- when the cat was killed in an accident. 2 Ill: Bri-

o tice our songs in that unused room at the end of the an's not here today because he's got an upset stom-
corridor. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this ach.

p word. The "e" is not pronounced. upset2, upset, upset /ʌpˈset/ [㐘] 1 To make

unusual /ʌnˈjuː.ʒu.əl/ [㐀] Not usual, uncom- somebody sad, angry or otherwise emotionally

q mon, different: It's unusual for Sean to be so late. I disturbed: She upset me when she told me that I
wonder where he is. was fat. 2 To make something go wrong: The ar-
rival of Nancy's parents upset our plans for an all
r unwelcome /ʌnˈwel.kəm/ [㐀] Not welcome: night party. 3 To knock over or to spill something:
Old Mr. Harding is an unwelcome guest since he

s was so rude to my grandma. I'm sorry! I've just upset the milk all over the table.

unwell /ʌnˈwel/ [㐀] Not well, ill: My grandfa- ■ Be careful with the spelling of this form: "upset-

ther's been unwell for some time now and we're ting".
t quite worried about him.
upside down [㐄] With the top part at the bot-

unwilling /ʌnˈwɪl.ɪŋ/ [㐀] Not willing, not want- tom: You've hung the picture upside down!
u ing to: Dad says that he's unwilling to accept the upstairs /ˈʌpˈsterz/ [㐄] On a higher floor or to a
new post until he knows more about it. higher floor: Go upstairs and get my glasses from

v unwise /ʌnˈwaɪz/ [㐀] Not wise, not a good idea: the bedroom, please.
It would be unwise to drive in this foggy weather. up to date /ˌʌptəˈdeɪt/ [㐀] Modern, having all

w up /ʌp/ [㐃] 1 To a higher place or in a high- the latest information: Jane is always up to date
er place: Harry put the book up on the shelf. 2 Out on the latest fashions.

x of bed: It's twelve o'clock and you're still not up. 3 upward [㐄] Up; towards a higher place: Look at
Along: Walk up the street with me to the corner. 4 all those people looking upward. I wonder what

y Higher: The bad news is that inflation is up again. they're looking at.
5 to be up to (something) See "to be up to (some- upwards /ˈʌp·wərdz/ [㐄] Up; towards a higher

z thing)" in the word be 6 to come up See "to come place: Look at all those people looking upwards. I
up" in the word come 7 to cut up See "to cut up" wonder what they're looking at.

397 usually

uranium /jʊəˈreɪniəm/ [㐖] A radioactive me- straight after a preposition: Daniel wrote to my a
b
tallic element which occurs naturally: Uranium sister and me, and asked us to go and visit him. c
d
can be used for the production of nuclear energy. USA The United States of America: Sarah lives in e
f
Uranus /ˈjʊərənəs/ [㐗] A planet of the solar the USA. ■ "USA" is an abbreviation for "Unites g

system that is seventh in order from the Sun: States of America". ■ See box at abbreviations. h
i
Uranus was the first planet discovered with a tele- use1 /juːs/ [㐌] 1 The act or fact of using j
k
scope. 㐀 See page 447. something: The whiteboard is not for the use l
of the students, but for the teacher. 2 to make m
urban /ˈɜr·bən/ [㐀] Of a town or a city: My use of (something) To find a use for some- n
o
grandfather says that he could never get used to thing: Can you make use of this umbrella? I've p
q
living in an urban area. got two. r
s
urchin /ˈɜr·tʃən/ [㐗] 1 A small child that is use2 /juːz/ [㐘] To do something with an object: My t
u
mischievous, especially a dirty and poor child: mom uses a computer at work. v
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to use up To use something w
That street urchin is dressed in rags. ■ This use is until it is finished: We've used up all the firewood. x
now old-fashioned. 2 sea urchin A small, edible y
Do we have any more? z
sea creature with a round, spiny shell: Sea ur-
used1 /juːst/ [㐀] 1 Not new, that has already
chins mainly eat algae.
had one owner: My mom bought a used car last
ureter US: /jʊˈriː.tɚ̬ / UK: /jʊəˈriː.tər/ [㐗] Either of week and she says it's a bargain. 2 to be used
to To be accustomed to something: I am used
two vessels in the body which carries urine from to getting up early. 3 to get used to To become

the kidneys to the bladder: The ureters are muscu- accustomed to something: My mom is learning

lar tubes that push the urine through. 㐀 See page to ski and she's finding it very difficult to get

424. used to it. ■ The verb after "be used to" or "get

urethra /jʊˈri·θrə/ [㐗] A vessel which carries used to" is in the "-ing" form. ■ Be careful with

urine from the bladder out of the body: The ure- the pronunciation of this word. The "e" is not

thra carries urine out of the body through the pe- pronounced.

nis. ■ The plural is "urethras" or "urethrae". 㐀 See used2 used to Words that you use to talk about

pages 424 and 425. something that happened often in the past: My

urge1 /ɜːdʒ/ [㐗] A strong desire to do some- cousin says that when he was little, he used to be-

thing: Laurie had a sudden urge to sing and dance. lieve in Santa Claus. ■ The verb after "used to" is in

urge2 /ɜːdʒ/ [㐘] To try to make somebody do the infinitive form: "He used to go". ■ Be careful with

something by strong persuasion: My teacher the pronunciation of this word. The "e" is not pro-

urged me to study harder. nounced.

urgency /ˈɜr·dʒən·si/ [㐖] The need to do useful /ˈjuːs.fəl/ [㐀] Good for doing something:

something very quickly: "Come quickly!" he said We gave my dad a book about gardening and he

with urgency in his voice. ■ The plural is "urgen- says it's very useful.

cies". useless /ˈjuː.sləs/ [㐀] Not good for doing some-

urgent /ˈɜr·dʒənt/ [㐀] Needing to be done very thing: This pocketknife is useless; it doesn't cut at

quickly: I must call home immediately. I've had an all.

urgent message from my mother. user /ˈju·zər/ [㐗] A person who uses some-

urinary /ˈjʊə.rɪ.nər.i/ US: /ˈjʊr.ɪ.ner-/ [㐀] Refer- thing: Will all the users of the swimming pool

ring to urine, and the vessels which carry or pro- please leave the changing rooms as clean as they

duce it: Infections of the urinary tract are a com- found them.

mon problem. usual /ˈjuː.ʒu.əl/ [㐀] 1 Happening as expected:

urine /ˈjʊərɪn/ [㐖] A liquid emitted as waste Don't worry; it's quite usual for Ben to be late. 2 as
usual As normally happens: Then Olive invited us
from the body by the kidneys: Urine is normally
all to her house for coffee, as usual.
pale yellow.
usually /ˈjuː.ʒu.ə.li/ [㐄] Normally, most often:
Uruguayan1 [㐀] Referring to Uruguay: The
We usually have our main meal in the evening, but
Uruguayan Peso is the currency of Uruguay. ■ Be
at the weekend we have it at midday. ■ "Usually"
careful! "Uruguayan" has a capital "U".
goes before the main verb and after auxiliary verbs
Uruguayan2 [㐗] A person from Uruguay: My
like "be", "do" or "have": "I'm usually on time for
cousin is married to a Uruguayan and they live in
school". ■ See box at frequency.
Montevideo. ■ Be careful! "Uruguayan" has a capital

"U".

us /ʌs, əs/ [㐕] A word used for "we", usually

when it is the object of a sentence or comes

utensil 398

a utensil /juːˈten.sɪl/ [㐗] An object that you use utter1 /ˈʌtər/ [㐀] Complete: There was utter silence in

b in the kitchen: This is where we keep our cooking the exam room when I left. ■ We usually say "complete".
utensils. ■ This word is more common in the plural. utter2 /ˈʌtər/ [㐘] To say something: She didn't ut-
uterus /ˈjuːtərəs/ [㐗] The organ in women and ter a single word all the time we were there. ■ We

c some female animals where the baby is carried usually say "say".
before birth: The uterus is where babies grow be- U-turn [㐗] A turn, in the shape of the letter
d fore being born. ■ The plural is "uteri" or "uteruses". U, made by a vehicle in order to reverse his direc-
■ The same meaning: "womb". 㐀 See page 425. tion: In this road, U-turns are not permitted.

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