1essential_esl_dictionary_9_000_words_for_learners_of_english

V v. /viː/ An abbreviation for versus. ■ See box at ab-
v
breviations.

v1 /viː/ The twenty-second letter of the alphabet:

The name "Victor" begins with a "V".

v2 A word used in writing when you want the

reader to look something up to get more informa-

tion. ■ "v" is an abbreviation for "consult". ■ See box

at abbreviations.

vacancy /ˈveɪ.kənt.si/ [㐗] 1 A room in a hotel

that is not filled: There are plenty of vacancies in
the hotels at this time of year. 2 A job that is not

filled: There's a vacancy at our school as head of

the language department. ■ The plural is "vacan-

cies".

vacant /ˈveɪ.kənt/ [㐀] 1 Not being used: Is this

chair vacant? 2 Not filled: The principal has re-

tired and the post is now vacant.

vacation /veɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ [㐌] 1 A period of time to

rest from work or school: Last year, we spent our

summer vacation in Asia. ■ In this use, in British

English we say "holiday". ■ When we speak about a

short period we normally say "holidays": "national
holidays". 2 on vacation Not at work or at school:

Hurray! We're on vacation next week! ■ In this use,

in British English we say "on holiday".

vaccinate /ˈvæk.sɪ.neɪt/ [㐘] To give somebody an

injection to protect them against disease: We

were vaccinated against yellow fever before we

went on safari to Africa.

vaccination /ˌvæk.sɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ [㐌] An injection giv-

en to somebody to protect them against disease:

My grandma is going to have her flu vaccination to-

day.

vaccine /ˈvæk.siːn/ [㐖] A substance with a

harmless amount from a virus or bacteria, that is

given to people to stop them from getting a cer-

tain disease: Vaccines can be given orally or by in-

jection.

vacuum1 /ˈvækjuːm/ [㐗] A completely empty

space: Outer space is not a vacuum, it contains a

very small amount of material.

vacuum2 /ˈvækjuːm/ [㐘] To clean with a vacuum

cleaner: He has vacuumed the whole house. ■ In

British English they say "hoover".

vacuum cleaner [㐗] A machine that cleans

floors by sucking up the dirt: I quite like cleaning

with the vacuum cleaner. ■ In British English they

say "hoover".

vacuum flask [㐗] A special kind of bottle

that keeps drinks hot or cold: We'll take the vacu-

um flask with us on the picnic.

vagina /vəˈdʒaɪ.nə/ [㐗] The canal connecting

the uterus and the vulva: The vagina functions as

the birth canal. 㐀 See page 425.

vague 400

a vague /veɪg/ [㐀] Not clear: I only have a vague vanish /ˈvæn.ɪʃ/ [㐘] To disappear suddenly: The

b memory of my grandmother. food at the children's party vanished in minutes.

vain /veɪn/ [㐀] 1 Very proud of yourself: Kevin vanity /ˈvæn·ɪ·t̬i/ [㐖] Being too proud of your-

is so vain. He thinks he's the prettiest boy in the self: Stop looking at yourself in the mirror. Your

c class. 2 in vain Without success: I tried in vain to vanity is incredible. ■ The plural is "vanities".
learn my vocabulary. There were too many words. vapor /ˈveɪ.pər/ [㐖] A gas form of a liquid,
d valentine card or valentine /ˈvæl.ən.taɪn/ usually caused by heating: Mist is a kind of vapor.
[㐗] Card sent to somebody you love on Febru- ■ The British English spelling is "vapour". 㐀 See pa-

e ary 14th: I hope to get at least one valentine card ge 438.
next week on February 14th. vapour /ˈveɪ.pər/ US: /-pɚ/ [㐖] See vapor. ■

f valley /ˈvæl.i/ [㐗] Low land between two or This is a British English spelling.
more hills: To get to the next town, you have to variation /ˌveər·iˈeɪ·ʃən/, /ˌvær-/ [㐗] 1 A change

g cross the valley. from the usual condition, process or way: Now

valuable /ˈvæl.jʊ.bl/̩ [㐀] 1 Worth a lot of mon- that you all know the basic steps, let's introduce

h ey: My dad collects stamps and he's got some quite some variations. 2 Fluctuation: There was a great
valuable ones. 2 Very useful: The police received variation in the price of gasoline this year. ■ We say

i some very valuable information about the crime "variation in or of something". 3 Any one of several
from an anonymous phone call. melodies based on a principal melody in a piece

j value1 /ˈvæljuː/ [㐌] 1 The money that something of music: Bach's Goldberg variations consists of 30
is worth: It is impossible to calculate the value of variations on a theme.
the Yosemite National Park. 2 How much some- variety /vəˈrɑɪ·ɪ·t̬i/ [㐌] 1 Different things: They

k thing is worth or how useful it is: A good tele- have a great variety in the new clothes store. ■ In
scope is of great value to anybody. 3 good value this use "variety" is an uncountable noun. 2 A par-

l Good for the price: I got this dress in the sales. It ticular group of different things: You can get
was really good value. these jeans in a great variety of colors. 3 A type of

m value2 /ˈvæljuː/ [㐘] 1 To think that something is something: There are a lot of varieties of roses. ■
important: I value your friendship enormously. 2 The plural is "varieties".

n To say how much something would cost: The various /ˈveər·i·əs/, /ˈvær-/ [㐀] Several different:
painting has been valued at $2,000,000. ■ Be care- There are various types of sweet dishes on the

o ful with the spelling of this form: "valuing". menu.

valve /vælv/ [㐗] A device that opens or closes vary US: /ˈver.i/ UK: /ˈveə.ri/ [㐘] To change: You

p to control liquid or gas: I can't inflate my bicycle should call the airport the day before your flight be-
tire because there's something wrong with the valve. cause flight times can vary. ■ Be careful with the

q vampire /ˈvæm·pɑɪər/ [㐗] A mythical person spelling of these forms: "varies", "varied".
who drinks people's blood: Count Dracula is the vas [㐗] An anatomical vessel or duct that con-

r most famous vampire ever. tains a fluid: Blood flows through vasa. ■ The plu-

van /væn/ [㐗] A vehicle that is used for trans- ral is "vasa".

s porting things: My uncle has just bought a new vas deferens [㐗] Either one of two vessels
van. 㐀 See picture at transport. which links the testicles to the urethra: The vasa

vandal /ˈvændəl/ [㐗] Somebody who deliber- deferentia take sperm from the testicles to the ure-

t ately breaks or damages things in public places: thra during ejaculation. ■ The plural is "vasa defer-
The vandals destroyed the bus stop. entia".

u vandalism /ˈvæn.dəl.ɪ.zəm/ [㐖] Damage done vase US: /veɪs/ UK: /vɑːz/ [㐗] A container that
to people's property for no particular reason: you put flowers in: There was a lovely vase of flow-

v There is a lot of vandalism in our area these days. ers on the table.
vane /veɪn/ [㐗] 1 An object put on top of a vast US: /væst/ UK: /vɑːst/ [㐀] Enormous: The Sa-

w building which turns to show wind direction: The hara is a vast desert in North Africa.
vane indicates that the wind is coming from the VAT /ˌviː.eɪˈtiː, væt/ [㐖] A kind of tax: Is VAT

x north today. 2 The blade attached to a rotating included in the bill? ■ Be careful! "VAT" is always
wheel: Aircraft propellers and electric fans have written in capital letters. "VAT" is an abbreviation for

y vanes. "Value Added Tax".

vanilla /vəˈnɪl.ə/ [㐖] A plant that is used to VCR /ˈviˌsiˈɑr/ [㐗] See video cassette recorder.

z give a special taste to sweet food: Can I have a va- ■ Be careful! "VCR" is always written in capital let-
nilla ice cream, please? ters. ■ See box at abbreviations.

401 vertically

've /-v, -əv/ The contraction of "have". of the body as a result of the pumping action: a
veal /viːl/ [㐖] The meat from a young cow: b
The human heart has two ventricles, left and c
Shall we have some veal for dinner tonight? ■ Com- d
right. e
pare with "calf" (a young cow). f
Venus /ˈviːnəs/ [㐗] A planet of the solar sys- g
vegetable /ˈvedʒ.tə.bl̩/ [㐗] A plant that peo-
tem that is second in order from the Sun: After h
ple eat: We had vegetable soup for lunch yesterday. i
the Sun and the Moon, Venus is the brightest object j
■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! The k
in the night sky. 㐀 See page 446. l
second "e" is not pronounced. 㐀 See page 437. m
verandah /vəˈræn.də/ [㐗] A large, open area n
vegetarian /ˌvedʒ·ɪˈteər·i·ən/ [㐗] A person o
on the side of a house with a roof but no wall: We p
who does not eat meat: Paul and Rita are vegetar- q
sat on the verandah and talked until three in the r
ians so we can't do chicken for dinner. s
morning. t
vegetation /ˌvedʒɪˈteɪʃən/ [㐖] A collective u
verb US: /vɝːb/ UK: /vɜːb/ [㐗] 1 A word that tells v
name for plant life: The vegetation of the Amazon w
us what somebody or something does: "go", "tell", x
rainforest is very diverse. "look" and "run" are all verbs. 2 auxiliary verb y
See auxiliary verb. 3 phrasal verb See phrasal z
vehicle /ˈviː.ɪ.kl/̩ [㐗] Something that carries
verb.
things or people from one place to another: It is
verbal /ˈvɜr·bəl/ [㐀] 1 That is spoken: The stu-
forbidden for any vehicle to go into the town center.
dent was given a verbal warning. 2 Referring to a
veil /veɪl/ [㐗] A covering over a woman's face
verb: a verbal phrase.
and head: In some Muslim countries women wear a
verdict /ˈvɜr·dɪkt/ [㐗] A decision taken by a
veil over their head when they go out.
jury in a court of law: The jury's verdict was that
vein /veɪn/ [㐗] One of the tubes in the body
the prisoner was guilty.
that carries blood, that appear to be blue in color:
verse US: /vɝːs/ UK: /vɜːs/ [㐌] 1 Poetry: Shake-
Veins carry blood from different parts of the body to
speare wrote much of his work in verse. 2 A group
the heart.
of lines forming a part of a song or a poem: I
velvet /ˈvel.vɪt/ [㐖] A very soft, thick materi-
know the first verse of the song. Does anybody know
al: My grandma has some beautiful dark red velvet
the second?
drapes in her living room.
version /ˈvɜr·ʒən/ [㐗] 1 A different form of
vena cava /ˌviː.nəˈkeɪ.və/ [㐗] One of two veins
something made or performed by somebody: My
which carry deoxygenated blood back to the
brother belongs to a pop group and they sing their
heart: The heart is supplied by two vena cavae, own versions of popular hits. 2 A personal view of

that bring blood from the top and the bottom part something: Bert and Ernie have had an argument.

of the body. ■ The plural is also "vena cavae". Bert has told me his version but I haven't heard Er-

Venezuelan1 [㐀] Referring to Venezuela: Ca- nie's yet.

racas is the Venezuelan capital. ■ Be careful! "Ven- versus /ˈvɜr·səs/ [㐓] Against: Did you see the

ezuelan" has a capital "V". basketball match last night? White Sox versus Chi-

Venezuelan2 [㐗] A person from Venezuela: cago Cubs. ■ "v." and "vs." are abbreviations for

The chef of this restaurant is a Venezuelan. ■ Be "versus", but "vs." is only used in written language.

careful! "Venezuelan" has a capital "V". vertebra /ˈvɜr·tə̬ ·brə/ [㐗] Any of the segments

vengeance /ˈven.dʒənts/ [㐖] A punishment of the backbone: The human backbone is usually

you give to somebody for harm done to you: The made up of 33 vertebrae, but only 24 are movable.

film was about a man who took vengeance on a pol- ■ The plural is "vertebras" or "vertebrae". 㐀 See pa-

itician for the death of his wife. ■ Be careful! We say: ge 422.

"to take vengeance on (somebody)". vertebrate /ˈvɜr·tə·brət/ [㐗] A creature with a

vent /vent/ [㐗] 1 A small opening which gas or backbone: Vertebrates make up only 5% of all spe-

liquid to pass or leave: Keep the vent open so that cies found on Earth. ■ Compare with "invertebrate"
the smoke can go out. 2 air vent Ducts used in
(a creature without a backbone). 㐀 See page 427.
heating, air conditioning or ventilation to deliver
vertical /ˈvɜr·tɪ̬ ·kəl/ [㐀] Going straight up and
and remove air: Cars are usually provided with air
down: To get two points in football, you have to
vents.
kick the ball between the two vertical posts.
ventilate /ˈven·tə·lˌeɪt/ [㐘] To let fresh air into a
vertically [㐄] That is done in a vertical posi-
place: Open the window; let's ventilate the class-
tion or direction: Helicopters can take off vertical-
room.
ly. ■ Compare with "horizontally" (in a parallel posi-
ventricle /ˈven.trɪ.kl̩/ [㐗] Either one of two
tion to the horizon).
spaces in the heart that move blood to the rest

very 402

a very1 /ˈveri/ [㐄] A word that you use to make an- victorious /vɪkˈtɔr·i·əs/, /-ˈtoʊr-/ [㐀] Winning:

b other word stronger: My sister Diane is very tall. The victorious team wins the Super Bowl.
She's taller than my father. ■ The comparative form victory /ˈvɪk·tə·ri/, /-tri/ [㐌] A win: Her victory in
is more and the superlative form is most. ■ See box the judo competition was no surprise. ■ The plural
c at fairly.
is "victories".

very2 /ˈveri/ [㐀] The same or exact: You are the video /ˈvɪd·iˌoʊ/ [㐌] 1 A movie on tape: I got a
d very person I wanted to talk to. ■ We usually say great video for my birthday. 2 See video cassette
"exact". recorder.

e vesicle [㐗] A small sac or cavity, especially videocassette [㐗] A tape where programs
one that is filled with fluid: Vesicles are found in and movies can be recorded: I erased the video-

f plants and animals. cassette before I recorded the concert. ■ The same

vessel /ˈves.əl/ [㐗] 1 A hollow container for meaning: "videotape1".

g liquid: Coffee is drunk from a vessel such as a cup. video cassette recorder [㐗] A machine
2 A tube in the body that contains liquid: Veins that records and plays back television programs:

h and arteries are blood vessels. 3 A ship or boat: We set the video cassette recorder to record the film
The vessel sets sail at six o'clock. ■ Be careful with at seven o'clock. ■ "VCR" is an abbreviation for "vid-

i the pronunciation of this word! "el" is pronounced eo cassette recorder". ■ We also say "video" and
like "le" in "little". "video recorder".

j vest /vest/ [㐗] 1 See undershirt. ■ This use is video game [㐗] A game you play on a TV,
British English. 2 A piece of clothing without using a special machine: I've asked my mom to get
k sleeves that you can wear under your jacket: My me the video game that we were talking about the
new suit consists of a jacket, a vest and pants of the other day.
same material. ■ In this use, in British English we video recorder [㐗] See video cassette re-
l say "waistcoat".
corder.

vet /vet/ [㐗] See veteran. ■ This word is informal. videotape1 /ˈvɪdiəʊteɪp/ [㐌] A tape where pro-
m veteran /ˈvetərən/ [㐗] 1 Somebody with a lot grams and movies can be recorded: We need to
of experience: The new President is a veteran poli- get some more videotapes if we're going to record

n tician. 2 A former member of the armed forces: all the movies. ■ The same meaning: "videocas-
November 11th is the Veterans Day in memory of sette".

o the end of World Wars. ■ "Vet" is short for "veteran". videotape2 [㐘] To record a television program:
veterinary or vet /vet/ [㐗] A doctor for ani- I videotaped yesterday's edition of the series.

p mals: We took our cat to the vet because she hadn't view /vjuː/ [㐗] 1 What you can see from a cer-
eaten for days. tain place: The view from our hotel room is marvel-

q via /vaɪə, ˈviː.ə/ [㐓] Through, by way of: The ous. 2 An opinion: My grandpa is always giving
train from Boston to Chicago goes via Cleveland. his views on everything that he sees on television. 3

r vibrate /vaɪˈbreɪt/ [㐘] To shake very quickly: My in view of Considering: In view of the bad weather
grandma's house is so near the railway station that we have decided to suspend the game. 4 on view

s the windows vibrate when a train goes by. Where everyone can see: A number of old photo-

vibration /vaɪˈbreɪ.ʃən/ [㐌] A continuous, shak- graphs of our town are on view at the local art gal-

ing movement: The soldiers could feel the vibra- lery.
t tions from the explosion.
viewer /ˈvju·ər/ [㐗] A television spectator:

vicar /ˈvɪk.ər/ US: /-ɚ/ [㐗] A priest of the Church Good evening, viewers, and welcome to our pro-
u of England: Have you met the new vicar yet? My gram.
mom says he's very nice. vignette /vɪˈnjet/ [㐗] A brief episode of writ-

v vice /vaɪs/ [㐗] A bad habit: Smoking and drink- ing or section of a movie that gives a picture of
ing too much are vices. something: The book is composed of a series of vi-

w vice- [㐒] A word that goes before a title to show gnettes about frontier life.
that somebody is second in importance: My dad is vigorous /ˈvɪg·ər·əs/ [㐀] Active and strong: My

x the vicepresident of the town chess club. grandpa is seventy-eight but he still does quite vig-

vicious /ˈvɪʃ.əs/ [㐀] Cruel and bad tempered: orous exercise every morning.

y Be careful with that dog. He is vicious. Viking /ˈvaɪ.kɪŋ/ [㐗] A person of a race that

victim /ˈvɪk.tɪm/ [㐗] A person who suffers from lived in Scandinavia from the 8th to the 11th cen-

z the action of somebody or something: The victims turies: The Vikings were famous for their long
of the bomb attack are being treated in hospital. boats. ■ Be careful! "Viking" has a capital "V".

403 vitamin

villa /ˈvɪl.ə/ [㐗] A vacation house: My aunt play: I play the violin in the school orchestra. a
b
owns a villa in Montreal. 㐀 See page 458. c
d
village /ˈvɪl.ɪdʒ/ [㐗] A small place in the coun- violinist /ˌvaɪəˈlɪn.ɪst/ [㐗] A person who plays e
f
try where people live: My young cousin goes to a the violin: Yehudi Menuhin was a world-famous vi- g

village school. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation olinist. h
i
of this word. The last "a" is pronounced like the "i" in violoncello [㐗] See cello. j
VIP /ˌviː.aɪˈpiː/ [㐗] An abbreviation for "very k
"did". 㐀 See page 445. l
important person": This area is for VIP's only. ■ Be m
villager /ˈvɪl·ɪ·dʒər/ [㐗] A person who lives in n
careful! "VIP" is always written in capital letters. o
a village: All the villagers were invited to the broth- p
viral /ˈvaɪrəl/ [㐀] 1 Relating to, or caused by, a q
er's wedding. r
virus: He is not going to school today because he s
villain /ˈvɪl.ən/ [㐗] 1 The bad character in a has a viral infection. 2 Quickly and widely spread t
u
play or a movie: I play the part of the villain in the or popularized in the internet, through video v
school play. 2 A criminal: The villains who robbed w
sharing websites, social media or e-mail: Have x
the bank were caught as they tried to get away. ■ y
you seen the viral video of the boy who dances all z
This use is informal.
over the world?
vine /vaɪn/ [㐗] The plant that grapes grow on:
virgin /ˈvɜr·dʒən/ [㐀] That has not yet been
My mom has planted a vine in a warm part of our
used: There's still a lot of virgin land in Australia.
yard.
Virgo US: /ˈvɝː.goʊ/ UK: /ˈvɜː.gəʊ/ [㐌] A sign of the
vinegar /ˈvɪn·ɪ·gər/ [㐖] A liquid with a very
zodiac: If your birthday is between August 23rd
sour taste: I love a lot of salt and vinegar on my
and September 24th, you're a Virgo. ■ Be careful.
salad.
"Virgo" has a capital "V".
vineyard /ˈvɪn·jərd/ [㐗] A place where a lot of
virtue /ˈvɜr·tʃu/ [㐗] A good quality: Patience is
vines are grown: We saw lots of vineyards when we
one of my mother's virtues.
went to California.
virus /ˈvɑɪ·rəs/ [㐗] A very small living thing
vintage1 /ˈvɪntɪdʒ/ [㐗] A fine wine that was
that can give you a disease: My sister had a virus
made in a particular year: This is a bottle of the
last year and had to stay in bed for three weeks. ■
1973 vintage.
The plural is "viruses". Be careful with the pronunci-
vintage2 /ˈvɪntɪdʒ/ [㐀] 1 Of very high quality:
ation of this word! "vi" rhymes with "my".
This actress gave a vintage performance as Lady
Macbeth. 2 When talking about a car, that was visa /ˈviː.zə/ [㐗] Special permission that you

made between 1919 and 1930: My grandpa still need to visit certain countries: Do you need a visa

has a vintage car. to go to America?

viola /viˈəʊlə/ [㐗] A musical instrument that is visible /ˈvɪz.ɪ.bl/̩ [㐀] That you can see: On a

similar to a violin but is slightly larger: The viola clear day the lighthouse is visible from miles away.

has a lower pitch than the violin. 㐀 See page 458. vision /ˈvɪʒ.ən/ [㐌] 1 Sight: Kitty had an accident

violence /ˈvaɪə.lənts/ [㐖] Aggressive and last year which damaged her vision. 2 A dream: I

harmful behavior: There's a lot of violence in some have this vision of us all living in the country one

areas of New York. ■ Be careful with the pronuncia- day.

tion of this word! "vi" rhymes with "my". visit1 /ˈvɪzɪt/ [㐗] Visiting a person or a place:

violent /ˈvaɪə.lənt/ [㐀] Aggressive and harmful: We went to give Mr. Jones a visit in hospital.

Some of the soccer fans got violent at the end of the visit2 /ˈvɪzɪt/ [㐘] To go and see a person or a

game. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this place: Have you ever visited New York?

word! "vi" rhymes with "my". ■ Compare with "peace- visitor /ˈvɪz·ɪ·tə̬ r/ [㐗] A person who is visiting:

ful" (without violence). Visitors are requested not to take photographs in-

violently [㐄] 1 Done with violence: He side the church.

slammed the door violently. 2 Extremely, very visual /ˈvɪʒ.u.əl/ [㐀] Referring to sight: The vi-

strongly: She is violently opposed to the idea. sual arts are those that you can look at: painting,

violet1 [㐍] A pale purple color: Do you like my sculpture, the movies and so on.

new violet top? vital /ˈvɑɪ·tə̬ ·l/ [㐀] Very important: The detec-

violet2 /ˈvaɪələt/ [㐗] A small purple flower: I tive discovered a vital piece of information that

bought my mom a violet on my way home from helped him to solve the crime.

school. vitamin /ˈvɑɪ·t̬ə·mɪn/ [㐗] One of the elements

violin /ˌvaɪəˈlɪn/ [㐗] A musical instrument in food that a person needs to live: Fruit and veg-

made of wood that you put on your shoulder to etables contain lots of vitamins.

viviparous 404

a viviparous /vɪˈvɪp.ər.əs/ US: /-ɚ-/ [㐀] Giving Done because somebody wants to do it: The visit
b birth to live young that have developed inside the to the theater is voluntary. 2 Done for no pay: My
body of the mother: Mammals are all viviparous. ■ mom does voluntary work for the Red Cross.
Compare with "oviparous" (born from an egg outside volunteer US: /ˌvɑː.lənˈtɪr/ UK: /ˌvɒl.ənˈtɪər/ [㐗] A
c the mother). 㐀 See page 427.
person who offers to do something: Can I have a

vocabulary /voʊˈkæb·jəˌler·i/ [㐌] 1 Words: To- volunteer to take these books to the library, please?
d morrow we've got an English vocabulary test. 2 All vomit US: /ˈvɑː.mɪt/ UK: /ˈvɒm.ɪt/ [㐘] To bring up
the words that you know: Jeremy has got a marvel- food through your mouth: After supper I felt ill

e ous vocabulary considering that he is only nine. ■ and began to vomit. ■ The same meaning: "to be
The plural is "vocabularies". sick", "to throw up".

f vocal /ˈvoʊ·kəl/ [㐀] 1 Referring to the voice: To vote1 /vəʊt/ [㐗] 1 Choosing somebody or
learn to sing you need a vocal coach. 2 Active in something by voting: We had a vote to decide

g expressing an opinion: Linda is very vocal in her where to go on the school trip. 2 A choice by vot-
opposition to the planned power station. ing: There were ten votes in favor of Jack and thir-

h voice /vɔɪs/ [㐗] The sounds that you make teen in favor of Ruth.
when you speak or sing: Olga has got a beautiful vote2 /vəʊt/ [㐘] To choose somebody or some-

i singing voice. thing by raising your hand or putting a piece of

volcanic /vɑlˈkæn·ɪk/, /vɔl-/ [㐀] Referring to vol- paper in a box: We voted for our class representa-

j canoes, or to their action or presence: These rock tive today at school. ■ Be careful with the spelling of
formations are the result of volcanic action. this form: "voting".

volcano US: /vɑːlˈkeɪ.noʊ/ UK: /vɒlˈkeɪ.nəʊ/ [㐗] A vowel /vaʊəl/ [㐗] One of the written or spoken

k hole where very hot rock comes out: The volca- letters, "a", "e", "i", "o", "u": The English alphabet
noes of the United States are located along the has twenty-one consonants and five vowels.
l West Coast. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of voyage /ˈvɔɪ.ɪdʒ/ [㐗] A journey usually by sea
this word! "ca" rhymes with "day". ■ The plural is or in space: A voyage from New York to Liverpool

m "volcanoes". used to take weeks. ■ Be careful with the pronuncia-

volleyball US: /ˈvɑː.li.bɑːl/ UK: /ˈvɒl.i.bɔːl/ [㐖] tion of this word. The "a" is pronounced like the "i" in

n A game in which you hit a ball over a net with "did".
your hands: I've been chosen for the school volley- vs. A written abbreviation for versus. ■ See box at

o ball team! 㐀 See picture at sport. abbreviations.

volt US: /voʊlt/ UK: /vɒlt/ [㐗] A measure of elec- vulture /ˈvʌl·tʃər/ [㐗] A large bird that eats

p tricity: The current here is 220 volts. the flesh of dead animals: Vultures are very grace-

volume /ˈvɑl·jəm/, /-jum/ [㐖] 1 The amount of ful flyers.

q space that something occupies: What is the vol- vulva /ˈvʌl.və/ [㐗] The external part of the fe-
ume of this barrel? 2 The amount of sound made male reproductive system: The vulva is the exter-

r by something: Turn the volume up, please. I can't nal opening of the vagina and has a double set of
hear the music. ■ See box at abbreviations. lips. ■ The plural is "vulvas" or "vulvae". 㐀 See pa-
ge 425.
s voluntary US: /ˈvɑː.lən.ter.i/ UK: /ˈvɒl.ən.tri/ [㐀] 1

t

u

v

w

x

y

z

W w /ˈdʌb.l̩.juː/ The twenty-third letter of the alpha-
w
bet: The name "Wendy" begins with a "W".

wade /weɪd/ [㐘] To walk through water: This is

the only point where you can wade across the

river.

wafer /ˈweɪ·fər/ [㐗] Thin sweet cookie eaten

with ice cream: Jenny says the best bit of the ice

cream is the wafer.

wag /wæg/ [㐘] To move something from side to

side: Dogs wag their tails when they're playing. ■

Be careful with the spelling of these forms: "wagged",

"wagging".

wage or wages /weɪdʒ/ [㐌] The money that a

person receives for every week or day he or she

works: I'll pay you back on Friday, when I get my

wages. ■ This word is more common in the plural. ■

Compare with "salary" (the money that a person re-

ceives every month, usually for professional or office

work).

wagon /ˈwæg.ən/ [㐗] 1 A vehicle pulled by a

horse: Wagons are very useful on farms for carry-
ing heavy loads. 2 See freight car. ■ This use is

British English.

wail /ˈvʌl.və/ [㐘] To make a long sad noise: The

girl started wailing when she realized that she was

lost.

waist /weɪst/ [㐗] The narrow part of the body

just above the hips: She took my waist measure-

ment so that she could make me a skirt. 㐀 See pa-

ge 421.

waistcoat /ˈweɪst.kəʊt/ [㐗] See vest. ■ This

word is British English.

wait1 /weɪt/ [㐖] The act of being in one place

until somebody arrives or something happens:

The class had a long wait until they opened the mu-

seum.

wait2 /weɪt/ [㐘] To stay in one place until some-

body arrives or something happens: I'm waiting

for Louise. We're going to the movies.

waiter /ˈweɪ·t̬ər/ [㐗] A man who takes drinks

or food to people in a restaurant or a bar: The

waiter brought us two ice creams. ■ a woman who

takes drinks or food to people is a "waitress". ■ Be

careful! We say: "He is a waiter". (We don't say: "He

is waiter").

waiting-room [㐗] A place where people

wait for an appointment or for trains, buses and

so on: There were only two people in Dr. Norton's

waiting-room.

waitress /ˈweɪ.trəs/ [㐗] A woman who takes

drinks or food to people in a restaurant or a bar:

We sat down at a table and asked the waitress for a

menu. ■ The plural is "waitresses". A man who takes

drinks or food to people is a "waiter".

wake 406

a wake, woke, woken /weɪk/ [㐘] 1 To stop sleep- fighting: Mexico and United States were at war in

b ing: What time do you usually wake up on Sundays? the nineteenth century.
2 To make somebody stop sleeping: Don't make so ward US: /wɔːrd/ UK: /wɔːd/ [㐗] A large room for
much noise! You'll wake the baby. ■ It is more com- patients in a hospital: In ward five there are ten beds.

c mon to say "wake up". Be careful. "Wake" cannot be warden /ˈwɔr·də·n/ [㐗] A person whose job it
used as an order, for orders we use "wake up!". is to look after people in a particular place and to

d walk1 /wɔːk/ [㐗] A journey on foot: Do you see that its rules are obeyed: Youth hostels and
want to go for a walk in the park, Alice? old people's homes have wardens.

e walk2 /wɔːk/ [㐘] To move on foot: I walk to school. wardrobe US: /ˈwɔːr.droʊb/ UK: /ˈwɔː.drəʊb/ [㐗]
It only takes five minutes. 1 See closet. ■ This use is British English. 2 A col-

f walkie-talkie /ˌwɔːkiˈtɔːki/ [㐗] A portable lection of clothes: She has a fantastic wardrobe
radio system with which you can talk to some- with over 50 dresses and ten coats.

g body who is not next to you: I used the walk- warehouse /ˈweəhaʊs/ [㐗] See storehouse. ■
ie-talkie to speak to my brother who was in the This word is British English.

h other room. warm1 /wɔːm/ [㐀] 1 Not too hot: I like warm

wall US: /wɑːl/ UK: /wɔːl/ [㐗] 1 A side of a room weather but I can't stand it when it's hot. ■ "Warm"

i or a building: Mrs. Flannegan has all the walls in often refers to a temperature which is pleasant.
her living room covered with paintings. 㐀 See pic- "Hot" often refers to a temperature that is too high to

j ture at bedroom. 2 A construction that surrounds be pleasant. 2 Friendly: We were given a warm wel-
a garden, town, and so on: The backyard in Mar- come at the school. 3 to be warm When speaking
k tin's house is surrounded by a stone wall. of clothing, to keep in the heat and protect you

wall chart [㐗] A kind of poster with words from the cold: I love this coat. It's really warm.
and pictures: In my classroom there's a wall chart warm2 /wɔːm/ [㐘] To make something warm: Can
l with all kinds of dinosaurs.
you warm some milk for the baby?

wallet US: /ˈwɑː.lɪt/ UK: /ˈwɒl.ɪt/ [㐗] A small con- ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to warm up To do some gen-
m tainer, often made of leather, for holding bills or tle exercise before a game, race and so on: Ath-
other documents: Last week I found a wallet with letes always warm up before a competition.

n $50 in it. ■ The same meaning: "billfold". warmth US: /wɔːrmpθ/ UK: /wɔːmpθ/ [㐖] 1

wallpaper /ˈwɔːlˌpeɪpər/ [㐌] Paper that is used to Pleasant heat: We all sat round the fireplace for

o decorate the walls of a room: The wallpaper in my warmth. 2 Friendly or kind behavior: The warmth
room is blue with little pink flowers. of their welcome surprised us.

p walnut /ˈwɔl·nət/, /-ˌnʌt/ [㐗] A round nut with warn US: /wɔːrn/ UK: /wɔːn/ [㐘] To tell somebody
a hard, light brown shell: I love eating walnuts. about possible danger: I warned them not to play

q waltz US: /wɑːlts/ UK: /wɒlts/ [㐗] A slow dance in with the bottles.
which two people go round and round: I danced a warning /ˈwɔr·nɪŋ/ [㐌] Something that tells you

r waltz with my grandpa at my sister's wedding. about possible danger: There was a warning at the

wand US: /wɑːnd/ UK: /wɒnd/ [㐗] A stick with entrance saying "Beware of the dog!".

s magical powers: The fairy touched the mice with warrior US: /ˈwɔːr.i.ɚ/ UK: /ˈwɒr.i.ər/ [㐗] Person who
her wand and they became horses. fights in a war: Cochise was a famous Indian warrior.

wander US: /ˈwɑːn.dɚ/ UK: /ˈwɒn.dər/ [㐘] To walk in was /wəz/ US: /wɑːz, wəz/ UK: /wɒz/ [㐘] See be.

t no special direction and without rush: We wan- wash1 /wɒʃ/ [㐌] The act of cleaning somebody or
dered around the town for some time before we something with water: Can you give the car a wash
u looked for somewhere to eat.
this afternoon. ■ The plural is "washes".

wanna US: /ˈwɑː.nə/ UK: /ˈwɒn.ə/ [㐘] A way of say- wash2 /wɒʃ/ [㐘] 1 To clean somebody or some-

v ing "want to": Do you wanna come to the dance? ■ thing with water: Children, wash your hands be-
This word is very informal. fore we have lunch. 2 To clean yourself with wa-

w want US: /wɑːnt/ UK: /wɒnt/ [㐘] 1 To wish some- ter: You have to wash every morning, Linda.
thing: Claire wants to be an architect. 2 To need washbasin /ˈwɒʃˌbeɪ.sən/ US: /ˈwɑːʃ-/ [㐗] See

x something: What you want is a good rest. sink1. ■ This word is British English.

war US: /wɔːr/ UK: /wɔːr/ [㐌] 1 Fighting between two washing US: /ˈwɑː.ʃɪŋ/ UK: /ˈwɒʃ.ɪŋ/ [㐗] See

y or more countries or groups of people: I wouldn't laundry. ■ This word is British English.
like to have to go to war against anybody. 2 A fight washing machine [㐗] A machine for wash-

z against something, usually bad: The government ing clothes: Don't wash that blouse in the washing
has declared a war on drugs. 3 at war In a state of machine. It's too delicate. 㐀 See picture at kitchen.

407 watt

wasn't US: /ˈwɑː.zənt/ UK: /ˈwɒz.ənt/ The contraction water closet [㐗] See WC. a
watercolor US: /ˈwɑː.tɚ̬ ˌkʌl.ɚ/ [㐌] A paint used b
of "was not". c
by artists which uses a coloring substance dilut- d
wasp US: /wɑːsp/ UK: /wɒsp/ [㐗] An insect with ed with water: Watercolor painting requires a dif- e
ferent technique to oil painting. ■ Compare with f
black and yellow stripes, similar to a bee: If a "tempera" (pigment mixed with egg). ■ The British g
English spelling is "watercolour". 㐀 See page 456.
wasp stings you, it can be quite painful. h
watercolour UK: /ˈwɔː.təˌkʌl.ər/ [㐌] See watercol- i
waste1 /weɪst/ [㐖] 1 The wrong use of some- j
or. ■ This is a British English spelling. k
thing: We have to throw away all this food. What a l
waste! 2 Garbage or things that cannot be used waterfall US: /ˈwɑː.ɚ.fɑːl/ UK: /ˈwɔː.tə.fɔːl/ [㐗] A m
n
any more: One of the problems of nuclear energy is cut in a river where the water falls through the o
air to a lower level: The Iguazu waterfalls in Brazil p
what to do with the waste from power stations. are 80 m high. q
r
waste2 /weɪst/ [㐘] 1 To use more than necessary waterfowl /ˈwɔ·t̬ərˌfɑʊl/, /ˈwɑt̬·ər-/ [㐑] Birds s
t
of something: Don't waste the soap. You only need which like to live around ponds and lakes: Geese u
a little to do those plates. 2 Not to make a good and ducks are waterfowl. v
w
use of something: Don't waste your time waiting watering-can [㐗] A container that is used x
y
for Paula. She's gone home. for watering plants: Can you fill the watering-can z
with water, James?
wastebasket [㐗] A container where you
watermelon /ˈwɔt̬·ərˌmel·ən/, /ˈwɑt̬-/ [㐌] A large
throw away useless papers and other things: At
fruit that is green outside and red inside: Water-
the end of the day the wastebasket in our classroom melons are refreshing. 㐀 See page 436.

is always full. ■ The same meaning: "wastepaper waterproof /ˈwɔ·t̬ərˌpruf/, /ˈwɑt·̬ ər/ [㐀] That

basket". doesn't let water go through: These boots are com-
pletely waterproof. You can walk through water in
wastepaper basket [㐗] A container where them.

you throw away useless papers: Please throw all watershed /ˈwɔːtəʃed/ [㐗] An event that

your trash into the wastepaper basket. ■ The same marks an important change; especially in peo-
ple's lives: The spring of 2011 was a watershed for
meaning: "wastebasket". many Arab countries.

watch1 /wɒtʃ/ [㐌] 1 An instrument for telling the water-skiing /ˈwɔːtəskiːɪŋ/ [㐖] A sport in

time that is carried on your person, usually on which you move across water on skis, pulled by a
boat: Have you ever done water-skiing? It's not dif-
your wrist: Have you got a watch? I need to know ficult.

the time. ■ Compare with "clock" (that is on a wall, a watt US: /wɑːt/ UK: /wɒt/ [㐗] A unit of electrical
shelf and so on). 㐀 See picture at clock. 2 to keep
watch To guard or to look around carefully for power: I've put a 100 watt bulb in my bedroom.

signs of danger: Can you keep watch on the store to watch, to look at, to see

for a moment? I need to go out for a minute. ■ The ðÜWe use to watch when you look at something that
moves or may move:
plural is "watches".
- We watched the birds eating the food outside.
watch2 /wɒtʃ/ [㐘] 1 To look at somebody or some- - I watched the door to see who was coming in.

thing that is moving or may move: How many ðÜWe use to look at when you turn your eyes to
something or when you observe something that
hours a day do you spend watching television? ■ doesn’t move, like a painting:
See box below. 2 To be careful about something:
Watch where you are going! 3 to watch out To be - Look at the painting carefully.
- Look at the nice hat that man is wearing!
careful: Watch out! There's ice on the road.
ðÜWe use to see when you receive information
watchful /ˈwɑtʃ·fəl/, /ˈwɔtʃ-/ [㐀] Watching through your eyes independent of any particular
interest or attention:
something carefully: The cat kept a watchful eye
- I can’t see anything without my glasses!
on her kittens. - We saw a horrible accident in the street yesterday.

watchman /ˈwɒtʃ.mən/ US: /ˈwɑːtʃ-/ [㐗] A person

whose job is to guard a building: The night watch-

man goes round the building at night making sure

everything is in order. ■ The plural is "watchmen".

water1 /ˈwɔːtər/ [㐖] 1 A natural liquid with-

out color that you can drink: I think we need to
drink about a liter of water a day. 2 tap water The

water that comes from the faucet: Do you want

tap water or bottle water? 㐀 See page 438.

water2 /ˈwɔːtər/ [㐘] To give water to plants: If it

doesn't rain soon, we will have to water the back-

yard plants.

wave 408

a wave1 /weɪv/ [㐗] 1 Moving your hand from wealth /welθ/ [㐖] A lot of money and proper-

b side to side to greet somebody: The President gave ty: No one knows what the Bill Gates total wealth is
a wave as he went past. 2 A rising and falling but he's got many houses, cars and lands.
movement of water, especially in the sea: It's wealthy /ˈwel.θi/ [㐀] Rich: Some actors are very

c dangerous to get into the sea when there are high wealthy people. ■ The comparative form is "wealthi-
waves. 3 A form of energy that travels through air er" and the superlative form is "wealthiest".
d or water: Radio waves carry sound across very long weapon /ˈwep.ən/ [㐗] Something that is used
distances. for fighting: They were defeated because the ene-

e wave2 /weɪv/ [㐘] 1 To move your hand from side my's weapons were better.
to side to say "hello" or "goodbye": Douglas and weaponry /ˈwep.ən.ri/ [㐗] Weapons: Modern

f Marie waved as they drove off. 2 To move some- weaponry is very hi-tech. ■ The plural is "weapon-
thing from side to side: She waved her handker- ries".

g chief at him as the train left the station. wear, wore, worn US: /wer/ UK: /weər/ [㐘] To have

wavy /ˈweɪ.vi/ [㐀] Having the form of waves: clothes on your body: When I saw Louise, she was

h She has beautiful wavy black hair. ■ The compara- wearing a white blouse and jeans. ■ In English we
tive form is "wavier" and the superlative form is often use a continuous tense to talk about the

i "waviest". 㐀 See picture at hair. clothes somebody has on: "Tina is wearing red jeans

wax /wæks/ [㐖] The substance used for mak- today".

j ing candles: Some candles are made from natural ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to wear off To disappear
wax made by bees. gradually: I can't read this label. The writing has

way /weɪ/ [㐗] 1 A direction, a route: Look at worn off. · to wear out (something) To make

k me! Don't look the other way. 2 A road: Excuse me, something old and damaged: Michael wears out
is this the way to Lancaster? 3 A manner of doing his shoes so quickly that he needs a new pair every

l something: I don't like the way he talks to his par- month.
ents. 4 by the way See "by the way" in the word weather /ˈweð·ər/ [㐖] The state of the atmo-
m by1. 5 to give way to (somebody) To let somebody sphere: The weather in Alaska is very cold.
go before you: I think you have to give way at this weathercock /ˈweð.ə.kɒk/ US: /-ɚ.kɑːk/ [㐗] A

n crossroads. 6 in the way Not letting somebody see weather-vane in the shape of a cock: The weather-
something: I couldn't see half the game. John was in cock told us that the wind was coming from the

o the way all the time. 7 out of the way In a position North.
that lets you go somewhere: Unless you get your weather forecast [㐗] Information about

p car out of the way, I won't be able to move. 8 the the weather for the next few days: According
Milky Way White band in the night sky made of to the weather forecast, it will be sunny this

q many stars: I can see the Milky Way through my weekend.
telescope. 9 way out The part where you leave a weave, wove, woven /wiːv/ [㐘] To make mate-

r place: It's difficult to find the way out in this maze. ■ rial by putting threads over and under one anoth-
Be careful! "Milky Way" has capital letters. er: An old lady taught us how to weave wool.

s WC /ˌdʌb.l̩.jʊˈsiː/ [㐗] A restroom: Where it says weaving /ˈwiː.vɪŋ/ [㐌] Making material by put-
WC, that's a restroom. ■ Be careful! "WC" is always ting threads over and under one another: Shona
written in capital letters. "WC" is an abbreviation for is learning weaving at evening classes.
t "water closet".
web /web/ [㐗] A net of fine threads made by a

we /wiː, wi/ [㐕] I and somebody else: We live in spider to catch other insects: Spiders usually live
u Atlanta.
in the center of their webs.

weak /wiːk/ [㐀] 1 Not having much strength: webcam /ˈwebkæm/ [㐗] A camera attached to

v Brian has been quite weak since his illness. 2 Easy a personal computer: The webcam allows you to
to break: Don't sit on that chair! It's too weak. talk with friends online face to face. 㐀  See page

w weaken /ˈwiː.kən/ [㐘] To make somebody or 442.
something weaker: A cold can weaken you a lot. ■ website /ˈweb.saɪt/ [㐗] A section of the inter-

x Compare with "strengthen" (to make stronger). net that is organized by a specific person or orga-

weakness /ˈwiːk.nəs/ [㐌] 1 Not having power or nization and that has a unique domain: Helen is

y strength: I don't understand why I have this sud- setting up her own website, but it takes a lot of
den weakness in my leg. 2 Something bad in a per- time.

z son: I think his weakness is that he is a little lazy. ■ we'd /wiːd, wid/ The contraction of "we had" or
The plural is "weaknesses". "we would".

409 Welsh

wedding /ˈwed.ɪŋ/ [㐗] A ceremony in which a welcome when we went to see her in her home. 4 a
b
man and a woman get married: The wedding will you're welcome An expression that you say when c
d
take place at St John's Church. somebody thanks you for something: "Thank you e
f
Wednesday /ˈwenz.deɪ/ [㐌] The fourth day of for the chocolates". "You're welcome". ■ In this use, g

the week: Wednesday is between Tuesday and the same meaning: "not at all". h
i
Thursday. ■ Be careful! "Wednesday" has a capital welcome3 [㐋] A word that you say to show j
k
"W". Be careful with the pronunciation of this word! somebody that you are happy that they are there: l
m
The second "e" is not pronounced. 㐀 See picture at Welcome home! n
o
calendar. we'll /wiːl, wil/ The contraction of "we will" or "we p
q
weed1 /wiːd/ [㐗] A wild plant that you do not shall". r
s
want: Weeds can affect the way a crop grows. well1 /wel/ [㐗] A hole in the ground to take out t
u
weed2 /wiːd/ [㐘] To pull out weeds in a yard or a water or oil: If it doesn't rain soon there won't be v
w
field: Before planting the seed, you have to weed any water left in the well. x
y
your backyard. well2 /wel/ [㐄] 1 In a good way: Sarah plays the z

week /wiːk/ [㐗] The seven days that go from piano very well. 2 Very much: I don't know Pete

Sunday to Saturday: How many weeks does this very well. ■ The comparative form is "better2" and
the superlative form is "best2". 3 as well Too: She
term have? 㐀 See picture at calendar.
plays the piano, and she sings as well. ■ "Too", "as
weekday /ˈwiːk.deɪ/ [㐗] One of the days of a
well" and "also" have the same meaning. "Too" and
week, except Saturday or Sunday: We never go to
"as well" go at the end of a sentence. "Also" usually
the movies on a weekday; we go only at the weekend. goes in the middle of a sentence. ■ See box at also. 4

weekend /ˌwiːkˈend/ [㐗] Saturday and Sun- as well as Besides: She speaks English as well as
Spanish. 5 to do (something) well To do some-
day: What are you doing this weekend?
thing in a good way: Sue is doing well in her new
weekly1 /ˈwiːkli/ [㐀] That happens once a week
job.
or every week: The swimming club has weekly
well3 /wel/ [㐀] In good health: I'm quite well,
meetings.
thank you. ■ The comparative form is "better1" and
weekly2 /ˈwiːkli/ [㐄] Once a week or every week:
the superlative form is "best1".
I have a group of friends who meet weekly.
well-behaved /ˌwel.bɪˈheɪvd/ [㐀] Having good
weep, wept, wept /wiːp/ [㐘] To cry: They wept
behavior, when you are talking about children:
when they heard the news.
My mother is always telling my younger sister to be
weigh /weɪ/ [㐘] 1 To measure how heavy some-
well-behaved. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of
body or something is: You have to weigh the parcel
to know what the postage is. 2 To have a certain this word. The last "e" is not pronounced.

weight: How much do you weigh? well-done [㐀] When talking about food,

weight /weɪt/ [㐌] 1 How heavy somebody or thoroughly cooked: I like my meat well-done.

something is: What's the weight of that parcel? 2 A wellington boots or wellingtons [㐗]

heavy object that you lift to make your muscles See rubber boots. ■ This word is British English.
stronger: He can lift weights of up to 60 kilos. 3 to
well kept /ˌwelˈkept/ [㐀] That is well looked
lose weight To become thinner: Mr. Palmer has
lost a lot of weight with his new diet. 4 to put on after: They have a well kept yard at the back of the

weight To become fatter: Tom has put on weight house.

since he stopped playing tennis. well-known /ˌwelˈnəʊn/ [㐀] That is known by

weird US: /wɪrd/ UK: /wɪəd/ [㐀] Very strange: My many people: It is a well-known fact that babies

friend Pat has some weird ideas. learn to talk by listening to other people talking. ■

welcome1 /ˈwelkəm/ [㐌] 1 A friendly greeting: Be careful! We say: "she's a well-known actress". (We

We had such a wonderful welcome that we didn't don't say: "she's a known actress").
want to leave. 2 to be welcome to To let some-
well-off /ˈwelˈɔf/ [㐀] Rich: He is poor but the
body do or have something: You're welcome to any
rest of his family is well-off.
book in that box. I have two copies.
Welsh1 [㐀] Referring to Wales: Welsh choirs
welcome2 /ˈwelkəm/ [㐘] 1 To greet somebody in
are famous. ■ Be careful. "Welsh" has a capital "W".
a friendly way: We all went out to welcome the Ca-
nadian visitors. 2 To receive something with plea- For people the singular is "a Welsh man" or "a Welsh

sure: After a week of rain, we welcomed the sun- woman" and the plural is "the Welsh".
shine. 3 to make (somebody) welcome To make
Welsh2 /welʃ/ [㐖] The language of Wales:
somebody feel at home: Mrs. Carter made us very
The street signs in Wales are in Welsh and English.

■ Be careful. "Welsh" has a capital "W".

went 410

a went /went/ Past tense of go. wheel /wiːl/ [㐗] A circular object that is used

b wept /wept/ Past tense and past participle forms to move vehicles or machines: Most cars have on-
of weep. ly four wheels. 㐀 See page 441.

we're US: /wɪr/ UK: /wɪər/ The contraction of "we are". wheelbarrow /ˈhwilˌbær·oʊ/, /ˈwil-/ [㐗] A
c were /wər/ [㐘] See be.
small cart with one wheel at the front and two

weren't US: /wɝːnt/ UK: /wɜːnt/ The contraction of handles behind: Wheelbarrows are used by gar-
d "were not".
deners and builders.

west /west/ [㐏] 1 The direction where the wheelchair /ˈhwilˌtʃeər/, /ˈwil-/, /-ˌtʃær/ [㐗] A

e sun sets: My uncle lives in West Chicago. ■ See chair on wheels for people who cannot walk: Mr.
box at abbreviations. 2 the West Europe and Sherman has been in a wheelchair since the acci-

f America: The way of life in the West is based dent. 㐀 See picture at chair.
around the car. wheelie [㐗] The act of keeping the front

g western1 /ˈwestən/ [㐀] 1 Of the west: My cousin wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle in the air for a
Andy lives in Western Nevada. 2 Referring to the short time while riding it: Don't do wheelies on

h west: Florence has produced some of the finest art your bike! It can be dangerous! ■ We say do a
of western civilization. wheelie.

i western2 /ˈwestən/ [㐗] A movie about the when1 /wen/ [㐄] A word that is used to ask
American Far West: John Wayne acted in many about time: When was television invented?
when2 /wen/ [㐈] At the time that: I'll tell Sar-
j westerns.
wet1 /wet/ [㐀] 1 That is covered with or soaked ah when I see her.

in liquid: Pass me a wet cloth to wipe the table. whenever /hwenˈev·ər/, /wen-/, /hwən-/, /wən-/

k 㐀  See pictures at opposite and a piece of... 2 [㐈] At any time: I'll show you my CD collection
Rainy: Which is the wettest season in your country? whenever you want.
l ■ The comparative form is "wetter" and the superla- where1 /weər/ [㐄] A word that is used to ask
tive form is "wettest". about place: Where is Nepal?

m wet2 /wet/ [㐘] To cover something with liquid: where2 /weər/ [㐈] At the place that or in the
Wet the brush a little before using it. ■ Be careful place that: He still lives in the house where he was

n with the spelling of these forms: "wetted", "wetting". born.
we've /ˈwiːv, wiv/ The contraction of "we have". whereas US: /werˈæz/ UK: /weəˈræz/ [㐈] On the

o whale /weɪl/ [㐗] A very large sea mammal: other hand, while: I only speak English whereas
Most countries have made it illegal to hunt whales. my brother speaks five languages.

p wharf US: /wɔːrf/ UK: /wɔːf/ [㐗] A place in a port wherever US: /werˈev.ɚ/ UK: /weəˈrev.ər/ [㐈] In
where ships can be loaded or unloaded: In any place or to any place: I'll find you wherever

q wharves there are storehouses to keep goods. ■ The you are.
plural is "wharves". whether /ˈhweð·ər/, /ˈweð-/ [㐈] If: We don't

r what US: /wɑːt/ UK: /wɒt/ [㐕] 1 A word that is know whether they will come.
used in questions to ask about things: What do which /wɪtʃ/ [㐕] 1 A word that is used to ask

s you want? ■ Be careful! We use "what" when we re- about a particular person or thing: Which United
fer to one member of a large group. When the group States president was born in Kentucky? ■ Be care-
is much more limited, we use "which": "Which one of ful! We use "which" when we refer to one member of

t these is yours?". "What is your favorite food?". 2 The a small group. When the group is much longer, we
thing or things that: He doesn't know what he use "what": "Which of those sweaters is yours?"

u wants. 3 A word that is used to show your feeling: "What is your favorite movie?". 2 That: Have you
What a beautiful animal! 4 what about...? An ex- seen the tie which John has bought for his father?

v pression used to make a suggestion: What about whichever /hwɪtʃˈev·ər/, /wɪtʃ-/ [㐂] Anything
going to Coney Island next weekend? 5 what... for? that: Take whichever book you like.

w Why: What do you want that thing for? 6 what is while1 /waɪl/ [㐖] A period of time: You al-
(somebody or something) like See "what is ways have to wait for a while when you go to the

x (somebody or something) like" in the word like2: dentist.
What is Liz like? while2 /waɪl/ [㐈] During the time that: I'll do

y whatever US: /wɑːˈev.ɚ/ UK: /wɒtˈev.ər/ [㐕] Any- it while you wait.
thing that: Do whatever you want. whip /wɪp/ [㐗] A piece of leather that is used

z wheat /wiːt/ [㐖] A kind of cereal plant: Most for hitting animals: She hit the horse with the whip
wheat is used for making flour. to make it jump.

411 widespread

whirlpool /ˈwɜːlpuːl/ [㐗] 1 A powerful, very who'd /huːd/ The contraction of "who had" or a
b
fast circular flow in the sea: Whirlpools are dan- "who would". c
d
gerous because they pull things into the center and whoever /huˈev·ər/ [㐕] Anybody at all: I think e
down into the sea. 2 A heated pool for relaxing in: f
"X" is crazy, whoever he is. g
This gym has a whirlpool and a Turkish bath.
whole US: /hoʊl/ UK: /həʊl/ [㐀] 1 The total h
whirlwind /ˈwɜːlwɪnd/ [㐗] A column of air i
amount of something: He was so thirsty that he j
that goes round and round very fast: The whirl- drank a whole bottle of milk. 2 That is not broken: k
l
wind damaged many buildings in the town. I don't want that broken cookie. I want a whole one. m
3 on the whole In general: On the whole, I agree n
whisker /ˈhwɪs·kər/, /ˈwɪs-/ [㐗] A stiff hair near o
with the idea. p
the mouth of some animals: Cats clean their whis- q
wholemeal /ˈhəʊl.miːl/ US: /ˈhoʊl-/ [㐀] See r
kers after meals. s
whole wheat. ■ This word is British English. t
whisky /ˈwɪs.ki/ [㐌] An alcoholic drink made u
wholesale /ˈhəʊlseɪl/ [㐀] Referring to the trad- v
from barley: I think Scotch whisky is the best in the w
ing of goods in large quantities to stores, not in- x
world. ■ The plural is "whiskies". y
dividual consumers: You can't buy in that place, it z
whisper /ˈhwɪs·pər/, /ˈwɪs-/ [㐘] To speak in a very
only sells wholesale to people who have stores. ■
low voice: If you don't want anybody else to hear,
Compare with "retail1" (the sale of goods in small
you can whisper in my ear.
quantities).
whistle1 /ˈwɪsl/ [㐗] A small instrument that
whole wheat [㐀] Made with flour containing
makes a sound when you blow it: The referee blew
all parts of the grain: Have you tried these whole
his whistle to indicate the end of the game. ■ Be
wheat cookies? They're very tasty. ■ In British Eng-
careful with the pronunciation of this word! The "t" is
lish they say "wholemeal".
silent.
who'll /huːl/ The contraction of "who will".
whistle2 /ˈwɪsl/ [㐘] To make a sound by blowing wholly /ˈhoʊl·li/ [㐄] Completely: I wholly agree

air through your lips: Some shepherds direct their with you.

dogs by whistling to them. ■ Be careful with the pro- whom /huːm/ [㐕] 1 A word that is used to ask

nunciation of this word! The "t" is silent. about people: About whom are you speaking? 2

white1 [㐍] The color of snow: The pages of this The person or people that: Look! That's the boy

book are white. with whom I'm going out. ■ This word is formal. We

white2 /waɪt/ [㐗] The part of an egg around usually say "who" or "that".

the yolk: We just need the white of the egg for the who's /huːz/ The contraction of "who is" or "who has".
whose1 [㐕] A word that is used to ask about
cake.
the owner of something: Whose coat is this? Is it
white3 /waɪt/ [㐀] Who has a very light skin:
yours?
This movie is about the arrival of the white man in
whose2 [㐀] That belongs to that person or
America.
those people: That's the girl whose father is a fa-
white blood cell [㐗] A colorless blood cell:
mous actor.
White blood cells are important in the fight against
why /waɪ/ [㐄] A word used to ask about the rea-
diseases.
son for something: Why are you so angry? I haven't
whiteboard [㐗] A board with a hard white
done anything wrong.
surface on which you write with a special mark-
wicked /ˈwɪk.ɪd/ [㐀] Morally very bad: The
er: In my school there are no blackboards, only
wicked witch converted the Prince into a frog. ■ Be
whiteboards. ■ Compare with "blackboard" (a board
careful with the pronunciation of this word. The "e"
on which you write with chalk).
is pronounced like the "i" in "did".
whitecollar /ˈhwɑɪt ˈkɑl·ər/, /ˈwɑɪt/ [㐀] That
wide /waɪd/ [㐀] 1 That is large from one side to
works in an office: Not all whitecollar workers are
another: The Amazon is so wide that you can't see
well paid. one side from the other. 2 From one side to the

who /huː/ [㐕] 1 A word that we use instead of other: The forest is 5 miles wide. ■ The comparative

"that", when talking about a person: Rhona is the form of "wide" is "wider" and the superlative form is
girl who lent you her ruler. 2 A word used to ask
"widest". ■ Compare with "narrow" (showing a small
about people: Who's that boy in the corner?
distance from one side to the other).
WHO Referring to a department of the United Na-
widespread /ˌwaɪdˈspred/ [㐀] That is found or
tions which aims to improve health all over the
used in many places: The use of computers is now
world and limit the spread of diseases. ■ "WHO" is
quite widespread.
an abbreviation for "World Health Organization". ■

See box at abbreviations.

widow 412

a widow /ˈwɪd·oʊ/ [㐗] A woman whose husband wind2, wound, wound /wɪnd/ [㐘] 1 To have a

b is dead: She became a widow in World War II. ■ A lot of curves: Be careful. The road winds down the
man whose wife is dead is a "widower". hill quite sharply. 2 To turn the key of a toy, clock

widower /ˈwɪd·oʊ·ər/ [㐗] A man whose wife is and so on, to make it work: Don't forget to wind

c dead: Pat's father has been a widower for many the alarm clock. 3 To make something go round
years now. ■ A woman whose husband is dead is a another thing: You have to wind the bandage
d "widow".
around your wrist.

width /wɪtθ, wɪdθ/ [㐌] The distance from one side windmill /ˈwɪnd.mɪl/ [㐗] A machine for grind-

e of something to the other: The width of the park at ing grain that is moved by the wind: Danish wind-
this point is 1 mile. mill is one of the most popular and successful tour-

f wife /waɪf/ [㐗] The woman to whom a man is ist attractions in Iowa.
married: My brother's wife is Japanese. ■ The plural window /ˈwɪn·doʊ/ [㐗] An opening in a wall or

g is "wives". The man to whom a woman is married is a roof for light and air: I looked out of the window
her "husband". 㐀 See picture at family. and watched the procession in the street. 㐀  See

h wig /wɪg/ [㐗] False hair: In the 18th century picture at classroom.
many men wore wigs, it was the fashion. window-ledge or window-sill [㐗] A

i wiggle1 /ˈwɪgl/ [㐘] To move from side to side: flat piece of stone, marble and so on just under a
You need to wiggle the wire about to get it through window: She has some flowerpots on the win-

j the wall. ■ This use is informal. dow-sill.

wiggle2 [㐗] A move which is made from side windpipe /ˈwɪndpaɪp/ [㐗] The tube in the

k to side: With a wiggle or two, he got into the suit. ■ body which connects the throat to the lungs:
This use is informal. "Windpipe" is the popular name for the trachea.

wild /waɪld/ [㐀] 1 That lives or grows freely: I windscreen /ˈwɪnd.skriːn/ [㐗] See wind-
l think wild animals shouldn't be in zoos. 2 Violent: shield. ■ This word is British English.
The Clarks' dog is very wild. windshield [㐗] The glass in the front of a

m wildlife /ˈwaɪld.laɪf/ [㐖] Animals and plants car or other vehicle: This morning the windshield
that live and grow freely: We are studying the of our car was covered in ice. ■ In British English

n wildlife of our area. they say "windscreen". 㐀 See page 441.

will1 /wɪl/ [㐌] 1 A document in which you say to windsurfing /ˈwɪndˌsɜr·fɪŋ/ [㐖] The sport of

o whom you want to give your things when you die: sailing on a board with a sail: It's easier to go
Mrs. Palumbo has left $3,000 to the school in her windsurfing in a lake than at sea.

p will. 2 The determination to do something: My dad windy /ˈwɪn.di/ [㐀] With a lot of wind: It was
says that you need a strong will to stop smoking. windy on the beach, which was great for flying our

q will2 /wɪl, wəl, əl/ [㐘] 1 A word that is used to form kite. ■ The comparative form is "windier" and the su-
the future of verbs: "I will do" is the future of "do". perlative form is "windiest".
r 2 A way of asking somebody to do something: wine /waɪn/ [㐌] An alcoholic drink made from
Will you tell Diana that she's going to be late for grapes: Which do you prefer, white wine or red?
s school? ■ This is a more direct form than "could" or wing /wɪŋ/ [㐗] 1 The part of a bird's or an in-
"would". ■ Be careful! The verb after "will" is in the sect's body that they use for flying: Most insects
infinitive without "to". have four wings. 2 The part of an airplane that it
t willing /ˈwɪl.ɪŋ/ [㐀] Prepared to do something: flies with: Modern airplanes have two large wings.
Are you willing to help? 3 An extension of a building: The new wing of the
u willingly /ˈwɪl.ɪŋ.li/ [㐄] With a strong interest: I museum will be finished next year.
would willingly do it if I had the time. wingspan /ˈwɪŋ.spæn/ [㐗] Distance from the

v willpower /ˈwɪlˌpɑʊ·ər/ [㐖] Determination: If end of one wing to the end of the other, in birds
you have willpower, you can achieve anything you and aircraft: The wingspan of the largest kind of

w want. vulture can be more than nine feet.

win, won, won /wɪn/ [㐘] To be the best in a par- wink /wɪŋk/ [㐘] To close and to open one eye

x ticular competition, game and so on: Who do you quickly to show friendship or amusement: Are
think is going to win the game? ■ Compare with you winking at me?

y "earn" (to get money by working). ■ Be careful with winner /ˈwɪn·ər/ [㐗] The person or the team
the spelling of this form: "winning". that wins a competition or a game: Who was the

z wind1 /wɪnd/ [㐌] Moving air: You need some wind winner of that race?
to sail properly. 㐀 See pages 439 and 459. winter /ˈwɪn·tər/ [㐌] The season of the year be-

413 woman

tween fall and spring: Winter is the best time of witchcraft /ˈwɪtʃˌkræft/ [㐖] Magic powers: If a
the year to go skiing. 㐀 See page 448. b
I could do witchcraft, I would send rain to Africa. c
wipe /waɪp/ [㐘] 1 To clean something with a cloth d
witch doctor /ˈwɪtʃˌdɒk.tər/ US: /-ˌdɑːk.tɚ/ [㐗] e
or with your hand: Can you wipe the table, please? f
2 To clean something by rubbing it: Wipe your A man in a primitive tribe who appears to cure g
shoes before coming into the house.
◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to wipe (something) off To illnesses by magic: The witch doctor treated him h
erase or remove something: Can you wipe those i
formulas off the whiteboard? · to wipe up To take with herbs and sang a song. j
away liquid with a cloth: He wiped up the milk on k
the floor. ■ Be careful with the spelling of this form: with /wɪð/ [㐓] 1 Accompanied by: I'm going to l
"wiping". m
the movies with some friends tonight. 2 Using: He n
wire US: /waɪr/ UK: /waɪər/ [㐗] A long, thin piece wrote the note with a pencil. 3 Having: I live in a o
building with ten floors. 4 Together: Put these p
of metal: Don't touch those wires. They could give tapes with those books. 5 Because of: She cried q
you a shock. r
with rage. s
wireless /ˈwaɪələs/ [㐀] Without wires, or which t
withdraw, withdrew, withdrawn /wɪθˈdrɔ/, u
does not need wires: Do you have wireless inter- v
net? /wɪð-/ [㐘] 1 To take something away or remove w
something: I need to withdraw some money from x
wise /waɪz/ [㐀] Knowing what to do in different my savings account. 2 To go away: I thought I y
z
situations with good sense and judgment: I think didn't have any chance of winning, so I withdrew
buying this computer was a wise choice, it's very
powerful. from the competition.

wish1 /wɪʃ/ [㐗] Something you would like to withdrawn /wɪθˈdrɔn/, /wɪð-/ Past participle of

happen: I have only one wish, to visit the Galapa- withdraw.
gos islands again. ■ The plural is "wishes".
withdrew Past tense of withdraw.
wish2 /wɪʃ/ [㐘] 1 To think or to say that you within1 /wɪˈðɪn/ [㐓] In a particular period of

would like something to happen: She wished me time: We should be there within a couple of hours.
good luck. 2 I wish...! A phrase used when you
strongly want something that will never happen within2 /wɪˈðɪn/ [㐄] Inside: Shop assistant re-
or will probably not happen: I wish I was taller! ■
In formal English only, after "I wish" we use "were", quired. Apply within.
not "was", with "I", "she", "he": "I wish I were able to
express my thanks better". ■ The same meaning: "if without /wɪˈðaʊt/ [㐓] 1 A word that shows
only...!".
that you don't have something: Louise went to the
witch /wɪtʃ/ [㐗] A woman with magic powers: party without her boyfriend. 2 A word that shows

There are witches in a lot of fairy tales. ■ The plural that you don't do something: They went away
is "witches". A man is a "wizard".
without paying the bill. ■ The verb after "without" is
WITCH
in the "-ing" form.
broomstick
witness1 /ˈwɪtnəs/ [㐗] A person who sees

something happen and can say what has hap-

pened: Two of the witnesses at the trial identified

the murderer. ■ The plural is "witnesses".

witness2 /ˈwɪtnəs/ [㐘] To see something happen:

I was in the street when the accident happened so I

witnessed everything. ■ Be careful with the spelling

of the 3rd person singular present tense form: "wit-

nesses".

witty /ˈwɪt·̬ i/ [㐀] Clever and funny: Clive makes

some very witty remarks. ■ The comparative form is

"wittier" and the superlative form is "wittiest".

wizard /ˈwɪz·ərd/ [㐗] A man believed to have

magic powers: David Copperfield is one of the

greatests wizards of our time. ■ A woman is a

"witch".

woke US: /woʊk/ UK: /wəʊk/ Past tense of wake.
woken /ˈwoʊ·kən/ Past participle of wake.
wolf /wʊlf/ [㐗] An animal like a large wild

dog: Wolves are excellent hunters. ■ The plural is

"wolves". 㐀 See page 428.

woman /ˈwʊm.ən, ˈwɪmɪn/ [㐗] An adult human

female: I think Rhona will become a very intelligent

womb 414

a woman. ■ The plural is "women". ■ An adult human woolen [㐀] Made of wool: Tony bought a

b male is a "man". beautiful woolen jacket at the sales.

womb /wuːm/ [㐗] The organ in women and woolly or wooly /ˈwʊl.i/ [㐀] Made of wool or

some female animals where the baby is carried like wool: You need some wooly gloves.

c before birth: The womb is where life begins. ■ The word US: /wɝːd/ UK: /wɜːd/ [㐗] 1 The smallest
same meaning: "uterus". complete unit of a language that has a meaning:

d women /ˈwɪmɪn/ The plural of woman. ■ Be care- There are thousands of words in this dictionary. 2
ful with the pronunciation of this word! The "o" and to have a word with (somebody) To speak to

e the "e" are both pronounced like the "i" in "did". somebody in private: The principal said she want-

won /wʌn/ Past tense and past participle forms of win. ed to have a word with me in her office. 3 in other

f wonder /ˈwʌn·dər/ [㐘] 1 To ask yourself: I wonder words An expression that shows you are going to
why they're not here yet. 2 To be amazed at some- say the same thing in a different way: "His parties

g thing: I sometimes wonder at his ability with lan- are always boring". "In other words, you're not go-
guages. 3 no wonder An expression to show that ing!". 4 to keep your word To do something you

h you are not surprised by something: No wonder promised: If you don't keep your word, you won't be
she speaks Spanish so well. She lived in Mexico my friend any more. 5 swear word See "swear

i when she was a girl. word" in the word swear. 6 to take (somebody's)

wonderful /ˈwʌn·dər·fəl/ [㐀] Very good: It was word for it To believe what somebody says: OK.

j wonderful to be back home again after our awful This time I'll take your word for it.
vacation. word processor [㐗] A computer or a com-

won't US: /woʊnt/ UK: /wəʊnt/ The contraction of puter program that is used for typing texts: With
k "will not".
a word processor, it's very easy to make corrections

wood /wʊd/ [㐌] 1 The substance that forms the in a letter.
l trunk and branches of a tree: If you get me some wore US: /wɔːr/ UK: /wɔːr/ Past tense of wear.
wood, I'll make you a table. 2 A small area of land work1 /wɜːk/ [㐖] 1 Activity requiring effort
m covered with trees: A wood is smaller than a forest. that is done for money or because of obligation: I
wooden /ˈwʊd.ən/ [㐀] Made of wood: Jamie got need work. I don't have any money. ■ Be careful! We

n a wooden train for his birthday. don't say "a work". We say "some work", "a piece of

woodland /ˈwʊd.lənd/ [㐌] Country covered in work" or "a job". 2 at work Doing some work:

o woods: The areas of woodland in United States are There are some men at work in my street. 3 out of
amazing. work Without a job: Tina's dad has been out of
work for three months now. 4 work of art A book,
p woodpecker /ˈwʊdˌpek·ər/ [㐗] A bird which piece of music, painting and so on of great artis-
uses its beak to make holes in tree trunks: The

q woodpecker taps the tree in search of insects. tic quality: I'd like to be able to create beautiful

woodwind instrument [㐗] A wind instru- works of art.
r ment which can be made of wood, metal or plas- work2 /wɜːk/ [㐘] 1 To do a job, a physical task or
tic: The flute is a woodwind instrument. studying: Elizabeth's father works as an accoun-

s woodwork /ˈwʊdˌwɜrk/ [㐖] The craft of mak- tant with a large firm. 2 To function well: This vid-
ing things from wood: Woodwork is a very relax- eo recorder doesn't work. It hasn't recorded the pro-
ing activity for me. gram. 3 work hard To work a lot: Idris works very
hard in some subjects but not in others.
t woody /ˈwʊd.i/ [㐀] 1 Covered with trees: There ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to work out 1 To do physi-
is a woody area between the two towns. 2 Similar cal exercise to be fit: Paula works out for half an
hour every day. 2 To do well, to have a good re-
u to wood in hardness or texture: a woody stem. ■ sult: Our plan didn't work out. 3 To calculate:
The comparative form is "woodier" and the superla- Let's try and work out how to do this mathemati-

v tive form is "woodiest".
woof1 /wʊf/ [㐗] The sound made by a dog:

w "Woof!" said the dog. ■ This word is usually used by cal problem. · to work (something) out To solve
young children, or in books for them. a problem by thinking: Are you good at working

x woof2 [㐘] To bark: The dog woofed and woofed at out puzzles?
the evil magician. ■ This word is usually used by workbook /ˈwɜːk.bʊk/ US: /ˈwɝːk-/ [㐗] A book

y young children, or in books for them. with written exercises: Have you done the exercis-

wool /wʊl/ [㐖] The hair of sheep that is used es in the workbook?

z for making material: If you get me some wool, I'll worker US: /ˈwɝː.kɚ/ UK: /ˈwɜː.kər/ [㐗] 1 A per-
knit you a sweater. son who has a job: That factory employs twenty

415 wreck

workers. 2 A person who works or studies hard: worship1 [㐖] A feeling of love for God: A a
b
You're such a worker! You even study on Sundays. church is a place of worship to God. c
d
working class [㐗] The social class of peo- worship2 /ˈwɜːʃɪp/ [㐘] 1 To show your love for e
f
ple who earn low wages, doing manual or low sta- God: I go to church to worship God. 2 To think that g

tus work: The working class, the middle class and somebody is wonderful: Tony worships his History h
i
the upper class are the three groups that make up teacher. ■ Be careful with the spelling of these j
k
our society. forms: "worshipped", "worshipping". l
m
workman /ˈwɜrk·mən/ [㐗] A man who works worst US: /wɝːst/ UK: /wɜːst/ [㐁] The superla- n
o
with his hands: A workman fixed the gas leak. ■ tive form of bad and badly. p
q
The plural is "workmen". worth1 /wɜːθ/ [㐀] 1 Having a certain value: r
s
workmate /ˈwɜːk.meɪt/ US: /ˈwɝːk-/ [㐗] Some- That racket is worth nearly $100. 2 to be worth t
u
body who works with you: Yesterday one of my Words you use to recommend doing something: v
w
mother's workmates came to have dinner with us. It's worth reading the book again. x
y
workshop US: /ˈwɝːk.ʃɑːp/ UK: /ˈwɜːk.ʃɒp/ [㐗] 1 worth2 /wɜːθ/ [㐖] The value of something: z

A place where things are made or repaired, in a We have nothing of worth at home.

house or in a place of work: He is making a table worthless /ˈwɜrθ·ləs/ [㐀] That has no value or
in his workshop. 2 A special class based on an ac-
is useless: That painting is worthless. No one will
tivity or a discussion: I'm going to a painting
give you any money for it.
workshop this weekend to improve my technique.
worthwhile /wɜrθˈhwɑɪl/, /-ˈwɑɪl/ [㐀] Useful,
world US: /wɝːld/ UK: /wɜːld/ [㐗] 1 The earth:
good to: I think it's worthwhile making an effort to
The world is divided into continents. 2 People who
learn a foreign language. ■ The verb after "worth-
do the same activity: It's not easy to get into the
while" is in the "-ing" form.
world of the movies.
would /wʊd, wəd, əd/ [㐘] 1 A word that is used to
world-famous /ˈwɜrldˈfeɪ·məs/ [㐀] Known in
form the conditional of verbs: "I would do" is the
the whole world: The Beatles were a world-famous conditional of "do". 2 A polite way of asking some-

pop group of the 1960's. body to do something: Would you mail these let-

worldwide /ˈwɜːldˌwaɪd/ [㐀] That is in all parts ters for me, please? ■ Be careful! The verb after

of the world: Some scientists say that there will be a "would" is in the infinitive form without "to".

worldwide energy crisis in the next century. wouldn't /ˈwʊd.ənt/ The contraction of "would

worm US: /wɝːm/ UK: /wɜːm/ [㐗] A small, long not".

animal that lives in the ground: Some people use would've The contraction of "would have".
wound1 /wuːnd/ [㐗] An injury involving a cut
worms for fishing.
or a hole in your body: The nurse cleaned and
worn1 [㐘] Past participle of wear.
worn2 /wɔːn/ [㐀] That is old because it has dressed the wound. ■ Be careful with the pronuncia-

been used a lot: Poor Paul! He always wears worn tion of this word. It rhymes with "soon".

clothes. wound2 /wuːnd/ [㐘] Past tense and past partici-

worn-out /ˌwɔːnˈaʊt/ [㐀] Very tired: After the ple forms of wind2.

game they were so worn-out that they went straight wove US: /woʊv/ UK: /wəʊv/ Past tense of weave.
woven /ˈwoʊ·vən/ Past participle of weave.
to bed. wow /waʊ/ [㐋] A word used to show surprise

worried /ˈwɜr·id/, /ˈwʌr·id/ [㐀] That is anxious or admiration: Wow! I've got all the answers right.

about something: Liz's parents are worried be- I can't believe it!

cause she went out to a store an hour ago and she wrap /ræp/ [㐘] To cover something completely

hasn't returned yet. 㐀 See picture at emotions. with paper or material: The clerk wrapped the

worry1 /ˈwʌri/ [㐖] Something that makes you sweater and put it in a carrier bag. ■ Be careful

anxious: My main worry is not being able to finish with the spelling of these forms: "wrapped", "wrap-

my project on time. ping".

worry2 /ˈwʌri/ [㐘] To be anxious about some- wrapping paper [㐖] Paper used for cover-

thing: She always worries a lot about tests. ■ Be ing things: Stores usually have special wrapping

careful with the spelling of these forms: "worries", paper at Christmas.

"worried". wreck1 /rek/ [㐗] 1 A ship that has sunk: There

worrying /ˈwʌr.i.ɪŋ/ US: /ˈwɝː-/ [㐀] That causes are many wrecks in the Caribbean. 2 Anything that

worry: Her state of health is very worrying. has been badly damaged and can't be used any

worse US: /wɝːs/ UK: /wɜːs/ [㐁] The compara- more: His car was a total wreck after the accident.

tive form of bad and badly.

wreck 416

a wreck2 /rek/ [㐘] To destroy something complete- you written your mother? ■ Be careful! In American

b ly: You've wrecked my mom's collection of china English we say: "write somebody", but in British Eng-
cups! lish we say: "write to somebody".

wrench [㐗] A tool that you use for turning ◗ PHRASAL VERBS · to write (something) down

c things: Pass me the wrench and I'll try to tighten To write something on paper: I'll write down your
this nut. ■ In British English they say "spanner". telephone number or I'll forget it.
d wrestle /ˈres.l/̩ [㐘] To fight by trying to throw writer /ˈrɑɪ·tə̬ r/ [㐗] A person who writes
your opponent to the ground: The people who books: Mrs. Parnell is a writer. She writes detective

e wrestle on TV are part athletes, part actors. stories.

wrestler /ˈres·lər/ [㐗] A person who practices writing /ˈrɑɪ·t̬ɪŋ/ [㐖] 1 Anything that is writ-

f the sport of wrestling: The two wrestlers greeted ten, the style in which something is written: I
each other before the fight. don't understand your writing. What is this word? 2

g wrestling /ˈres.lɪŋ/ [㐖] A sport in which you in writing Written on paper: I'll wait until I see my
fight by trying to throw your opponent to the grades in writing.

h ground: Wrestling matches are very dramatic. written /ˈrɪt·ə·n/ Past participle form of write. ■

wring, wrung, wrung /rɪŋ/ [㐘] To hold some- Be careful with the pronunciation of this word. The

i thing firmly and twist it: Our socks were so wet "i" is pronounced like the "i" in did and the "e" is not
that we had to wring them out. pronounced.

j wrinkle /ˈrɪŋ.kl̩/ [㐗] A line in a person's skin wrong1 /rɒŋ/ [㐀] 1 Not right, incorrect: I'm sor-
or in material: My grandfather has lots of wrinkles ry, Charles, but three of your answers are wrong. 2
on his face. Bad: I think it's wrong to laugh at others. 3 That
k wrist /rɪst/ [㐗] The part of the body where the doesn't work well: I think there's something wrong
arm joins the hand: Louise injured her wrist play- with this computer. It's too slow. 4 to get (some-

l ing tennis. 㐀  See page 421. 㐀  See picture at thing) wrong To make a mistake: I got three an-
hand. swers wrong.

m write, wrote, written /raɪt/ [㐘] 1 To make wrong2 /rɒŋ/ [㐄] 1 Not right, incorrect: You keep
words or numbers on paper with a pen or a pen- getting my name wrong. It's Mark, not Mike. 2 to go

n cil: We have to write a composition every week. 2 wrong Not to happen as expected: Although all
To create books, music or other written texts: our plans for the day went wrong, we still had a

o Charles Dickens wrote excellent books. ■ Be careful! good time.
We say: "written by (somebody)". For example: "Oli- wrote US: /roʊt/ UK: /rəʊt/ Past tense of write.

p ver Twist" was written by Charles Dickens. 3 To put wrung /rʌŋ/ Past tense and past participle forms
a letter in writing and send it to somebody: Have of wring.

q

r

s

t

u

v

w

x

y

z

X x1 /eks/ The twenty-fourth letter of the alphabet:
x
The word "X-ray" begins with an "X".

x2 /eks/ A written abbreviation for extension.
Xmas /ˈkrɪstməs/ A written abbreviation for Christ-

mas.

X-ray1 /ˈeksreɪ/ [㐗] 1 A form of energy that

passes through solid things: X-rays are used in
medicine. 2 A photo of the inside of a person's

body: She had an X-ray taken of her lungs.

X-ray2 [㐘] To take a photo of the inside of a per-

son's body with an X-ray machine: She had her

ankle X-rayed after her fall.

xylem /ˈzaɪ.ləm/ [㐖] A tissue in plants which

carries nutrients and water from the roots to the

other parts of the plant: The xylem and the phloem

are the main transportation systems in plants. ■

Compare with "phloem" (the tissue in plants which

carries food from the leaves to the rest of the plant).

Y y /waɪ/ The twenty-fifth letter of the alphabet: The
y
name "Yvonne" begins with a "Y".

yacht US: /jɑːt/ UK: /jɒt/ [㐗] A sailing boat:

When I'm a millionaire, the first thing I'll do is buy
a yacht. ■ Be careful with the pronunciation of this
word. It rhymes with "not". 㐀 See picture at trans-
port.

yachting US: /ˈjɑː.ɪŋ/ UK: /ˈjɒt.ɪŋ/ [㐖] The

sport that you do when you sail a yacht: I like
yachting on the lake in the summer. ■ Be careful
with the pronunciation of the beginning of this word.
It rhymes with "not".

yard US: /jɑːrd/ UK: /jɑːd/ [㐗] 1 A unit of length:

There are around three feet in a yard. ■ The abbre-
viation "yd" is only used in written language. 2 An
open space surrounded by walls or buildings: Our
house has the biggest yard in our neighborhood.

yawn US: /jɑːn/ UK: /jɔːn/ [㐘] To open and stretch

your mouth because you are tired or bored: The
movie was so boring that I couldn't stop yawning.

TO YAWN

yd A written abbreviation for yard. ■ See box at

abbreviations.

yeah /jeə/ [㐄] See yes. ■ This word is informal.
year US: /jɪr/ UK: /jɪər/ [㐗] 1 A period of twelve

months: There are 365 days in a year. 2 leap year
See leap year. 3 New Year's Day The first day of

the year: New Year's Day is a vacation in United
States. 4 New Year's Eve The last day of the year:

Let's have a party on New Year's Eve. ■ Be careful!

"New Year's Day" and "New Year's Eve" have capital

letters.

yearly1 /jɪəli/ [㐀] That happens once a year:

The school has a yearly summer excursion.

yearly2 /jɪəli/ [㐄] Every year; once a year: We go

on vacation twice yearly.

yeast /jiːst/ [㐖] A substance used to make

beer and wine, and that causes bread to rise:

419 yummy

Yeast is used in the fermenting process of alcoholic young1 /jʌŋ/ [㐀] Not old: My dog is still very a
b
drinks. young, he's only nine months old. c
d
yell /jel/ [㐘] To shout: When I saw them pushing young2 /jʌŋ/ [㐑] The babies of an animal: In e
f
the old man, I yelled at them to stop. our safari we saw a lioness with her young. g

yellow /ˈjel·oʊ/ [㐍] The color of the sun: Most your /jɔːr/, /jɔːr/ [㐀] Of you; belonging to you: h
i
canaries are yellow. Can I borrow your dictionary? j
k
yellowish [㐀] Referring to a color, that is ap- you're /jɔːr/ The contraction of "you are". l
yours US: /jʊrz/ UK: /jɔːz/ [㐕] Belonging to you: m
proximately yellow, or that has a yellow element n
Is this dictionary yours? o
to it: That bird has a yellowish chest. p
yourself /jɔːˈself/ [㐕] 1 A word that refers to q
yes /jes/ [㐄] A word used to give affirmative an- r
"you" when you are the subject of a sentence:
swers: "Do you live near here?" "Yes, I do". ■ "Yeah" Have you hurt yourself? 2 A word that underlines

is informal for "yes". that you are the person the verb refers to: Do you
do all the work yourself? 3 by yourself 1 Alone:
yesterday /ˈjes·tər·di/, /-deɪ/ [㐎] The day be-
Would you like to live by yourself? 2 Without help:
fore today: I did five hours of homework yesterday.
You'll have to do the laundry by yourself. ■ The plu-
yet1 /jet/ [㐄] Before now: Have you seen the Lak-
ral is "yourselves".
ers yet? ■ See boxes at already and at still.
youth /juːθ/ [㐌] 1 The period of a person's life
yet2 /jet/ [㐈] But: I didn't get very good grades
when they are young: In her youth, she traveled all
yet I can't complain. I didn't work very hard. over South America. 2 A young person, usually a

yet again [㐄] Once more: Chicago Bulls has young man: He spends a lot of time in the club with

won yet again. other local youths. ■ In this use "youth" often ex-
presses a negative opinion. 3 Young people: Do you
yield [㐘] 1 To give up: He yielded all his posses-
think today's youth is very different from that of
sions to the state. 2 To let somebody go before other times? 4 youth club A place where young

you: At last the door yielded. people meet: We have two pool tables at our local
youth club. 5 youth hostel A place where young
yoghurt or yogurt US: /ˈjoʊ.gɚt/ UK: /ˈjɒg.ət/
people can stay for a few nights: We spent our va-
[㐌] Food made from milk with bacteria added to
cation hitchhiking in Arizona and staying in youth
it: We always have yoghurt for dessert at school. ■
hostels.
Be careful with the pronunciation of this word.
you've /juːv, jəv/ The contraction of "you have".
yolk US: /joʊk/ UK: /jəʊk/ [㐗] The yellow part of yummy or yumyum [㐋] A word used to

an egg: You need to separate the yolk from the show that you like a particular food: Today

white. grandpa is making a chocolate cake for dessert,

you /juː, jə, jʊ/ [㐕] When somebody speaks, the yumyum! ■ This word is informal and is usually used

word they use to refer to the person or people by children.

they are speaking to: Who are you?

you'd /juːd/ The contraction of "you had" or "you

would".

you'll /juːl/ The contraction of "you will".

s

t

u
v

w

x
y

z

Z z US: /ziː/ UK: /zed/ The twenty-sixth letter of the al-
z
phabet: The word "zoo" begins with a "z".

zebra /ˈzeb.rə, ˈziː.brə/ [㐗] An animal like a

horse with black and white stripes: Zebras live in

the bush in Africa. 㐀 See page 428.

zebra crossing [㐗] See crosswalk. ■ This

word is British English.

zero US: /ˈzɪr.oʊ/ UK: /ˈzɪə.rəʊ/ [㐐] Nothing;

the number 0: His interest in History is zero.

zigzag /ˈzɪg.zæg/ [㐍] A line that goes right and

left alternately: Follow the zigzag path that goes

up the hill if you want to get to the castle.

zip code [㐗] System of letters or numbers to

indicate the town or the street where somebody

lives: What's your zip code? ■ In British English

they say "postcode".

zipper [㐌] A type of metal fastener: Do your zip-

per up, Tom.

zodiac /ˈzoʊd·iˌæk/ [㐖] An imaginary area in

the sky that includes the planets and is divided

into twelve parts: "What's her sign of the zodiac?"

"Let me see: she was born... under Gemini".

zone US: /zoʊn/ UK: /zəʊn/ [㐗] An area with a

particular characteristic: The sign said: "Military

zone. No entry".

zoo /zuː/ [㐌] A place where wild animals are kept:

I don't like going to our local zoo. They keep the an-

imals in such small cages. ■ Be careful with the pro-

nunciation of this word! This word is an abbreviation

for "zoological garden".

zoom /zuːm/ [㐘] To move very quickly and with a

loud noise: The plane zoomed up into the air.

zucchini /zʊˈki·ni/ [㐌] A long vegetable, green

outside and white inside: How do you cook zucchi-

nis? Can you fry them? ■ In British English they say

"courgette". 㐀 See page 437.

zygote /ˈzɑɪ·goʊt/ [㐗] A cell born from the

union between two cells: The zygote is formed dur-

ing sexual reproduction.

421 the body

head shoulder
neck arm
elbow
stomach
waist wrist
hand

leg knee
ankle
foot
heel

422 jawbone
ribs
the skeletal system
vertebrae
skull
sternum femur
humerus

spine
radius
ulna

fibula tibia

sternocleidomastoid 423

the muscular system

trapezius
deltoid muscles
biceps

pectoral muscles
abdominal muscles
intercostal muscles

dorsal

triceps

gluteus
quadriceps

calf muscle

424

the digestive and excretory systems

the digestive system

pharynx

esophagus

liver
stomach

pancreas

large intestine

the excretory system

small intestine kidney

anus

ureter
bladder
urethra

425

the respiratory and reproductive systems

the respiratory system

nostrils
pharynx
larynx
trachea

bronchi
lungs
alveoli

the female reproductive system

Fallopian tubes

ovary
uterus

vagina
vulva

the male reproductive system

penis
urethra

testicles

426

animal groups

mammals birds
fish reptiles

amphibians insects

427

animal groups

vertebrates invertebrates

oviparous viviparous

herbivores carnivores

omnivores

428

mammals

tiger lion giraffe elephant

donkey sheep cow zebra

bear monkey kangaroo rabbit

goat dolphin leopard lamb

squirrel wolf deer seal

panther pig camel hippopotamus

429

birds

penguin duck hen

parrot turkey flamingo

pigeon peacock budgerigar

goose seagull

430

fish and reptiles

fish

sardine salmon tuna

shark trout

reptiles

tortoise crocodile chameleon

snake lizard turtle

amphibians 431

amphibians and insects

frog salamander

insects

spider ladybird ant

caterpillar fly grasshopper

butterfly bee beetle

centipede cricket

432

plants branch

parts of a plant

leaf

stem roots

types of plants

grass tree
shrub

433

parts of a flower flowers

petal stamen
ovules
pistil

sepal

flowers

geranium

tulip

sunflower

orchid poppy carnation
rose

434

trees branch
trunk
parts of a tree

leaf

roots

types of trees

evergreen

deciduous

435

trees

almond tree elm tree pine tree

fir tree oak tree palm tree

coconut palm banana tree

apple tree orange tree

436

fruits

grape raspberry strawberry

orange lemon grapefruit

pear apple cherry

mango pineapple coconut
plum
banana fig

peach melon watermelon

437

vegetables

lettuce cabbage celery

carrot radish courgette

broccoli aubergine spinach

pepper asparagus potato

onion tomato garlic

beans mushroom peas

438

the water cycle

the sun heats
the water

water vapour
forms clouds

water evaporates clouds fill with
rain or snow

rain falls and in the end
it goes back into the
rivers and the oceans

melting evaporation

solid liquid gas
solidification condensation

439

sources of energy

wind
power

hydraulic
energy

nuclear energy

solar renewable energy
energy non-renewable energy

gas

petroleum

coal

440

laboratory

flask beaker Erlenmeyer
flask

microscope

test tubes

graduated
cylinder

tongs
dropper

441

bicycle and car

bicycle saddle handbrake

tyre handlebars

wheel brake

chain

pedal

car boot

steering wheel
windscreen

indicator
number plate

wheel

bumper headlight tyre

electronics 442 loudspeaker

computer webcam
screen
printer

keyboard

mouse

mobile phone

screen

key pad

earphones

443

inventions

printing press microscope

telephone

steam engine television
computer
gramophone
radio

mobile
phone

444

coastal landscape

mountain

cliff

cape
port

bay island
archipelago
beach

lighthouse

ocean

445

mountain landscape

summit

slope

river hill
tunnel
meander

reservoir

dam

road village
bridge

446

the Solar system

Sun
Mercury
Venus

Earth

Mars

447

the Solar system

Jupiter

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune

448

the movement of the Earth

the movement of the earth

winter

spring

summer autumn

the moon

new moon
last quarter

first quarter
full moon