New words list October 2019

List of new and updated entries

In addition to revised versions of Second Edition entries, these ranges contain the following entries:

New words: entirely new headword entries appearing in OED for the first time
New sub-entries: compounds or phrases integrated in to the body of newly or recently updated entries
New senses: new senses integrated in to the body of newly or recently updated entries
Additions to unrevised entries: new senses, compounds, or phrases appended to the end of existing OED entries which have not yet been updated for the Third Edition

New word entries

abugida, n.: In Ge’ez, Amharic, and Tigrinya: a system for arranging characters or words in a particular sequence, following the sequence used in Semitic-language…
ambalama, n.: In Sri Lanka: a simple building, typically pillared and mostly open-sided, used as a rest house or shelter for travellers, or (formerly) as a village…
amban, n.: Under the rule of the Qing dynasty in China: an imperial resident (resident n.1 2a) representing Chinese authority in Tibet, Xinjiang, Qinghai, or…
ambari, n.1: A canopied howdah (howdah n.).
Ambarval, n. and adj.: The ancient Roman fertility ritual of Ambarvalia, celebrated at various times of the growing season, and featuring the ceremonial sacrifice of…
Ambarvalia, n.: An ancient Roman rite celebrated at various times of the growing season, at which animals were led around fields before being sacrificed as an act of…
Ambarvalian, adj.: Of or relating to the ritual of Ambarvalia, or its participants; occurring during Ambarvalia, spec. relating to a procession featuring the ceremonial…
Amber Alert, n.2: An announcement that alerts the public to a missing person (esp. an abducted child), disseminated via media broadcasts, electronic roadway signs…
amberiferous, adj.: Designating a rock or sedimentary deposit containing amber. Also: designating a region in which deposits of amber occur.
amberina, n.: A type of art glass, originally and chiefly manufactured in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, having a characteristic…
amberite, n.: Any of a number of explosive powders based on nitrocellulose, used chiefly in shotgun cartridges.
Amberlite, n.: A proprietary name for: any of a large range of ion-exchange resins based typically on polystyrene.
amberous, adj.: Resembling amber in colour; (translucent) yellowish-brown or golden.
amber pudding, n.: A dish consisting of a mixture of ambergris, almonds, breadcrumbs, etc., enclosed in a pig’s intestine and boiled. Now historical and rare.
Amor, n.: (The name of) an asteroid discovered in 1932 which follows an orbit crossing that of Mars and approaching but not crossing that of Earth. Also: any…
Amora, n.: Usually in plural. Any of the Jewish scholars in Palestine and Babylon who interpreted the Mishnah between the 2nd and 5th centuries c.e. until the…
Amoraic, adj.: Of or relating to the Amoraim, the Jewish scholars in Palestine and Babylon who interpreted the Mishnah between the 2nd and 5th centuries c.e. until…
Amorean, n. and adj.: Any of the Jewish scholars in Palestine and Babylon who interpreted the Mishnah between the 2nd and 5th centuries c.e. until the completion of the…
amor fati, n.: Nietzsche’s term for: a state of mind in which one willingly accepts one’s fate as opposed to being simply resigned to it.
amorite, n.2: An object of love; a lover.
amor patriae, n.: Love of one’s country; patriotism.
amorphization, n.: The conversion of a crystalline material into an amorphous form.
amorphize, v.: transitive. To make (something) amorphous, esp. to convert (a crystalline substance) into an amorphous form. Also intransitive (of a crystalline…
amortizing, adj.: Of a payment: that goes towards amortizing a debt, asset, or cost; (of an asset, debt, etc.) subject to amortization.
amotivation, n.: The condition of lacking motivation, purpose, or direction. Cf. motivation n. 1c.
amotivational, adj.: Lacking motivation, purpose, or direction. Cf. motivation n. 1c.
amp, n.1: An amputation of a part of the body. Cf. amp n.3
amp, n.3: A person who has had one or more limbs amputated; an amputee. Frequently with modifying word, specifying the type of amputation. Cf. amp n.1
amp, n.5: An ampoule of a drug.
ampacity, n.: The maximum amount of current, expressed in amperes, that a conductor can carry without exceeding its specified operating temperature.
ampage, n.: The magnitude of an electric current, expressed in amperes. Cf. amperage n.
ampallang, n.: A type of penis piercing, traditionally worn in Borneo, consisting of a metal stud with a small ball at either end inserted horizontally through the…
ancap, adj. and n.: Of or relating to anarcho-capitalists; supporting or advocating anarcho-capitalism.
ancestory, n.: Ancestors collectively; esp. a particular group of ancestors considered as initiating a line of descent. = ancestry n. 1.
Ancestral Puebloan, adj. and n.: Of, relating to, or characteristic of the Basket Maker people, or of their successors the early Pueblo people, who inhabited a region in Utah…
anchialine, adj.: Designating pools, caves, or other environments that are supplied with saline or brackish water through an underground connection to the sea…
anchisaur, n.: Any dinosaur of the group Anchisauria, which comprises a number of sauropodomorphs of the late Triassic and early Jurassic including Anchisaurus.
anchisaurid, n.: Any dinosaur of the former family Anchisauridae, which comprised sauropodomorphs related to Anchisaurus; also (more widely), any anchisaur or…
Anchisaurus, n.: A genus of small, lightly built, saurischian dinosaurs of the early Jurassic; (also anchisaurus) a dinosaur of this genus.
anchoïade, n.: A traditional Provençal purée made principally from anchovies, garlic, and olive oil, typically served as a dip or spread on bread.
anchoveta, n.: A small anchovy, Engraulis ringens, found off the coasts of Peru and Chile and valuable as a source of fish meal and oil.
anchusa, n.: Originally: the plant alkanet, Alkanna tinctoria (family Boraginaceae) or the root of this plant, from which a red dye is obtained (now rare). In…
Angelena, n.: A female native or inhabitant of Los Angeles, California. Cf. Angeleno n., Los Angelena n.
angel-faced, adj.: Having a face like that of an angel; having a beautiful, sweet, or innocent face.
angel hair, n.: In Spain and Spanish-speaking countries: a sweet preserve made from the fibrous flesh of a squash or pumpkin.
angeliferous, adj.: Resembling an angel; angelic. In later use also: splendid, magnificent, excellent.
angel pie, n.: originally and chiefly U.S. A sweetheart, a darling. Frequently as a term of endearment or affectionate form of address. Cf. angel n. 6b.
Angelus Domini, n.: A devotional exercise recalling the mystery of the Incarnation, consisting of three versicles and responses, each followed by a Hail Mary, and a…
angin, adj.: Disgusting, awful, unattractive. Also used simply as an intensifier.
angioedema, n.: A disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of localized oedematous swelling in the deeper layers of the skin and, often, in the submucosal tissue…
angiogenic, adj.: Medicine. Originating in, produced by, or associated with blood or lymphatic vessels, or with disease of such vessels Obsolete.
angiogenin, n.: Any of a group of proteins capable of inducing or promoting angiogenesis.
angiokeratoma, n.: A lesion of the skin consisting of an area of dilated blood vessels covered by a wart-like thickening of the overlying epithelium; (also) any of…
angiosarcoma, n.: A type of malignant tumour originating (or believed to originate) in blood vessels.
angishore, n.: Irish English and Newfoundland. A weak, pitiable, or poverty-stricken person; a wretch.
angoisse, n.: Mental anguish.
Angrez, n. and adj.: An English (or British) person. Cf. Angrezi n. 1.
Angrezi, adj. and n.: English; British. Cf. Angrez adj.
Angrian, adj.1 and n.1: Of, belonging, or relating to the military leader Kanhoji Angre, or to the powerful forces built up by him as naval commander of the Maratha Empire…
angried, adj.: Angered; troubled or perturbed as a result of anger.
angsana, n.: The narra tree, Pterocarpus indicus, a tall leguminous tree native to South-East Asia which bears panicles of fragrant orange or yellow flowers and…
angst, v.: intransitive. To agonize; to fret. Usually with about, over. Occasionally transitive. Chiefly in present participle.
angsting, n.: The action of angst v.; an instance of this.
angsting, adj.: That frets or agonizes; characterized by fretting.
angularize, v.: transitive. To make angular in form or character; to cause to have angles or corners.
angustiate, v.: transitive. To limit, confine, or restrict.
apaugasma, n.: Something that shines with or reflects a brilliant light; radiance, splendid brightness.
Appell, n.: In the First World War (1914–18) and esp. the Second World War (1939–45): a roll-call taken in a German prisoner-of-war camp or concentration camp.
arancini, n.: In Italian cookery: balls of rice stuffed with a savoury filling, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried, typically served as an appetizer or snack…
arbitrium, n.: Power or ability to act, decide, or judge; will; authority.
arlarse, n. and adj.: An unpleasant or annoying person; esp. one who is mean-minded, unkind, or unfair.
asst, n. and adj. = assistant n. 2.
auditorily, adv.: By means of the sense of hearing; in a manner capable of being heard. Cf. auditorially adv.
Auvergnat, n. and adj.: A native or inhabitant of Auvergne, a region and former province of central France.
ayete, v.2: transitive. To understand, comprehend; to recognize, to perceive.
Azorean, adj. and n.: Of or relating to the Azores, a group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean; designating these islands.
back-form, v.: transitive. To form (a new word) from a component element of an existing word, typically by removing an ending or suffix; to create by a process of…
back-pat, n.: A pat on the back (either literal or figurative), given as a gesture or expression of approval or congratulation.
back-patting, n.: The action of patting someone on the back (literally or figuratively), as a gesture or expression of approval or congratulation.
bardo, n.: In Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism: an intermediate or transitional state; esp. (usually with the) a state of existence between death and rebirth. Also in…
bare-boned, adj.: Having the bones completely exposed; fleshless. Also in weakened use: so thin that the bones can be seen under the skin; extremely lean, gaunt…
bare-bones, adj.: Reduced to or comprising only the basic or essential elements of something; sparse, basic, simple, minimal.
bar-mitzvah, v.: transitive. To confirm (a boy) in the Jewish faith at a bar mitzvah ceremony (see Bar-Mitzvah n.). Frequently in passive.
Bartokian, n. and adj.: A student or admirer of Bartók or his music; a musician accomplished in the interpretation of Bartók’s works.
bat-mitzvah, v.: transitive. To confirm (a girl) in the Jewish faith at a bat mitzvah ceremony (see Bat Mitzvah n.). Frequently in passive.
beachside, n., adj., and adv.: The area beside a beach.
becket, n.1: A narrow, elongated spade used for cutting turf, usually having a second cutter or wing set at a right angle to the main blade. Cf. slane n.
begrudgery, n.: Envy or resentment of another’s success, happiness, wealth, etc.; reluctance to give praise or show admiration.
begrudging, adj.: Originally: that shows dissatisfaction with something or someone. In later use: characterized by or displaying envy or resentment of another’s…
belly boat, n.: A small, light, inflatable watercraft in which a person sits with his or her legs in the water, typically used for fishing in areas of still water…
belly boat, v.: intransitive. To fish from a belly boat (see belly boat n.).
belly boating, n.: Fishing from a belly boat (see belly boat n.).
ben-feaker, n.: A counterfeiter, a forger.
blert, n.: A useless, weak, or cowardly person. Also as a general term of abuse.
buck naked, adj.: Completely without clothing; stark naked. Cf. butt-naked adj. at butt n.6 compounds 2.
bull rider, n.: A person who rides a bull; (in later use) spec. a contestant in a rodeo who endeavours to remain mounted on a bucking bull for a specified period of…
bull riding, n.: The action or practice of riding a bull; (in later use) spec. the practice of endeavouring to remain mounted on a bucking bull for a specified period…
chess, n.5: As a modifier. Designating a pie or tart filled with a mixture of eggs, butter, and sugar, to which nuts and fruit are sometimes added. Chiefly in…
chewy, n.: Chewing gum; a piece of chewing gum.
chillax, v.: intransitive. To calm down and relax; to take it easy, to chill (see chill v. additions 4). Often in imperative: ‘relax’, ‘calm down’.
chirpse, v.: transitive. To flirt with (a person); to make sexual advances towards.
chomper, n.: A person who, or an animal or thing which, bites, chews, crushes, or eats something, esp. vigorously or greedily. Cf. champer n.1
circle jerk, n.: A sexual activity in which several males form a circle and masturbate simultaneously; an act of group masturbation.
Cobb salad, n.: A salad typically consisting of lettuce, diced chicken or turkey, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese, the ingredients…
cock, n.10: A metal projection on the bottom of a horseshoe, designed to prevent the horse from slipping; = calk n.1 1.
cock-a-doodle-dooing, n.: The crowing of a cockerel or rooster; the action or sound of a person crowing like a cockerel or rooster. Also figurative: boastful, exultant…
cockatooer, n.: A farmer working a small-scale farm; = cockatoo n. 3. Cf. cockatoo v. 1, cockatooing n.
cock bawd, n.: A pimp or procurer; esp. a man who runs a brothel.
cocked, adj.1: Of a pulley or sheave: having a piece of metal lining the central hole through which the pin passes (see cock n.7).
cocked-up, adj.: Of a nose: turned up; having an upturned tip. Cf. cocked adj.3 5.
cocker, v.3: intransitive. Of the sea: to move with short irregular or tumbling waves. Cf. cockling adj.2
cockernee, n. and adj.: A cockney (cockney n. 4a). Also: the dialect or accent typical of cockneys; = cockney n. 4b.
cockerty, adj.: Unsteady, tottering; shaky, unstable; = cockery adj. Cf. cocker v.2
cockey, n.: In Norwich: a drain, gutter, or sewer. Also: a grating over such a stream to catch bulkier waste.
cocklike, adj. and adv.: Reminiscent or characteristic of a cock (see cock n.1 I.) in appearance, nature, or behaviour. Also (and in earliest use) figurative: lecherous…
cockling, n.4: The action of rippling (rippling n.3); a ripple on the surface of water.
cockneyed, adj.: That is or has been made Cockney in character; characteristic of or designating a Cockney; pronounced with a Cockney accent; cockneyfied.
cock-of-wax, n.: As a familiar or affectionate form of address to a man or boy. Cf. man of wax at wax n.1 3c.
cockroachy, adj.: Infested with or overrun by cockroaches.
cocksuck, n.: The action or an act of fellatio.
cocksuck, v.: intransitive and transitive. To perform fellatio on (a man). Also figurative: to behave obsequiously, to suck up to (someone).
cocksucking, n.: The action or an act of fellating someone, or of being fellated; fellatio.
cocktailian, adj. and n.: Designating a class of people who have assumed the rank of gentlemen, although not qualified as such by birth. See cocktail n. 1c. Obsolete.
cocktease, n.: A person, typically a woman, who engages (or is regarded as engaging) in cockteasing; = cockteaser n.
cockteasing, n.: Behaviour regarded as provocative, in which a person (typically a woman) tempts men sexually with no intention of satisfying the desire aroused.
cocky, n.3: Frequently in plural. A cockroach.
cockying, n.: Farming on a small scale. Cf. cocky v.
comp, n.2 and adj.: A complimentary ticket to an event or show; (in later use more generally) something given or provided free of charge as a means of promoting…
comp, v.2: transitive. To give (a person) something free of charge, as a comp (comp n.2 1). Also: to give (something) free of charge, as a comp.
converso, n.: A convert from Judaism to Christianity.
coploft, n.: A room or storage space at the very top of a house or other building; an upper loft directly under the ridge of a roof. Cf. cockloft n. 1a.
coxcombery, n.: Conceitedness, vanity, pretentious affectation; foppery. Cf. coxcombry n. 2a.
cryptocurrency, n.: An informal, substitute currency. rare.
Damianite, n.: A member of a group of followers of Damian, patriarch of Alexandria, who were accused by their opponents of a variety of Sabellianism; = Angelite n.
dead-ender, n.: A road, passage, etc., from which there is no exit at one end. Now chiefly U.S.
dick-sucker, n.: A person who performs fellatio. Also (and in earliest use): a homosexual man (chiefly derogatory and offensive). Cf. cocksucker n. 1.
easy-breezy, adj.: Esp. of clothing, style, etc.: informal, casual; relaxed, carefree.
embassady, n.: A message delivered by an ambassador or envoy. rare.
fakeable, adj.: That can be faked, simulated, or falsified.
fakeness, n.: The state or quality of being or appearing fake; deception; insincerity.
fakey, adj.: Resembling or characteristic of a fake (in various senses of fake n.2); somewhat fake; esp. noticeably artificial or inauthentic.
fakie, n., adj., and adv.: colloquial. An artificial substitute for something; a fake or false breast, fingernail, eyelash, etc. Cf. falsies n.
fallen angel, n.: In Christian, Jewish, and Islamic theology: an angel who rebelled against God and was cast down from heaven. Cf. rebel angel n.
fidcock, n.: The penis.
goetta, n.: A mixture of cooked ground meat (typically pork), oatmeal, and seasonings, usually served in fried slices at breakfast.
hockey, n.3 and int.: Excrement, dung (usually from a specified animal).
Jafaican, n. and adj.: A non-Jamaican person who adopts or identifies with aspects of Jamaican culture, esp. in a way regarded as contrived or inauthentic. Usually…
Jedi, n.: In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: a member of an order of heroic, skilled warrior monks who are able to harness the mystical power of…
kapow, int.: Representing the sound of an explosion, a gunshot, a hard punch or blow, etc. Also in extended use, conveying the suddenness or powerful effect of an…
lightsabre, n.: In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: a weapon resembling a sword, but having a destructive beam of light in place of a blade. Also: a…
linefish, n.: Fish which are caught using a hook and line rather than a net or trawl, and which are generally considered especially good or fresh to eat…
Manhattanhenge, n.: A phenomenon in which the sun rises or sets in alignment with the streets that run east to west on the street grid of Manhattan, New York City.
microfinance, n.: The financial activities or operations of an individual company, firm, or enterprise.
nomophobia, n.1: Aversion to or fear of laws or rules.
nomophobia, n.2: Anxiety about not having access to a mobile phone or mobile phone services.
nomophobic, adj. and n.: Suffering from anxiety about not having access to a mobile phone or mobile phone services; exhibiting or characterized by nomophobia (nomophobia n.2).
o, n.5: Used to symbolize a hug, esp. at the end of a letter, greetings card, or the like. Only in combination with x (see X n. 6), as in xox, xoxo, etc.
omnishambles, n.: Chiefly in political contexts: a situation that has been comprehensively mismanaged, or is characterized by a series of blunders and miscalculations…
omnishambolic, adj.: Chiefly in political contexts: (of a person) prone to making blunders and miscalculations; (of a situation) utterly disorganized or chaotic…
Padawan, n.: In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: an apprentice Jedi (see Jedi n.). Also (often humorously) in extended and allusive use: a youthful…
poke, n.7: In Hawaiian cookery: sliced or cubed marinated raw fish or seafood, often served over rice.
pro deo, adv. and adj.: With reference to the legal representation of a person accused of a capital offence and unable to afford counsel: with no charge, legal costs being…
promposal, n.: An invitation to be someone’s date to a school prom; esp. one which is elaborately staged, filmed, and made available on social media for others to…
puckerbrush, n.:Dense, tangled undergrowth or scrub consisting of invasive shrubs and small trees; a thicket of this kind. Also: a tract of land covered in dense…
pucky, int. and n.: Expressing disagreement with or dismissal of a statement, idea, etc. Usually with modifier, esp. in bull pucky, horse pucky.
rebel angel, n.: In Christian, Jewish, and Islamic theology: an angel who rebelled against God and was cast down from heaven. Cf. fallen angel n. 1.
sala, n.2: A living room.
satoshi, n.: The smallest monetary unit in the Bitcoin digital payment system, equal to one hundred millionth of a bitcoin. Cf. Bitcoin n. at bit n.4 additions .
satta, n. : Gambling, betting; (now) esp. an illegal form of gambling in which bets are taken on the occurrence of numbers in a lottery.
sattu, n.: In South Asian cookery: flour made from a mixture of roasted and ground pulses and cereals such as barley and gram.
Saturnilian, n.: An adherent of an early Gnostic sect founded by Saturninus in the second century; = Saturninian n.
Saturninian, n.: An adherent of an early Gnostic sect founded by Saturninus in the second century. Usually in plural.
selectwoman, n.: A female member of the local government board of a New England town. Cf. selectman n.
shaliach tzibur, n.: A person responsible for leading the communal worship of a synagogue; a cantor or precentor. Cf. angel n. 5c, chazzan n.
shave ice, n.: In Hawaii: a frozen dessert or refreshment made with finely-shaved ice and flavoured syrup or other sweet ingredients, typically served in a paper…
sim, n.3 : A computer program (usually a game) that simulates a particular activity, such as flying an aircraft or city planning, in which the user can…
Simeonite, n.1 and adj.1: A member of the tribe of Simeon, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
simi-dimi, n.: Elaborate or meaningless ritual; superstition; mumbo-jumbo. Also: fuss, rigmarole.
simile, adv.: In the same way.
simit, n. : A type of ring-shaped bread roll originating in Turkey, typically coated with molasses and encrusted with sesame seeds before baking. Also: bread of…
simmered, adj. Cooked by simmering.
Simmie, n.: A name for: the Devil. Chiefly in Auld Simmie (cf. old adj. 14).
Simonite, n.2: A member of an early Gnostic sect named after Simon Magus; = Simonian n.2
simonize, v.1: intransitive. To practise simony; to buy or sell ecclesiastical or spiritual benefits, especially preferment or office in the church.
simonizing, adj.: That practises simony; that buys or sells ecclesiastical or spiritual benefits, especially preferment or office in the church.
Simon Legree, n.: A tyrannical, brutal slave-owner. Later usually in weakened use: an exacting, merciless taskmaster.
simpering, adj.2: Simmering. Cf. simper v.1
simples, int.: Used (usually immediately after a statement giving a solution to a problem) to indicate that something is very simple or straightforward to do…
slam-dunk, v.: Basketball.
slasto, n.: A slate-like shale used (often in irregularly-shaped pieces) for paving, flooring, and tiling. Also applied to any similar material. Often used as a…
stuffie, n.: North American colloquial. A children’s toy, typically a toy animal, made of fabric with a soft filling; a stuffed toy.
sumfin, n. and adv.: = something, n. (in various senses).
summink, n. = something, n.
summited, adj.: Chiefly poetic and literary. In predicative use. Of a mountain or hill: having a summit covered with snow, trees, etc. Now rare.
summock, n.: A saddlecloth.
summum malum, n.: The greatest or supreme evil; that which is most reprehensible, harmful, or undesirable. Cf. summum bonum n.
sumptin, n. and adv.: = something n. (in various senses).
sumthin, adv. and n.: = something adv. (in various senses).
Tollywood, n.1: The Bengali-language film industry, based in Tollygunge, an area of Kolkata.
Tollywood, n.2: The Telugu-language film industry, based in Hyderabad, Telangana.
vel sim., phr.: Used after a word, statement, etc., to indicate the possibility of similar alternatives; = or similar at similar adj. 2c.
whatev, int. and pron.: Used (typically in response to a question or statement) to indicate that the speaker is disinclined to engage with, or is indifferent to, the matter…
whatevs, int. and pron.: Used (typically in response to a question or statement) to indicate that the speaker is disinclined to engage with, or is indifferent to, the matter…

New sub-entries

on amber: on (also at) amber: (of a set of traffic lights) showing an amber light; (hence figurative, of a person, proceeding, etc.): unable to progress…
amoral familism: a mode of life or social system in which the goals of the nuclear family are pursued at the expense of the wider community.
amorally
amorphously: without a definite structure, shape, or form; so as to be or appear amorphous.
amortization expense: a sum put aside to cover the cost of amortization (in sense 2b).
ancestor being: (in the mythology of some Australian Aboriginal peoples) any of the beings associated with the creation of the earth in the dreamtime; = ancestral…
ancestor language: an earlier language from which one or more later languages are descended (cf. parent language n. at parent n. adj.2compounds 2).
ancestral being: (a) a mythological figure or entity instrumental in creating or shaping the culture of a people; (b) (in the mythology of some Australian Aboriginal…
to clear (away) the anchor: to clear (away) the anchor (and variants): to free the anchor from any ropes, cables, etc., impeding it whilst it is being raised or lowered, or when…
anchor baby: a child born to an immigrant mother living illegally in the United States, and thus qualifying for legal citizenship under U.S. law, especially when…
anchor cable: (a) a cable or rope attached to an anchor, by which the anchor is lowered or raised from a ship, airship, etc.; a length or type of cable suitable…
anchor chain: (a) a chain attached to an anchor, by which the anchor is lowered or raised from a ship, airship, etc.; a length or type of chain suitable for this…
anchor child: a child sent by his or her family to live in a foreign country in order to qualify for citizenship or legal residency there, as a means of securing…
anchor light: a light displayed at night on a ship (in the rigging or other prominent position) to indicate that the ship is anchored (cf. anchor-ball).
Anchorpeople: people who present and coordinate a live television or radio programme (see sense 5c).
anchor point: †(a) the tip of the fluke of an anchor (= bill n.2 4) (obsolete rare); (b) a point by which something is held securely or fastened; (c) figurative a…
anchor relative: a legally recognized resident of a country who acts as a sponsor for a family member who wants to emigrate to his or her relative’s country.
anchor root: a root of a plant that serves primarily to stabilize the plant and hold it in place.
anchor rope: (a) a rope attached to an anchor, by which the anchor is lowered or raised from a ship, airship, etc.; a length or type of rope suitable for this…
anchorage due: (chiefly in plural) a toll or charge payable for anchoring a vessel in a particular harbour or anchoring ground.
anchorage point: (a) an anchoring place for vessels; (b) a point, or an attachment or fitting, by which a person or thing is attached or secured.
anchovy fillet
like an angel: like (also as) an angel: with the skill or other quality attributed angels; very beautifully or skilfully; sublimely well.
with the angels: with the angels: dead, deceased; in heaven. Cf. sense 4.
angel in the house: angel in the house: (the type of) a woman likened to an angel presiding over the home; an idealized housewife or homemaker who shows selfless…
angel investor: a person who invests private capital in a business or enterprise (originally a theatrical production), usually in return for a proportion of the…
angel lute: a plucked stringed instrument of the baroque period, resembling a lute or theorbo in form, having a round back and a long neck with two pegboxes; =…
angels’ share: (usually with the) the quantity of wine or distilled spirits lost to evaporation while ageing in wooden casks; the vapours resulting from this…
angel skin: (a) (also in form angel’s skin) a variety of precious coral which has a pale pinkish-white colour and is used in jewellery (more fully angel skin…
angel top: a loose-fitting top having an A-line construction flaring from a rounded neck or yoke down to the hem and often also having flared sleeves.
angelica tree: any of several shrubs or small trees of the genus Aralia (family Araliaceae), which are frequently cultivated as ornamentals for their panicles of…
angelological: of or relating to angelology.
Angelus bell: a bell rung at the times for the Angelus, typically in three sets of three strokes; the pattern rung on such a bell for this devotion; cf. sense 2…
in anger: As an expression, manifestation, or consequence of anger; when angry.
in anger: With serious or hostile intent; not as a practice or drill; in earnest.
Angioblastic: †(a) of or relating to the formation of blood vessels (cf. angioplastic adj. 1) (obsolete); (b) of or relating to angioblasts; containing or…
Angioblastoma: a tumour consisting of angioblasts (or cells resembling angioblasts); cf. haemangioblastoma n.
Angiographer: a radiologist or radiographer specializing in angiography.
angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor: any compound that inhibits the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II; spec. any of a class of drugs with this property, used in the treatment…
angiotensinase: (a) an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II (= angiotensin converting enzyme n. at compounds ) (now historical and rare); (b) any…
Angry Brigade: (a) (with the) a left-wing revolutionary group who engaged in a terrorist campaign in Britain in the early 1970s (now historical); (b) (more…
angry white man: a white man with right-wing or reactionary views (typically including opposition to liberal anti-discriminatory policies and to feminism), esp…
angst rock: pop or rock music characterized by melancholic themes and lyrics dealing with frustration and despair.
angular displacement: the angle through which a body rotating about a point moves in a given period of time.
angular speed: the rate at which an object rotates around a point, measured in revolutions, degrees, or radians per unit of time.
angular defect: (a) (in non-Euclidean geometry) the difference between the sum of the interior angles of a given figure and that of the same figure as it would…
angular gyrus: a curved gyrus (convolution) of the cerebral cortex located in the parietal lobe, which is involved in numerous brain functions including language…
angular leaf spot: an area of diseased or dead leaf tissue that is confined within leaf veins and has straightish edges; any of various plant diseases producing such…
apology tour: a series of speeches, interviews, or other public appearances by a well-known figure (esp. a politician or celebrity), in which he or she apologizes…
bad seed: a person who is innately and unalterably evil or corrupt; a person who exerts a malign influence.
Beavertail: †(a) (also in form beaver’s tail) a loaf of bread with a flattened shape resembling that of a beaver’s tail (obsolete); (b) a sweet pastry consisting…
bicycle-share: = bicycle-sharing n.
bicycle-sharing: the practice of making bicycles available for shared use, esp. through a self-service rental scheme in which people hire bicycles for short-term use…
bike share: = bicycle-sharing n.
bike sharing: the practice of making bicycles available for shared use, esp. through a self-service rental scheme in which people hire bicycles for short-term use…
to jump from cock to ass: to jump (also leap) from cock to ass and variants: to write or speak in an illogical, confused, or nonsensical fashion; to ramble, waffle. Now rare.
like a cock at a gooseberry: like a cock at a gooseberry (also grosetand variants): very quickly and without hesitation; eagerly; ‘like a shot’. In later use chiefly Scottish and…
drop your cocks and grab your socks: originally and chiefly Military slang. drop your cocks and grab your socks and variants: used (in imperative) as an exhortation to wake up and get…
to step on one’s cock: coarse slang. to step (occasionally also trip) on one’s cock and variants: to get into trouble; to make a serious blunder; to make a fool of oneself…
to hold one’s cock: coarse slang. to hold one’s cock: to be caught off guard; to be unaware or unprepared; (also) to be idle, to waste time; cf. to hold one’s dick at…
(all) to cock: British colloquial. (all) to cock: in a very bad condition; in or into disarray; out of order; frequently in to go to cock (cf. sense A. 21).
cock-blocking: impeding of the romantic or sexual advances of a person (usually a man) towards another.
cock-blocking: designating a person who impedes the romantic or sexual advances of a person (usually a man) towards another; that cock-blocks.
in cock: in cock: (of hay, grass, etc.) gathered into conical heaps; (of a field) full of such heaps. Now rare.
cockbilled
cock-brainness: the quality or fact of being foolish, rash, or stupid.
cocker spaniel: a breed of small spaniel with a variety of coat colours and longer hair on the legs and ears, originally developed in England to flush woodcock and…
cockeyedly
cocking main: a number of fights at a cockfighting match; cf. main n.2 3.
cockle bed: an area of sand, the coast, etc., where large numbers of cockles can be harvested.
cockle boat: (a) a small light or shallow boat (now rare); cf. sense 2b, cockboat n.; (b) a boat used for gathering or harvesting cockles.
cockle pan: †(a) (perhaps) a shallow pan used for cooking over a kitchen fire (cf. sense 2a) (obsolete); (b) a pan used for cooking cockles (chiefly historical).
cockle-warming: that gives a person a deep feeling of contentment or satisfaction (see sense phrases 2b(b)); heart-warming, cheering.
cockle-like
cockpit coaming: (a) the raised border around the cockpit of a boat; cf. sense 6b, coaming n. a; (b) (originally, in an open-cockpit aircraft) the padded-leather…
cockpit country: (in Jamaica; also with capital initials) an area mainly in the north-west of the island containing many rocky hollows and sinkholes (see sense 5)…
cockpit karst: a form of karst landscape exemplified by the cockpits (sense 5) of Jamaica, typically consisting of rocky hollows and sinkholes lying between…
cockpit sole: the floor of a cockpit of a boat; cf. sense 6b.
cockpit voice recorder: a device in an aircraft that records sounds audible in the cockpit, esp. the conversation of the flight crew, as an aid to investigating an accident…
cockspur tree: any of several shrubs or small trees having long sharp thorns; spec. a North American hawthorn (see sense 3a) and the tropical shrub Pisonia aculeata…
cocktail attire: semi-formal attire suitable for wearing at a cocktail party.
cocktail circuit: a round of regular social events such as cocktail parties, esp. one attended by a particular group of people who habitually associate together.
cocktail culture: a culture or lifestyle in which drinking cocktails, or going to cocktail parties or cocktail bars, is a habitual social activity.
cocktail frock: = cocktail dress n.
cocktail-length: designating dresses and skirts having a length similar to that of a cocktail dress, typically reaching to just above or just below the knee.
cocktail music: music of a kind played in the background at a cocktail party or cocktail bar, now typically characterized as softly melodious, light, bland, and…
cocktail napkin: a small napkin (originally made of linen, now usually of absorbent paper) designed to be placed under a drink when it is served, and now often used…
cocktail parasol: = cocktail umbrella n. (b).
cocktail reception: a social gathering, typically before an evening event, at which cocktails, and often also canapés, are served.
cocktail ring: an eye-catching dress ring, typically set with a large (but now often inexpensive or imitation) gemstone.
cocktail sauce: any of various sauces typically served with seafood; now esp. (a) (in North America) a spicy tomato sauce containing horseradish or chilli; (b) (in…
cocktail-shaking : (a) n. the action or process of vigorously shaking the ingredients of a cocktail to mix them; (b) adj. characterized by cocktail-shaking.
cocktail snack: (usually in plural) a small, typically bite-sized appetizer or snack suitable for eating with cocktails.
cocktail umbrella: (a) a stylish umbrella, suitable for use as an accessory at a cocktail party (rare); (b) a miniature umbrella, typically made from a toothpick and…
cocktail waitress: a waitress who serves cocktails or other drinks in a cocktail bar or similar venue.
cock-up theory: a theory that the most likely explanation for the occurrence of an event or phenomenon is inadvertent error or incompetence; often contrasted with…
cocky chaff: husks separated from wheat grain by threshing; wheat chaff.
cocky country: land or rural areas where the chief occupation is farming on a small scale.
cocky gate: a rudimentary or makeshift gate made of wire attached to upright battens, often forming a movable section of a wire fence.
cocky’s delight: golden syrup or treacle; = cocky’s joy n.
cogboard: a wooden board of a type used for building cogs (sense 1).
cog ship: a broad flat-bottomed ship commonly used in northern Europe from the 11th to the late 15th centuries; = sense 1.
cognitive dissonance: a state of mental discomfort that occurs when a person holds beliefs, opinions, etc., which are inconsistent, or which conflict with an aspect of his…
corner throw: (a) (in water polo and handball) a free throw of the ball for the attacking side from (near) the corner of the playing area; (b) Judo = sumi-gaeshi n.
dancesport: competitive ballroom dancing.
that dog won’t hunt: North American colloquial. that dog won’t hunt and variants: used to express the opinion that a particular plan or approach will not succeed. Cf…
fake news: news that conveys or incorporates false, fabricated, or deliberately misleading information, or that is characterized as or accused of doing so.
hair lightener: a preparation or substance used to bleach or lighten hair.
hall pass: (a) a note or token authorizing a student to walk unsupervised through the school corridors during class time (for example to go to the toilet or the…
no harm, no foul: no harm, no foul: (Basketball) used to express the principle that contact which does not impede an opponent does not constitute a foul; (hence more…
hot sauce: any of various piquant sauces made with chilli peppers and used as a condiment or ingredient.
Jiggly: that jiggles or is characterized by jiggling; wobbly, shaky.
MLE: Multicultural London English.
mind trick: (a) a trick played by the mind; a delusion or illusion; (b) an act of manipulating someone psychologically, esp. to gain an advantage; see also Jedi…
Multicultural London English: a variety of English spoken mainly by young people in the multicultural neighbourhoods of inner-city London; abbreviated MLE.
negative amortization: an increase in the balance of a loan which occurs when a repayment amount is less than the interest owed and the difference is added to the principal.
orange jasmine: †(a) the frangipani tree Plumeria rubra (obsolete rare); (b) the mock orange Murraya paniculata, an evergreen tree or shrub which is native to…
physical constant: (Science) a quantity expressing some fundamental physical phenomenon or property that is generally regarded as invariant with respect to space and…
to name one’s poison: To say what alcoholic drink one would like; to choose a drink. Also in extended use: to state one’s preference; to choose one’s favourite. Usually in…
to name one’s poison: To choose between options which are equally undesirable or unpleasant. Frequently in imperative.
public transit: transport available for public use; a transport system (of buses, trains, etc.) that runs on fixed routes at set times and may be used by anyone with…
safe-injection: designating a place where intravenous drug users may inject drugs under supervision of medical staff, as in safe-injection facility, safe-injection…
saturation dive: (a) a shallow dive during which the diver’s body tissues undergo saturation with inert gases (disused); (b) a dive made by the technique of…
Saturnine line: a line running from the wrist to the base of the middle finger, and supposed to give some indication of a person’s fate (now more usually line of…
satyr play: (in ancient Greek drama) a burlesque or bawdily humorous drama featuring a chorus of satyr characters, esp. one written to be performed in succession…
shits and giggles: Chiefly North American and Australian. shits and giggles (also grins): fun or amusement without any serious purpose. Usually in for (the) shits and…
simian immunodeficiency virus: any of a group of retroviruses (genus Lentivirus) that are related to human immunodeficiency viruses but infect various species of non-human primate…
simianness
similarity group: (a) the group (group n. 7) consisting of all transformations mapping geometric figures to similar figures (see similarity transformation n. (a)); (b)…
similarity transformation: (a) a transformation that maps geometric figures to similar figures (see similar adj. 3a). (b) a transformation that maps matrices to similar…
simile aria: (in opera) an aria in which the singer’s situation is compared to some natural phenomenon or activity.
simple majority: (a) (originally) a majority comprising more than half of all votes cast; an absolute majority; (b) (in later use also) a majority in which the…
simple syrup: a syrup of sugar dissolved in water, used in medicinal preparations, mixed drinks, etc.
simpletonish: †(a) adv. in the manner of a simpleton (obsolete); (b) adj. characteristic or suggestive of a simpleton; somewhat simple-minded.
simplex algorithm: an algorithm used for finding the optimal solution of a linear function subject to a set of linear constraints by considering adjacent vertices of a…
simplex sentence: (in transformational grammar) a sentence analysed as having a single-kernel structure; a kernel sentence; see kernel n.1 8b(b).
simplicial complex: a set of points, lines, triangles, tetrahedrons, and higher-dimensional simplices that satisfies certain criteria.
simpsoned
skin lightener: a cosmetic preparation used to make skin paler or lighter, typically one designed for use by non-white people.
a little something-something: North American colloquial. (a little) something-something: a special or additional item, activity, etc.; something pleasurable or indulgent…
spermaceti organ: (in the head of a sperm whale) a large membrane-lined sac containing spermaceti; cf. case n.2 11.
steaming drunk: extremely or incapably drunk; inebriated.
steaming with drink: colloquial (originally and chiefly Scottish). steaming with drink: extremely or incapably drunk; inebriated.
to do one’s sums: To do arithmetic which has been assigned as schoolwork or homework. Cf. sense 7b.
to do the sums: Also to do the sums. To make a calculation based on the relevant facts and figures; to work out a cost, amount, etc. (sometimes with the implication…
the sum of its parts: the sum of its parts: the combined effectiveness, impact, value, etc., that something would be expected to have on the basis of considering the…
sum check: (a) any of various procedures used for checking the accuracy of calculations involving addition; (b) Computing a procedure used for checking the…
sum tone: a resultant tone sometimes perceived when two other tones of different pitch are sounded together with sufficient intensity, its frequency being…
Sumatran rhino: = Sumatran rhinoceros n.
summability theory: the branch of mathematics concerned with the summability of infinite series, and with the connections between different notions of summability.
in summary: in summary: (used as a parenthetical phrase, introducing or accompanying a summarizing statement) to sum up, to conclude in a few words; (also) in…
summary execution: the infliction of capital punishment without the accused person having a (full or fair) trial; an instance of this.
summary justice: (a) Law speedy administration of the law, esp. by means of not observing the customary formalities or procedures; (b) law enforcement undertaken…
summary offence: a lesser offence which is deemed suitable for trial by summary procedure, esp. by a judge or magistrate without a jury.
summary statistic: (a) an item of data used to provide a summary of an account or state of affairs; (b) (Statistics) any of several statistical measures, such as the…
summation check: any of several procedures that use addition to check the accuracy or integrity of data; esp.: (a) a procedure used with tabulated data, in which…
summation notation: the notation used to denote a series (series n. 8); an instance of such notation.
summit level: (a) the highest elevation of a canal or railway; (b) a level stretch of a canal or railway having descending levels on either side; (c) (as a…
summiting
sump oil: (a) oil collected from the sump of an oil well (now rare); (b) lubricating oil in the sump of an engine, esp. that of a motor vehicle.
sump pit: a pit or hole used to collect water or other liquids; (now) esp. one dug beneath the basement of a building to collect rainwater and excess moisture…
sump pump: a pump used to remove water or other liquid from a sump; (in later use) esp. one used to drain the sump pit of a building.
sumphy : (of a person) slow-witted, stupid; foolish; (also) surly, sullen; cf. sumphish adj.
a little sumpin’ sumpin’: (a little) sumpin’ sumpin’: a special or additional item, activity, etc.; something pleasurable or indulgent. Frequently used euphemistically with…
tailgater: a person who hosts or attends a party where food and drink are served at the tailgate of a motor vehicle before a sports event Typically a football…
time point: a specific point in time, esp. as distinguished from others in a measured sequence; a precise moment.
triple-double: the achievement of a double-digit total in three of five statistical categories (assists, blocks, points, rebounds, and steals) by a player over the…
wedge salad: a salad consisting of a wedge of iceberg lettuce served with various toppings, typically blue cheese dressing and bacon.

New senses

ambassadorial, adj. sense 2: Having the function of an ambassador; acting as a representative or messenger. Also figurative.
ambassadorship, n. sense 2: The term of office of an ambassador.
amber, n.2 and adj. sense A.III.11: An open pie or tart consisting of a pastry case with a filling of fruit or (occasionally) puréed, sweetened nuts, with a meringue topping. Chiefly as…
amber, n.2 and adj. sense B.2: Made from or consisting of amber.
amber, v. sense 2: transitive. To make (something) amber in colour. Cf. amber n.2 3.
amber, v. sense 3: transitive. To preserve (something) as though in amber; to keep the history or perception of (a person or thing) unchanged in record or collective…
ambering, n. sense 2: The action or process of making something amber in colour. Also: the result of this; amber colouring.
amber snail, n. sense 1: The yellow slug, Limax flavus. Obsolete. rare.
amber tree, n. sense 2: A prehistoric tree of the kind which produced the resin from which amber was formed.
amber tree, n. sense 3: A sweet gum or liquidambar tree (genus Liquidambar).
ambery, adj. sense 2: Resembling or evoking the smell of ambergris (or occasionally perhaps of amber).
amoroso, adj., adv., and n.2 sense C: A musical direction to play lovingly or tenderly. Also: a movement, passage, or piece of music played (or directed to be played) in this way.
amorous, adj. and n. sense B.2: With plural agreement (usually with the): amorous people, as a class.
amorphous, adj. sense 5: Of a group of people or things: perceived or treated as an undifferentiated mass; homogeneous, uniform.
amortizable, adj. sense 2: Accounting. Designating a cost or asset which can be written off gradually.
amortization, n. sense 2b: Accounting. The action or practice of gradually writing off the initial cost of an asset. Also: the reduction in value of assets over time, esp…
amortize, v. sense 5: transitive. Accounting. To write off (an asset, or the initial cost of this) gradually. Now usually with reference to intangible assets such as…
amortized, adj. sense 3a: Of a debt, liability, etc.: paid off gradually by making regular repayments over a period of time.
amortized, adj. sense 3b: Accounting. Of an asset, or the initial cost of an asset: written off gradually.
amortizing, n. sense 2a: The action of gradually paying off a debt, liability, etc., by making regular repayments over a period of time.
amortizing, n. sense 2b: Accounting. The action or practice of gradually writing off the initial cost of an asset. Also: the reduction in value of assets over time, esp…
amount, v. sense I.2a: intransitive. To rise in estimation or rank. Obsolete. rare.
amount, v. sense II.3c(a): spec. With to and indefinite pronoun. intransitive. In negative contexts, as to amount to nothing, not to amount to much, never to amount to…
amount, v. sense II.3c(b): spec. With to and indefinite pronoun. intransitive. In positive contexts, in to amount to something: (esp. of a person) to turn out to be successful…
ancestor, n. sense 2b: A thing that precedes or gives rise to another of the same kind as a forerunner, predecessor, or prototype.
ancestor, n. sense 4: Linguistics. An earlier language from which one or more later languages are descended; = ancestor language n. at compounds 2.
ancestor, n. sense 5: irregular. A descendant.
ancestral, adj. sense 2: Of a thing, concept, etc.: that precedes or gives rise to the invention or development of something; serving as a forerunner, prototype, or…
ancestrian, adj. and n. sense B: A member of a group of scientists advocating the explanation of heredity by mathematical calculation of the contributions of successive generations…
ancestry, n. sense 3: The pedigree or lineage of a domesticated animal or breed, or cultivated plant; the evolutionary or genetic line of descent of an organism.
ancestry, n. sense 4: The origin, background, or historical development of something.
anchor, n.1 sense 3b: Any of various devices or weights used to secure a hot air balloon, airship, etc., to the ground.
anchor, n.1 sense 4a: A representation or image of an anchor.
anchor, v. sense 4a: Sport. transitive. originally U.S. Esp. Athletics and Swimming. To act as the anchor (anchor n.1 5b) in (a relay team or race). Also intransitive.
anchor, v. sense 4b: Sport. transitive. To play a central or leading role in (a team, formation, etc.); to provide with strength and stability.
anchor, v. sense 4c: Sport. transitive. Association Football. Of a player placed just in front of the team’s defence: to add stability and strength to (the midfield)…
anchorage, n.1 sense 5c: Any of the attachments or fittings by which a seat belt is attached to a vehicle or aircraft. Cf. anchorage point n. (b) at compounds .
anchoral, adj. sense 2: Zoology. Acting as an anchor; esp. designating an appendage which holds an organism in place on its substrate or (in the case of a parasite) on its…
anchor ball, n. sense 1b: Nautical. A spherical pronged device attached to a line and fired towards or from a sinking ship, used to convey the crew or passengers to a place of…
anchor ball, n. sense 2: Nautical. A black ball or ball-like object displayed during daylight on a ship (in the rigging or other prominent position) to indicate that the ship…
anchorman, n. sense 3: A person (usually a man) who provides stability, support, or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation; the most dependable, experienced, or…
anchorman, n. sense 6: Association Football. A defensive midfielder who plays in a position just in front of the team’s defence, breaking up the opposing team’s attacks and…
anchorwoman, n. sense 1a: A woman or girl at the end of the rope in a tug of war team. Cf. anchor n.1 5a.
anchorwoman, n. sense 1b: Esp. Athletics and Swimming. A woman or girl who performs the final leg of a relay race. Cf. anchor n.1 5b.
anchorwoman, n. sense 2: A woman or girl who provides stability, support, or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation; the most dependable, experienced, or important…
Angami, n. and adj. sense A.1: A member of a Naga people inhabiting the state of Nagaland in north-eastern India.
ange, adv. and n. sense A: Used to express a state of distress or anxiety affecting a person.
angel, n. sense I.4: A dead person envisaged as having become an angel; the spirit of a person who has died considered as having passed into heaven. Cf. angel baby n. at…
angel, n. sense III.11: Angling. A revolving lure or artificial bait made to resemble a small fish. In full angel minnow; see minnow n. 4. Now rare.
angel, n. sense III.12: A dead turtle. Obsolete.
angel cake, n. sense 2: As a term of endearment or affection. Cf. angel n. 8 angel face n. 2.
angel dust, n. sense 2: The drug clenbuterol, esp. as used illegally as a growth promoter in livestock. Chiefly British and Irish English.
angelic, adj.1 and n. sense B.2: A member of the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul, a Roman Catholic order of nuns, founded in 1535 in Milan by Anthony Maria Zaccaria (1502–39).
angelled, adj. sense 2: Esp. of heaven, the sky, etc.: full of angels; characterized by the presence of angels.
angels’ bread, n. sense 1: Bread or food suitable for or eaten by angels; sustenance from heaven; spec. the food described in the Bible as miraculously provided for the…
angels’ food, n. sense 1: Food suitable for or eaten by angels; heavenly sustenance (esp. with reference to the manna (manna n.1 1a) described in the Bible as miraculously…
angels’ food, n. sense 4: South African. Fruit salad, typically made with guavas and oranges.
angel wing, n. sense 1a: Chiefly in plural. The wing of an angel or a representation of such a wing; esp. a wing of the type shown in conventional depictions of angels in…
angel wing, n. sense 1b: Chiefly in plural. In contexts alluding to the death of a person who is envisaged as having become an angel. Now frequently in to get one’s angel…
angel wing, n. sense 2: Chiefly U.S. Any of various marine bivalve molluscs of the family Pholadidae, which have asymmetric valves with elongated anterior ends thought to…
angel wing, n. sense 3: Zoology. A skeletal deformity typically affecting waterfowl, in which lateral rotation of the distal wing causes the feathers at the wing tips to…
anger, n. sense 4: In extended use with reference to the sea, sky, wind, etc.: the condition of being violent, raging, or stormy. Cf. angered adj. 3; angry adj. 11.
angerness, n. sense 2: The quality or state of being angry; anger. Cf. angriness n.
angersome, adj. sense 2: Angry; (also) prone to anger. rare.
anginoid, adj. sense 1: Of the nature of or resembling angina of the throat or mouth. Now rare.
anginous, adj. sense 1: Of, relating to, or of the nature of angina of the throat or mouth; = anginal adj. 1. Now rare.
angioblast, n. sense 2: Embryology. Embryonic mesenchymal tissue from which blood cells and blood vessels develop. Now somewhat rare.
angiogram, n. sense 1: A record of pulsation in a blood vessel; = sphygmogram n. at sphygmo- comb._form affix . Obsolete. rare.
angioplastic, adj. sense 1: Embryology and Physiology. Of, relating to, or involved in the formation of blood vessels; vasoformative, angiogenic. Now rare.
angioscope, n. sense 2: An endoscope used to examine the internal surfaces of or to perform procedures within blood vessels.
angiosporous, adj. sense 2: Botany. Designating members of a group comprising non-flowering plants that have stems and leaves and reproduce by means of spores contained in…
Angola, n.1 sense 1: As a modifier. Designating people or things originating from or belonging to Angola in south-western Africa. Cf. Angolan adj.
Angola, n.1 sense 2: (a) pigeon pea, Cajanus cajan, a leguminous plant probably of African origin; (also) the seed of this plant, eaten fresh or dried, esp. tropical and…
Angola, n.2 sense I.2: As a modifier. (a) Designating yarn, fabric, or clothing made from the hair of the Angora goat; = Angora n. 1(a). Cf. mohair n. 1. (b) Designating…
Angola, n.2 sense II.4: Angola yarn (see sense 2); fabric made with such yarn. Now rare.
Angora, n. sense II.4a: An Angora goat; this breed of goat; = sense 2a.
Angora, n. sense II.4b: An Angora cat; this breed of cat; = sense 2b.
angry, n. sense 1: In plural. Feelings of anger; a bout or fit of anger.
angry, adj. sense III.9: Of disease, pain, etc.: severe, intense, violent.
anguille, n. sense 2: An eel.
anguished, adj. sense 3: Of a thought, feeling, etc.: characterized by or evoking anguish or great distress.
anguishing, adj. sense 2: Suffering or expressing anguish; distressed, tormented.
angular, n. sense 1: In a horse or other quadruped: the lacrimal bone, forming part of the medial wall of the orbit. Cf. angular adj. 2d. Obsolete. rare.
angular, adj. sense 7: Music. Of music: characterized by an irregularity or sparseness of rhythm, melody, or dynamics which is suggestive of a succession of sharp angles or…
-angular, sense 2: Forming adjectives with the sense ‘having as many interior angles as is specified by the first element’, as decangular adj. at deca- comb._form…
angularity, n. sense 3c: With reference to a person. A quirk or problematic aspect of a person’s character; an eccentricity.
angularity, n. sense 4: Music. The quality of having an irregularity or sparseness of rhythm, melody, or dynamics which is suggestive of a succession of sharp angles or…
angustity, n. sense 2: Limitation, confinement. Cf. angustation n.
anyeteness, n. sense 1: Understanding. Cf. anyit n.
bunny hug, n. sense Additions: Canadian. A hooded sweatshirt.
cock, n.1 and int. sense A.I.3: A representation of a cockerel or rooster, esp. as an ornament or heraldic device.
cock, n.1 and int. sense A.II.8b: The male of various fishes and invertebrates; esp. a male salmon, lobster, or crab.
cock, n.1 and int. sense A.III.9b: coarse slang. Sexual activity with a man; men as a source of sexual gratification. Cf. dick n.1 4b.
cock, n.1 and int. sense A.III.10a: coarse slang. The female genitals; the vulva or vagina. U.S. (chiefly in the Southern states and in African-American usage) in later use.
cock, n.1 and int. sense A.III.10b: coarse slang. U.S. (chiefly in African-American usage). Sexual intercourse with a woman.
cock, n.1 and int. sense A.III.11: coarse slang. A stupid, contemptible, or annoying person (esp. a man or boy); esp. one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious…
cock, v.1 sense I.3a: coarse slang. intransitive. To have sexual intercourse. Obsolete.
cock, v.1 sense I.3b: coarse slang. transitive. Of a man: to have sexual intercourse with (someone).
cock, v.1 sense III.7c: transitive. To retract the firing pin of (a hammerless firearm, esp. a bolt-action rifle) in order to make it ready for firing. Also with the firing…
cock, v.1 sense III.8: transitive. Photography. To set (a camera shutter) so it is ready to be tripped.
cock, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: intransitive. To waste time; to act unproductively or with no aim or serious intent; to mess about. Cf. to dick about 2 at dick v. phrasal verbs 1.
cock, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: transitive. To inconvenience or annoy (a person); to waste (a person’s time); to mess about with. Cf. to dick about 1 at dick v. phrasal verbs 1.
cock, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: intransitive. To waste time; to act unproductively or with no aim or serious intent; to mess about. Cf. to dick around 2 at dick v. phrasal verbs 1.
cock, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: transitive. To inconvenience or annoy (a person); to waste (a person’s time); to mess about with. Cf. to dick around 1 at dick v. phrasal verbs 1.
cock, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: transitive. Cricket. To mistime (a ball or a shot) so that it arcs into the air and is likely to be easily caught; to give (a catch) in this way. Now…
cock, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: colloquial (not in U.S. use). intransitive. To make a (serious) mistake; to blunder; to fail.
cock, v.4 sense 2: transitive. Shipbuilding. To join (timbers) together lengthways by means of coaks (coak n. 2); = coak v. 1. rare.
cock-a-bondy, n. sense 2: The garden chafer or June bug, Phyllopertha horticola. Obsolete.
cockabully, n. sense 2: Any of several small perciform marine fishes of the family Tripterygiidae, which are typically found in rock pools and coastal waters, and have a…
cockade, n. sense 1b: A person who wears a cockade as a member or supporter of a particular group or cause; = cockader n. Frequently with preceding modifying word…
cockade, n. sense 2: A circular insignia or identification mark on a military aircraft; spec. that of the R.A.F., comprising a design of concentric red, white, and blue…
Cockaigne, n. sense 1b: In extended use: a real place perceived or imagined as a land of abundance and carefree luxury.
cockalorum, int., n., and adj. sense B.1b: Nonsense, silliness; rubbish.
cockalorum, int., n., and adj. sense C: Nonsensical, ridiculous. Also: pompous, self-important.
cockamamie, n. and adj. sense A.2a: North American. Cf. sense B. A ridiculous, crazy, or wildly eccentric person; one who is foolish or silly. Sometimes also as a more general term of…
cockamamie, n. and adj. sense A.2b: North American. Cf. sense B. An absurd, muddled, or crazy situation or thing. Later chiefly as mass noun: foolish or ridiculous nonsense; rubbish.
cock and hen, adj. and n. sense B.1: The number ten. Frequently as a nickname for this number in the game of bingo, darts, etc.
cock and hen, adj. and n. sense B.2: A ten-pound note; ten pounds.
cockatoo, v. sense 3: intransitive. Australian slang. To act as a lookout. Cf. cockatoo n. 2.
cocked, adj.3 sense 2c: Firearms. Of a hammerless firearm (esp. a bolt-action rifle): having the firing pin retracted to the point from which it can be released by pulling…
cocked, adj.3 sense 4: colloquial (chiefly U.S.). Drunk; intoxicated.
cocked, adj.3 sense 6: Of a part of the body: bent, twisted, or tilted so that it is at an angle. Cf. cocked-up adj. 3b.
cocked, adj.3 sense 7: Of a die: that has come to rest at an angle, rather than lying flat, rendering the throw void.
cocked hat, n. sense 3: With reference to plotting a position, course, etc., on a chart: a triangular shape formed by three position lines that fail to intersect at a single…
cocker, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: transitive. With in. To indulge or humour (a person) with regard to a foolish or reprehensible desire, tendency, or belief. Obsolete.
cockerer, n. sense 2: A person who fosters or encourages something. Cf. cocker v.1 2.
cocket, n.1 sense 1: The weight of a standard loaf of fine-quality leavened bread. Obsolete.
cockeye, n.1 and adj. sense A.2: Australian. colloquial. Chiefly in Western Australia and Northern Territory: a cyclone or thunderstorm, esp. one which is sudden and violent, but…
cockeye, n.1 and adj. sense B.1: Askew, crooked; not level, aslant; awry; = cockeyed adj. 3b.
cockeyed, adj. and adv. sense A.3b: figurative. Askew, crooked; not level, aslant; awry. Cf. cockeye adj. 1.
cockeyed, adj. and adv. sense B: originally and chiefly North American. cockeyed drunk: = sense A. 1.
cockhead, n. sense 3: coarse slang. The rounded part forming the end of the penis; the glans. Cf. dickhead n. 2.
cockhead, n. sense 4: coarse slang. A stupid, annoying, or objectionable person (esp. a male); esp. one whose behaviour is considered knowingly obnoxious, provocative, or…
cocking, n.1 sense 4b: Firearms. The action or process of retracting the firing pin of a hammerless firearm (esp. a bolt-action rifle) in order to make it ready for firing.
cocking, adj.1 sense 3: Of a part of the body: that cocks or is cocked (in various senses of cock v.1). Now rare.
cockish, adj. sense 4: slang. Characteristic of or like a cock (cock n.1 11); obnoxious, provocative, or otherwise annoying or contemptible. Cf. dickish adj.
cockled, adj.1 sense 2: Esp. of a hat: adorned with a scallop shell as a badge of pilgrimage (see cockleshell n. 1b). Cf. cockle hat n. at cockle n.2 compounds 3…
cockless, adj. sense 2: slang. Having no penis. Chiefly figurative: impotent; unmanly, weak. Cf. dickless adj.
cocklicrane, n. sense 2: In phrases alluding to quot. 1653 at sense 1, suggesting that a certain event, change, etc., is impossibly distant or will never come to pass, or…
cockloft, n. sense 2: colloquial. A person’s mind or head. Originally only in phrases indicating a person’s empty-headedness or stupidity, as a person’s cockloft is…
cocknel, n.1 sense 1: Apparently: a fool. Cf. cokes n.
cockney, n. and adj. sense B.2b: Often with capital initial. originally depreciative. Of, relating to, or characteristic of the ‘Cockney school’ of writers (see Cockney school n. at…
cockney, v. sense 2: transitive. To give a Cockney character to; esp. to pronounce with a Cockney accent; = cockneyfy v. Also with up.
Cockneyland, n. sense 1: A mythical land or imaginary place where everything is ideal; = Cockaigne n. 1. Obsolete.
cockpit, n. sense 4: coarse slang. The vagina.
cockpit, n. sense 6e: The handlebars, manual controls, and instrument panel (and sometimes also windscreen) of a motorcycle. Hence also: the handlebars, stem, and manual…
cockpit, n. sense 7: figurative. The place from which something is directed, managed, or regulated; a centre of control or power.
cockroach, n. sense 2: colloquial (chiefly U.S.). A person who acts in a base, cunning, or underhand manner; a contemptible or despicable person. Frequently as a form of…
cockshy, n. sense 3c: figurative. British. A rough estimate; an initial provisional attempt; a try, a go.
cocktease, v. sense 2: transitive. figurative. To tempt or tantalize (a person) with the promise of something which does not appear. Frequently with with.
complimentary, adj. sense Additions: Given free of charge; provided at no extra cost.
coxcomb, n. sense 5b: A piece or section of hair styled upwards, resembling a cock’s comb (typically worn by a man); a hairstyle consisting of this.
coxcombry, n. sense 1a: A foolish person. Also: fools collectively (cf. sense 2c). Cf. coxcomb n. 4a. Obsolete.
coxswain, n. sense 2a: spec. The person who acts as helmsman and skipper of a lifeboat or coastguard vessel.
coxswain, n. sense 2b: spec. Rowing. The member of the crew of a racing boat who steers the boat and coordinates the rhythm of the rowing crew; = cox n.1
double-double, n. sense 2: Basketball. The achievement of a double-digit total in two of five statistical categories (assists, blocks, points, rebounds, and steals) by a player…
fake, n.2 and adj. sense A.3c: A mixture of waxes or similar substances used to impart a finish to shoes or other leather items. Now rare.
fake, n.2 and adj. sense A.4: slang. With modifying word. A business, a matter. Cf. do n.1 1c. Obsolete.
fake, n.2 and adj. sense A.5: An object intended for use in a particular manner indicated by the context; a contraption, a gadget; (in later use chiefly) an item used by a…
fake, n.2 and adj. sense B.3: Of a person: given to simulating emotions, reactions, etc.; insincere, hypocritical, affected. Also of actions, behaviour, etc., considered…
fake, v.2 sense 4b: transitive. To injure or handicap (a person or animal), esp. in regard to ability to win a race, by the administration of a drug or the like; to…
fake, v.2 sense 4d: transitive. To fix or rig (a contest, originally a boxing or wrestling match).
fake, v.2 sense 5: transitive. originally and chiefly U.S. To fool, hoax, or mislead (a person); to cheat, swindle, con. Now rare except as an extended use of sense 8b.
fake, v.2 sense 7e: originally U.S. transitive. To stage or create a fraudulent representation of (an event).
fake, v.2 sense Phrasal verbs: transitive. colloquial. To array, rig out, deck out. Chiefly in passive. Obsolete.
fake, v.2 sense Phrasal verbs: transitive. To counterfeit, falsify, forge (something); = senses 7b 7e.
fakement, n. sense 3: As mass noun: fraudulent manipulation or counterfeiting; faking, fakery.
faker, n. sense 3b: An insincere, pretentious, or affected person; a hypocrite, a phoney.
faker, n. sense 5: Sport. A player who deceives an opponent by feinting a pass, etc. Cf. fake v.2 8.
force, n.1 sense Additions: With the and chiefly with capital initial. In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: a mystical universal energy field which certain…
full cock, n. and adv. sense A.2: With reference to a tap: the fully open position at which liquid or gas flows freely (see cock n.1 15). Chiefly in at full cock. Now somewhat rare.
full cock, n. and adv. sense B.1: With reference to a firearm: with the cock (cock n.1 17) raised to the point from which it can be moved by pulling the trigger. Now somewhat rare.
hanging, adj. and prep. sense Additions: colloquial. Hung-over; (also) exhausted, ill. Chiefly in predicative use.
hi cockalorum, adj., int., and n. sense A: Pompous, pretentious, or high-flown. Formerly also: using unintelligible or extravagant language. Obsolete.
linea alba, n. sense : A band of white fibrous tissue that runs in the midline of the wall of the abdomen from the sternum to the pubis, into which the transverse and…
linea nigra, n. sense : A visible dark line in the midline of the abdominal wall, resulting from increased pigmentation of the linea alba (linea alba n.), most commonly…
loop, v.1 sense Additions: transitive. colloquial. To put (a person or group) ‘in the loop’ (see loop n.1 additions a); to share information with (someone) on a situation; to…
Los Angeleno, n. and adj. sense B: Of, relating to, or characteristic of Los Angeles or its inhabitants; = Angeleno adj.
Marmite, n.2 and adj. sense A.2: British colloquial. In similative or allusive use, with reference to someone or something that polarizes opinions by provoking either strongly…
Marmite, n.2 and adj. sense B: British colloquial. That polarizes opinions by provoking either strongly positive or strongly negative reactions, rather than indifference.
mint, adj. sense 2: colloquial. Excellent, great.
plush, n.1 and adj. sense B.1b: spec. (originally and chiefly North American). Designating a children’s toy, typically a toy animal, made of plush or a similar fabric and stuffed…
pudding, n. sense II.4d: North American. A custard-like dessert typically made of milk, sugar, and a thickening agent, and served cold. Frequently with modifying word…
redact, v. sense 4c: transitive. To censor (a document) by removing or blacking out certain words or passages prior to publication or release, esp. for legal, security…
redacted, adj. sense 2b: Of a document: that has been censored by having certain words or passages removed or blacked out prior to publication or release, esp. for legal…
redaction, n. sense 1d: The action or an act of censoring a document by removing or blacking out certain words or passages prior to publication or release, esp. for legal…
satisfactory, adj. and n. sense B.3: A rating or academic mark indicating that something is satisfactory or adequate; a person who or thing which has obtained such a rating.
satisficing, n. sense 1: The action of satisfying a need or expectation. Obsolete. rare.
satisfied, adj. sense I.2a: Assured, convinced. Chiefly with of or that-clause.
satisfy, v. sense I.3b: transitive. To meet the sexual needs of (a person), to gratify sexually; esp. to bring (a woman) to orgasm.
satisfy, v. sense I.6d: transitive. Mathematical Logic. Of a model or interpretation: to make (a formula or set of formulae) true.
satrap, n. sense 2: A wise man; a spiritual or religious leader. Obsolete.
saturable, adj. sense 3: Biochemistry. Of active or binding sites of an enzyme, membrane receptor, etc.: able to become fully occupied by a specific substrate. Also: having…
saturant, adj. and n. sense B.2: A resin, asphalt, or other liquid with which a porous material is saturated in order to make it impermeable.
saturate, v. sense II.8: transitive. To make the colours of (an image) more intense or vivid.
saturated, adj. sense II.5b: Of an image (esp. one produced by a camera or electronic display): having intense or vivid colours.
saturated, adj. sense II.6a: Magnetism. Of an instance of magnetism: at the point of saturation (saturation n. 7b). Now somewhat rare.
saturated, adj. sense II.10: Of the timbre of a sound or musical instrument (esp. that of an electric guitar): having a softly distorted and compressed quality as a result of the…
saturation, n. sense II.15: A softly distorted and compressed quality imparted to a sound when the voltage of its audio signal exceeds the maximum at which it can be faithfully…
saturnal, n. and adj. sense B.2: Of or relating to the god Saturn; esp. designating the ancient Roman Saturnalia. Cf. saturnial adj. 2. rare.
saturnial, adj. sense 2: Of, relating to, of the nature of, or associated with the god Saturn or the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia. rare.
Saturnian, n.1 and adj.1 sense A.1a: A follower or worshipper of the god Saturn. Obsolete.
saturnian, n.3 and adj.2 sense B: Of, relating to, or characteristic of moths of the family Saturniidae; belonging to this family; = saturniid adj. Now rare or disused.
saturnic, adj. sense 1: Gloomy, melancholy, grim; stern, forbidding. Cf. saturnine adj. 1a. Now rare.
saturnine, adj. and n. sense A.1c: Of a place, event, etc.: gloomy, dreary, melancholy.
saturninely, adv. sense 1: In the manner of the god Saturn. Obsolete. rare.
saturnized, adj. sense 1: Astrology. Under the supposed influence of Saturn; (of a planet) forming an aspect with Saturn.
satyrion, n. sense 2: In form Satyrium: a genus of tropical and subtropical, mainly South African, orchids having tuberous roots, ovate leaves, and flowers in which the…
shank, n. sense Additions: slang (originally U.S.). A makeshift knife, esp. one made by a prison inmate from a sharp object such as a razor or a piece of metal or broken glass.
shank, v. sense Additions: transitive. slang (originally U.S.). To stab (a person), esp. with a makeshift knife. Cf. shank n. additions .
shanking, n. sense Additions: slang (originally U.S.). The action or an act of stabbing a person, esp. with a makeshift knife. Cf. shank n. additions , shank v. additions .
shaved ice, n. sense 1: Ice cut in thin slices or shavings, typically used for chilling drinks.
shaved ice, n. sense 2: originally and chiefly U.S. A frozen dessert or refreshment made with finely-shaved or crushed ice and flavoured syrup or other sweet ingredients…
side by side, adv., adj., and n. sense B.2: Sport. Designating a race or competition in which contestants start at the same time, racing alongside each other.
simiad, n. and adj. sense A: An ape or monkey.
simian, adj. and n. sense A.1b: Chiefly Medicine. Designating a single transverse crease or fold crossing the palm of the hand that is characteristic of certain simians, but is also…
similar, adj. and n. sense A.2c: In the construction or similar (also and similar): = or the like at like n.1 2d (used after a word, statement, etc., to indicate the possibility of…
similar, adj. and n. sense B.1: Anatomy. A part of the body which (supposedly) consists entirely of one substance (see sense A. 1a). Obsolete.
similarize, v. sense 1: transitive. Apparently: to assimilate. Obsolete.
similarize, v. sense 3: transitive. To make (two or more things) similar; (sometimes also) to make (something) similar to another thing.
similarly, adv. sense 2: Used as a sentence adverb, to introduce a point, comment, or observation which is similar or related to one just made.
similative, adj. and n. sense A.1: That conveys, evokes, or constitutes a resemblance or likeness; imitative. Now rare except as implied in sense A. 2.
simile, n. sense 3: Something regarded as symbolically representing or suggestive of something else; = metaphor n. 2. Frequently with for, of.
similitude, n. sense 6b: That which makes a person likely to do or be something; a propensity, a predisposition. Obsolete. rare.
simmer, n. sense 1: An act of simmering something; a spell of simmering. Also with up.
simmer, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: transitive. To reduce (a liquid) in volume or otherwise transform by simmering, esp. in cookery. Also figurative.
simmer, v.1 sense Phrasal verbs: originally U.S. transitive. To cause (a person) to calm down.
simmering, adj. and adv. sense B: Modifying adjectives denoting heat, in the sense ‘(hot) enough to cause liquid to simmer’; = simmeringly adv. at derivatives .
Simon, n. sense 1: The sin of simony personified. Also (and earliest) in phrases, as to follow Simon at heels, to sup with Simon: to practise simony.
Simon, n. sense 2b: slang. U.S. A dollar.
Simon, n. sense 3: A children’s game; = Simon Says n.
simonial, n. and adj. sense B: Relating to, of the nature of, or involving simony; = simoniacal adj. 1.
Simon Pure, n. and adj. sense A.1: A person resembling or reminiscent of the fictional character Simon Pure (see etymology); esp. (a) a person of irreproachable virtue or integrity…
Simon Pure, n. and adj. sense A.3: An amateur sportsperson. Now somewhat rare.
Simon Pure, n. and adj. sense B.3: Of a sport, sportsperson, or sporting competition: amateur. Now somewhat rare.
simpatico, adj. and n. sense B: A sense of compatibility, connection, or rapport between people. Also: congeniality, affability, agreeableness.
simple, adj., n., adv., int. sense A.III.18c: Grammar. Of a sentence: consisting of only one clause, with a single subject and predicate. Chiefly in simple sentence.
simple, adj., n., adv., int. sense A.III.24b: Of a lens: consisting of a single piece of transparent material, as opposed to an arrangement of several such pieces.
simple, adj., n., adv., int. sense A.III.26c: Mathematics. Designating an algebraic structure that is simpler than others of the same type by virtue… Of a module: not containing any submodules…
simple, adj., n., adv., int. sense D: Used to indicate that something (typically a process or an answer to a question) is straightforward and uncomplicated.
simple-minded, adj. and n. sense B: With the and plural agreement. Simple-minded people as a class.
simplesse, n. sense 6: Simplicity of expression in music or literature which is inauthentic or forced, typically in being overly or heavy-handedly simple.
simpletonian, n. and adj. sense A: An unintelligent, foolish, or gullible person; a simpleton.
simplex, adj. and n. sense A.3: Linguistics. Of a word or a word form: simple, uncompounded; without an affix. Cf. sense B. 1a.
simplex, adj. and n. sense A.5: originally and chiefly U.S. Designating an apartment (or occasionally other property) on one floor only; single-storey. Usually contrasted with…
simplex, adj. and n. sense B.3: originally and chiefly U.S. A simplex apartment or (occasionally) other single-floor property. See sense A. 5.
simplician, n. sense 1: Apparently: a person who investigates the origins or fundamentals of something. rare.
simplicitarian, n. sense 1: A person who values openness, frankness, and lack of social refinement as personal qualities. Obsolete.
simplicity, n. sense 1b: In plural. The straightforward, uncomplicated aspects of something; instances of freedom from complexity. Also: instances of simplification or…
simplification, n. sense 2b: A simplified representation, explanation, etc.
simplification, n. sense 3a: Mathematics. The action or fact of expressing an equation or other mathematical expression in a form that is easier to understand, analyse, or work…
simplification, n. sense 3b: Mathematics. An equation or other mathematical expression produced by simplifying another.
simplify, v. sense 3: transitive. To make (something, esp. one’s way of life) more plain, modest, or frugal. Also intransitive.
simplify, v. sense 4a: Mathematics. transitive. To express (an equation or other mathematical expression) in a form that is easier to understand, analyse, or work with…
simplify, v. sense 4b: Mathematics. intransitive. To express an equation or other mathematical expression in a form that is easier to understand, analyse, or work with.
simplify, v. sense 4c: Mathematics. intransitive. Of an equation or other mathematical expression: to admit expression in a (specified) form that is easier to understand…
Simpson, n.1 sense : attributive and in the genitive. Mathematics. Designating either of two rules associated with Thomas Simpson for estimating the definite integral of…
skit, n.2 sense Additions: North American. A short, informal performance used as a method of teaching or presenting information.
slam dunk, n. and adj. sense A.1: Basketball. A shot made by jumping up and pushing the ball downward into the basket with the hand or hands above the rim. Cf. dunk n. 2.
slam dunk, n. and adj. sense A.2: North American colloquial. Something expected to prove totally successful; a secure prospect; an easy victory.
slam dunk, n. and adj. sense B: North American colloquial. Certain to succeed or achieve the desired outcome; guaranteed.
steaming, adj. sense Additions: colloquial (originally and chiefly Scottish). Extremely or incapably drunk; inebriated.
sum, n.1 sense I.5a(c): Mathematics. Any of various entities (e.g. functions, elements of a group, vectors, etc.) obtained by combining two entities of the same kind via a…
sum, n.1 sense I.5b(a): Mathematics. The limit tended to by the partial sums of a convergent infinite series, regarded as representing the sum (sense 5a(a)) of all its terms.
sum, n.1 sense I.5b(c): Mathematics. Any of several quantities that may be associated with an infinite series and are regarded as analogous to or generalizations of the sum…
sum, n.1 sense I.5e: Mathematics. With modifying word, as connected sum, wedge sum, Whitney sum, etc. Any of several algebraic structures produced by combining structures…
sum, n.1 sense I.7b: In plural. Arithmetic as taught as a school subject, esp. at an elementary level. Cf. earlier to do one’s sums at phrases 5.
sum, n.1 sense I.8: Electronics and Physics. A signal, waveform, etc., produced by combining two others via superposition.
summable, adj. sense 1b: Designating an infinite series which, according to any of several criteria other than convergence of its partial sums, may be considered as having a…
summable, adj. sense 2: Designating a measurable function for which the Lebesgue integral exists and is finite.
summand, n. sense 2: Any of the sets, vector spaces, etc., forming a direct sum.
summarizer, n. sense 2: British. A sports co-commentator, esp. a former player, manager, etc., who provides analysis of the action in a game, background information, etc.
summary punch, v. sense 1: transitive. To automatically encode (the output of a tabulator) onto a punched card. Cf. summary punch n.
summate, v. sense 1: transitive. To add (two or more numbers or quantities) together; to calculate the sum of (in various senses of sum n.1).
summation, n.2 sense 1b: spec. A final speech made by a counsel or judge near the end of a trial, summarizing the evidence and main points of the case for the jury. Cf…
summative, adj. sense 1: Mathematics. Concerning, involving, or relating to summation; = summatory adj. 2. rare.
summatively, adv. sense 1: Mathematics. With reference to an algebraic operation: so as to produce a sum of terms. Obsolete. rare.
summatory, adj. sense 2: Concerning, involving, or relating to summation. Somewhat rare.
summatory, adj. sense 3: Designating an arithmetic function whose value at a given integer n is the sum of the values of another arithmetic function when evaluated at every…
summing, n. sense I.2: The calculation of the limit to which the partial sums of an infinite series (series n. 8) converge.
summit, v.2 sense 2: transitive. Of a climber: to reach the summit of (a mountain). Also intransitive.
summiteer, n. sense 1: A climber who reaches or has reached the summit of a mountain.
summon, v. sense 7a: transitive. In the context of magic, sorcery, spiritualism, etc.: to conjure or call into existence (a spirit, ghost, demon, etc.). Sometimes with up.
sump, v. sense 2: transitive. To insert (a cutting device) into a coalface or rock face. Occasionally also intransitive: to enter or make a cut in a coalface or rock…
sumpin, n. and adv. sense B: = something adv. (in various senses).
sumping, n. sense 2: The action or process of breaking down a coalface; (in later use) spec. the insertion of a cutting device into a coalface or rock face. Frequently as…
sumptuary, adj. and n. sense B.2: In plural. Personal possessions; esp. luxury goods. Now chiefly Anthropology.
Their, adj. sense 2c: Used with reference to a person whose sense of personal identity does not correspond to conventional sex and gender distinctions, and who has typically asked to be referred to using their (rather than his or her).
Them, pron. sense 4c: Used to refer to a person whose sense of personal identity does not correspond to conventional sex and gender distinctions, and who has typically asked to be referred to as them (rather than as him or her).
Themself, pron. sense 2c: Used to refer to a person whose sense of personal identity does not correspond to conventional sex and gender distinctions, and who has typically asked to be referred to by the pronouns they, them, etc.
Themselves, pron. sense 1b: Used in apposition to a singular noun or pronoun (e.g. the person themselves), typically to avoid specifying the gender of the individual being referred to; cf. sense 6b. Later also: used in apposition to a proper noun or pronoun referring to a person whose sense of personal identity does not correspond to conventional sex and gender distinctions; cf. ; cf. sense 6c. sense 6c: Used to refer to a person whose sense of personal identity does not correspond to conventional sex and gender distinctions, and who has typically asked to be referred to by the pronouns they, them, etc. Cf. sense 1b.
They, pron. sense 2c: Used with reference to a person whose sense of personal identity does not correspond to conventional sex and gender distinctions, and who has typically asked to be referred to as they (rather than as he or she).
trim, v. sense Additions: Chiefly North American. To decorate or dress (a Christmas tree) with baubles, tinsel, lights, etc.
visor, n. sense Additions: originally and chiefly U.S. An item of headwear consisting of a band around the head with a stiff peak at the front to shade the wearer’s eyes; = sun…

Additions to unrevised entries

apology tour: a series of speeches, interviews, or other public appearances by a well-known figure (esp. a politician or celebrity), in which he or she apologizes…
beavertail: †(a) (also in form beaver’s tail) a loaf of bread with a flattened shape resembling that of a beaver’s tail (obsolete); (b) a sweet pastry consisting…
bunny hug: Canadian. A hooded sweatshirt.
cognitive dissonance: a state of mental discomfort that occurs when a person holds beliefs, opinions, etc., which are inconsistent, or which conflict with an aspect of his…
complimentary: Given free of charge; provided at no extra cost.
corner throw: (a) (in water polo and handball) a free throw of the ball for the attacking side from (near) the corner of the playing area; (b) Judo = sumi-gaeshi n.
dancesport: competitive ballroom dancing.
force: With the and chiefly with capital initial. In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: a mystical universal energy field which certain…
hair lightener: a preparation or substance used to bleach or lighten hair.
hall pass: (a) a note or token authorizing a student to walk unsupervised through the school corridors during class time (for example to go to the toilet or the…
hanging: colloquial. Hung-over; (also) exhausted, ill. Chiefly in predicative use.
no harm, no foul: no harm, no foul: (Basketball) used to express the principle that contact which does not impede an opponent does not constitute a foul; (hence more…
jiggly: that jiggles or is characterized by jiggling; wobbly, shaky.
to loop in: transitive. colloquial. To put (a person or group) ‘in the loop’ (see loop n.1 additions a); to share information with (someone) on a situation; to…
shank: slang (originally U.S.). A makeshift knife, esp. one made by a prison inmate from a sharp object such as a razor or a piece of metal or broken glass.
shank: transitive. slang (originally U.S.). To stab (a person), esp. with a makeshift knife. Cf. shank n. additions .
shanking: slang (originally U.S.). The action or an act of stabbing a person, esp. with a makeshift knife. Cf. shank n. additions , shank v. additions .
skit: North American. A short, informal performance used as a method of teaching or presenting information.
a little something-something: North American colloquial. (a little) something-something: a special or additional item, activity, etc.; something pleasurable or indulgent…
spermaceti organ: (in the head of a sperm whale) a large membrane-lined sac containing spermaceti; cf. case n.2 11.
steaming drunk: extremely or incapably drunk; inebriated.
steaming with drink: colloquial (originally and chiefly Scottish). steaming with drink: extremely or incapably drunk; inebriated.
steaming: colloquial (originally and chiefly Scottish). Extremely or incapably drunk; inebriated.
tailgater: a person who hosts or attends a party where food and drink are served at the tailgate of a motor vehicle before a sports event (typically a football…
trim: Chiefly North American. To decorate or dress (a Christmas tree) with baubles, tinsel, lights, etc.
triple-double: the achievement of a double-digit total in three of five statistical categories (assists, blocks, points, rebounds, and steals) by a player over the…
visor: originally and chiefly U.S. An item of headwear consisting of a band around the head with a stiff peak at the front to shade the wearer’s eyes; = sun…
wedge salad: a salad consisting of a wedge of iceberg lettuce served with various toppings, typically blue cheese dressing and bacon.