savant
savant: n. (fem. savante) a learned person, esp. a distinguished scientist etc. [F, part. of savoir know (as SAPIENT)]

smalt
smalt: n.
1 glass coloured blue with cobalt.
2 a pigment made by pulverizing this. [F f. It. smalto f. Gmc, rel. to SMELT(1)]

sample
sample: n. & v. --n.
1 a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.
2 a small amount of fabric, food, or other commodity, esp. given to a prospective customer.
3 a specimen, esp. one taken for scientific testing or analysis.
4 an illustrative or typical example. --v.tr.
1 take or give samples of.
2 try the qualities of.
3 get a representative experience of. sample bag Austral. an (orig. free) bag of advertisers' samples. [ME f. AF assample, OF essample EXAMPLE]

squab
squab: n. & adj. --n.
1 a short fat person.
2 a young esp. unfledged pigeon or other bird.
3 a a stuffed cushion. b Brit. the padded back or side of a car-seat.
4 a sofa or ottoman. --adj. short and fat, squat. squab-chick an unfledged bird. squab pi.
1 pigeon pie.
2 a pie of mutton, pork, onions, and apples. [17th c.: orig. unkn.: cf. obs. quab shapeless thing, Sw. dial. sqvabba fat woman]

skean
skean: n. hist. a Gaelic dagger formerly used in Ireland and Scotland. skean-dhu n. a dagger worn in the stocking as part of Highland costume. [Gael. sgian knife, dubh black]

semiconductor
semiconductor: n. a solid substance that is a non-conductor when pure or at a low temperature but has a conductivity between that of insulators and that of most metals when containing a suitable impurity or at a higher temperature and is used in integrated circuits, transistors, diodes, etc.

sweat
sweat: n. & v. --n.
1 moisture exuded through the pores of the skin, esp. from heat or nervousness.
2 a state or period of sweating.
3 colloq. a state of anxiety (was in a sweat about it).
4 colloq. a drudgery, effort. b a laborious task or undertaking.
5 condensed moisture on a surface. --v. (past and past part. sweated or US sweat.
1 intr. exude sweat; perspire.
2 intr. be terrified, suffering, etc.
3 intr. (of a wall etc.) exhibit surface moisture.
4 intr. drudge, toil.
5 tr. heat (meat or vegetables) slowly in fat or water to extract the juices.
6 tr. emit (blood, gum, etc.) like sweat.
7 tr. make (a horse, athlete, etc.) sweat by exercise.
8 tr. a cause to drudge or toil. b (as sweated adj.) (of goods, workers, or labour) produced by or subjected to long hours under poor conditions.
9 tr. subject (hides or tobacco) to fermentation in manufacturing. by the sweat of one's brow by one's own hard work. no sweat colloq. there is no need to worry. sweat-band a band of absorbent material inside a hat or round a wrist etc. to soak up sweat. sweat blood colloq.
1 work strenuously.
2 be extremely anxious. sweat gland Anat. a spiral tubular gland below the skin secreting sweat. sweating-sickness an epidemic fever with sweating prevalent in England in the 15th-16th c. sweat it out colloq. endure a difficult experience to the end. [ME swet(e), alt. (after swete v. f. OE swtan OHG sweizzen roast) of swote f. OE swat f. Gmc]

scorn
scorn: n. & v. --n.
1 disdain, contempt, derision.
2 an object of contempt etc. (the scorn of all onlookers). --v.tr.
1 hold in contempt or disdain.
2 (often foll. by to + infin.) abstain from or refuse to do as unworthy (scorns lying; scorns to lie). think scorn of despise. scorner n. [ME f. OF esc(h)arn(ir) ult. f. Gmc: cf. OS skern MOCKERY]

sludge
sludge: n.
1 thick greasy mud.
2 muddy or slushy sediment.
3 sewage.
4 Mech. an accumulation of dirty oil, esp. in the sump of an internal-combustion engine.
5 Geol. sea-ice newly formed in small pieces.
6 (usu. attrib.) a muddy colour (sludge green). sludgy adj. [cf. SLUSH]

spectroscopysteam
steam: n. & v. --n.
1 a the gas into which water is changed by boiling, used as a source of power by virtue of its expansion of volume. b a mist of liquid particles of water produced by the condensation of this gas.
2 any similar vapour.
3 a energy or power provided by a steam engine or other machine. b colloq. power or energy generally. --v.
1 tr. a cook (food) in steam. b soften or make pliable (timber etc.) or otherwise treat with steam.
2 intr. give off steam or other vapour, esp. visibly.
3 intr. a move under steam power (the ship steamed down the river). b (foll. by ahead, away, etc.) colloq. proceed or travel fast or with vigour.
4 tr. & intr. (usu. foll. by up) a cover or become covered with condensed steam. b (as steamed up adj.) colloq. angry or excited.
5 tr. (foll. by open etc.) apply steam to the gum of (a sealed envelope) to get it open. get up stea.
1 generate enough power to work a steam engine.
2 work oneself into an energetic or angry state. let off steam relieve one's pent up feelings or energy. run out of steam lose one's impetus or energy. steam age the era when trains were drawn by steam locomotives. steam bath a room etc. filled with steam for bathing in. steam boiler a vessel (in a steam engine etc.) in which water is boiled to generate steam. steam engin.
1 an engine which uses the expansion or rapid condensation of steam to generate power.
2 a locomotive powered by this. steam gauge a pressure gauge attached to a steam boiler. steam hammer a forging-hammer powered by steam. steam-heat the warmth given out by steam-heated radiators etc. steam iron an electric iron that emits steam from its flat surface, to improve its pressing ability. steam-jacket a casing for steam round a cylinder, for heating its contents. steam organ a fairground pipe-organ driven by a steam engine and played by means of a keyboard or a system of punched cards. steam power the force of steam applied to machinery etc. steam shovel an excavator powered by steam. steam-tight impervious to steam. steam train a train driven by a steam engine. steam tug a steamer for towing ships etc. steam turbine a turbine in which a high-velocity jet of steam rotates a bladed disc or drum. under one's own steam without assistance; unaided. [OE steam f. Gmc]

strugglerserious
serious: adj.
1 thoughtful, earnest, sober, sedate, responsible, not reckless or given to trifling (has a serious air; a serious young person).
2 important, demanding consideration (this is a serious matter).
3 not slight or negligible (a serious injury; a serious offence).
4 sincere, in earnest, not ironical or joking (are you serious?).
5 (of music and literature) not merely for amusement (opp. LIGHT(2) 5a).
6 not perfunctory (serious thought).
7 not to be trifled with (a serious opponent).
8 concerned with religion or ethics (serious subjects). seriousness n. [ME f. OF serieux or LL seriosus f. L serius]

spider
spider: n. & v. --n.
1 a any eight-legged arthropod of the order Araneae with a round unsegmented body, many of which spin webs for the capture of insects as food. b any of various similar or related arachnids, e.g. a red spider.
2 any object comparable to a spider, esp. as having numerous or prominent legs or radiating spokes.
3 Brit. a radiating series of elastic ties used to hold a load in place on a vehicle etc. --v.intr.
1 move in a scuttling manner suggestive of a spider (fingers spidered across the map).
2 cause to move or appear in this way.
3 (as spidering adj.) spiderlike in form, manner, or movement (spidering streets). spider crab any of various crabs of the family Majidae with a pear-shaped body and long thin legs. spider monkey any S. American monkey of the genus Ateles, with long limbs and a prehensile tail. spider plant any of various house plants with long narrow striped leaves. spiderish adj. [OE spithra (as SPIN)]

squib
squib: n. & v. --n.
1 a small firework burning with a hissing sound and usu. with a final explosion.
2 a short satirical composition, a lampoon. --v. (squibbed, squibbing.
1 tr. US Football kick (the ball) a comparatively short distance on a kick-off; execute (a kick) in this way.
2 archaic a intr. write lampoons. b tr. lampoon. [16th c.: orig. unkn.: perh. imit.]

semblance
semblance: n.
1 the outward or superficial appearance of something (put on a semblance of anger).
2 resemblance. [ME f. OF f. sembler f. L similare, simulare SIMULATE]

settlement
settlement: n.
1 the act or an instance of settling; the process of being settled.
2 a the colonization of a region. b a place or area occupied by settlers. c a small village.
3 a a political or financial etc. agreement. b an arrangement ending a dispute.
4 a the terms on which property is given to a person. b a deed stating these. c the amount of property given. d = marriage settlement.
5 the process of settling an account.
6 subsidence of a wall, house, soil, etc.

safari
safari: n. (pl. safaris.
1 a hunting or scientific expedition, esp. in E. Africa (go on safari).
2 a sightseeing trip to see African animals in their natural habitat. safari park an enclosed area where lions etc. are kept in relatively open spaces for public viewing from vehicles driven through. safari suit a lightweight suit usu. with short sleeves and four pleated pockets in the jacket. [Swahili f. Arab. safara to travel]

square
square: n., adj., adv., & v. --n.
1 an equilateral rectangle.
2 a an object of this shape or approximately this shape. b a small square area on a game-board. c a square scarf. d an academic cap with a stiff square top; a mortarboard.
3 a an open (usu. four-sided) area surrounded by buildings, esp. one planted with trees etc. and surrounded by houses. b an open area at the meeting of streets. c Cricket a closer-cut area at the centre of a ground, any strip of which may be prepared as a wicket. d an area within barracks etc. for drill. e US a block of buildings bounded by four streets.
4 the product of a number multiplied by itself (81 is the square of 9).
5 an L-shaped or T-shaped instrument for obtaining or testing right angles.
6 sl. a conventional or old-fashioned person, one ignorant of or opposed to current trends.
7 a square arrangement of letters, figures, etc.
8 a body of infantry drawn up in rectangular form.
9 a unit of 100 sq. ft. as a measure of flooring etc. 10 US a square meal (three squares a day). --adj.
1 having the shape of a square.
2 having or in the form of a right angle (table with square corners).
3 angular and not round; of square section (has a square jaw).
4 designating a unit of measure equal to the area of a square whose side is one of the unit specified (square metre).
5 (often foll. by with) a level, parallel. b on a proper footing; even, quits.
6 a (usu. foll. by to) at right angles. b Cricket on a line through the stumps at right angles to the wicket.
7 having the breadth more nearly equal to the length or height than is usual (a man of square frame).
8 properly arranged; in good order, settled (get things square).
9 (also all square) a not in debt, with no money owed. b having equal scores, esp. Golf having won the same number of holes as one's opponent. c (of scores) equal. 10 fair and honest (his dealings are not always quite square). 11 uncompromising, direct, thorough (was met with a square refusal). 12 sl. conventional or old-fashioned, unsophisticated, conservative (cf. sens.
6 of n.). 13 Mus. (of rhythm) simple, straightforward. --adv.
1 squarely (sat square on his seat).
2 fairly, honestly (play square). --v.
1 tr. make square or rectangular, give a rectangular cross-section to (timber etc.).
2 tr. multiply (a number) by itself (3 squared is 9).
3 tr. & intr. (usu. foll. by to, with) adjust; make or be suitable or consistent; reconcile (the results do not square with your conclusions).
4 tr. mark out in squares.
5 tr. settle or pay (a bill etc.).
6 tr. place (one's shoulders etc.) squarely facing forwards.
7 tr. colloq. a pay or bribe. b secure the acquiescence etc. of (a person) in this way.
8 tr. (also absol.) make the scores of (a match etc.) all square.
9 intr. assume the attitude of a boxer. 10 tr. Naut. a lay (yards) at right angles with the keel making them at the same time horizontal. b get (dead-eyes) horizontal. c get (ratlines) horizontal and parallel to one another. back to square one colloq. back to the starting-point with no progress made. get square with pay or compound with (a creditor). on the square adj.
1 colloq. honest, fair.
2 having membership of the Freemasons. --adv. colloq. honestly, fairly (can be trusted to act on the square). out of square not at right angles. perfect square = square number. square accounts with see ACCOUNT . square away US tidy up. square-bashing Brit. Mil. sl. drill on a barrack-square. square brackets brackets of the form []. square-built of comparatively broad shape. square the circl.
1 construct a square equal in area to a given circle (a problem incapable of a purely geometrical solution).
2 do what is impossible. square dance a dance with usu. four couples facing inwards from four sides. square deal a fair bargain, fair treatment. squared paper paper marked out in squares, esp. for plotting graphs. square-eyed joc. affected by or given to excessive viewing of television. square leg Cricke.
1 the fielding position at some distance on the batsman's leg side and nearly opposite the stumps.
2 a fielder in this position. square meal a substantial and satisfying meal. square measure measure expressed in square units. square number the square of an integer e.g. 1, 4, 9, 16. square of.
1 US assume the attitude of a boxer.
2 Austral. placate or conciliate.
3 mark out in squares. square peg in a round hole see PEG . square piano an early type of piano, small and oblong in shape. square-rigged with the principal sails at right angles to the length of the ship and extended by horizontal yards slung to the mast by the middle (opp. fore-and-aft rigged). square root the number that multiplied by itself gives a specified number (3 is the square root of 9). square sail a four-cornered sail extended on a yard slung to the mast by the middle. square-shouldered with broad and not sloping shoulders (cf. round-shouldered). square-toe.
1 (of shoes or boots) having square toes.
2 wearing such shoes or boots.
3 formal, prim. square up settle an account etc. square up t.
1 move towards (a person) in a fighting attitude.
2 face and tackle (a difficulty etc.) resolutely. square wave Physics a wave with periodic sudden alternations between only two values of quantity. squarely adv. squareness n. squarer n. squarish adj. [ME f. OF esquare, esquarr, esquarrer, ult. f. EX-(1) + L quadra square]

similar
similar: adj.
1 like, alike.
2 (often foll. by to) having a resemblance.
3 of the same kind, nature, or amount.
4 Geom. shaped alike. similarity n. (pl. -ies). similarly adv. [F similaire or med.L similaris f. L similis like]

sagacious
sagacious: adj.
1 mentally penetrating; gifted with discernment; having practical wisdom.
2 acute-minded, shrewd.
3 (of a saying, plan, etc.) showing wisdom.
4 (of an animal) exceptionally intelligent; seeming to reason or deliberate. sagaciously adv. sagacity n. [L sagax sagacis]

science
science: n.
1 a branch of knowledge conducted on objective principles involving the systematized observation of and experiment with phenomena, esp. concerned with the material and functions of the physical universe (see also natural science).
2 a systematic and formulated knowledge, esp. of a specified type or on a specified subject (political science). b the pursuit or principles of this.
3 an organized body of knowledge on a subject (the science of philology).
4 skilful technique rather than strength or natural ability.
5 archaic knowledge of any kind. science fiction fiction based on imagined future scientific discoveries or environmental changes, frequently dealing with space travel, life on other planets, etc. science park an area devoted to scientific research or the development of science-based industries. [ME f. OF f. L scientia f. scire know]

scary
scary: adj. (scarier, scariest) colloq. scaring, frightening. scarily adv.

seminar
seminar: n.
1 a small class at a university etc. for discussion and research.
2 a short intensive course of study.
3 a conference of specialists. [G (as SEMINARY)]

sabra
sabra: n. a Jew born in Israel. [mod. Heb. sabrah opuntia fruit]

some
some: adj., pron., & adv. --adj.
1 an unspecified amount or number of (some water; some apples; some of them).
2 that is unknown or unnamed (will return some day; some fool has locked the door; to some extent).
3 denoting an approximate number (waited some twenty minutes).
4 a considerable amount or number of (went to some trouble).
5 (usu. stressed) a at least a small amount of (do have some consideration). b such to a certain extent (that is some help). c colloq. notably such (I call that some story). --pron. some people or things, some number or amount (I have some already; would you like some more?). --adv. colloq. to some extent (we talked some; do it some more). and then some sl. and plenty more than that. some few see FEW . [OE sum f. Gmc]

spread
spread: v. & n. --v. (past and past part. spread.
1 tr. (often foll. by out) a open or extend the surface of. b cause to cover a larger surface (spread butter on bread). c display to the eye or the mind (the view was spread out before us).
2 intr. (often foll. by out) have a wide or specified or increasing extent (on every side spread a vast desert; spreading trees).
3 intr. & tr. become or make widely known, felt, etc. (rumours are spreading; spread a little happiness).
4 tr. a cover the surface of (spread the wall with paint; a meadow spread with daisies). b lay (a table). --n.
1 the act or an instance of spreading.
2 capability of expanding (has a large spread).
3 diffusion (spread of learning).
4 breadth, compass (arches of equal spread).
5 an aircraft's wing-span.
6 increased bodily girth (middle-aged spread).
7 the difference between two rates, prices, etc.
8 colloq. an elaborate meal.
9 a sweet or savoury paste for spreading on bread etc. 10 a bedspread. 11 printed matter spread across two facing pages or across more than one column. 12 US a ranch with extensive land. spread eagl.
1 a representation of an eagle with legs and wings extended as an emblem.
2 hist. a person secured with arms and legs spread out, esp. to be flogged. spread-eagle v.tr. (usu. as spread-eagled adj..
1 place (a person) in this position.
2 defeat utterly.
3 spread out. --adj. US bombastic, esp. noisily patriotic. spread oneself be lavish or discursive. spread one's wings see WING . spreadable adj. spreader n. [OE -sprdan f. WG]

shower
shower: n. & v. --n.
1 a brief fall of esp. rain, hail, sleet, or snow.
2 a a brisk flurry of arrows, bullets, dust, stones, sparks, etc. b a similar flurry of gifts, letters, honours, praise, etc.
3 (in full shower-bath) a a cubicle, bath, etc. in which one stands under a spray of water. b the apparatus etc. used for this. c the act of bathing in a shower.
4 a group of particles initiated by a cosmic-ray particle in the earth's atmosphere.
5 US a party for giving presents to a prospective bride, etc.
6 Brit. sl. a contemptible or unpleasant person or group of people. --v.
1 tr. discharge (water, missiles, etc.) in a shower.
2 intr. use a shower-bath.
3 tr. (usu. foll. by on, upon) lavishly bestow (gifts etc.).
4 intr. descend or come in a shower (it showered on and off all day). showery adj. [OE scur f. Gmc]

symptom
symptom: n.
1 Med. a change in the physical or mental condition of a person, regarded as evidence of a disease (cf. SIGN 5).
2 a sign of the existence of something. [ME synthoma f. med.L sinthoma, & f. LL symptoma f. Gk sumptoma -atos chance, symptom, f. sumpipto happen (as SYN-, pipto fall)]

sensitive
sensitive: adj. & n. --adj.
1 (often foll. by to) very open to or acutely affected by external stimuli or mental impressions; having sensibility.
2 (of a person) easily offended or emotionally hurt.
3 (often foll. by to) (of an instrument etc.) responsive to or recording slight changes.
4 (often foll. by to) a (of photographic materials) prepared so as to respond (esp. rapidly) to the action of light. b (of any material) readily affected by or responsive to external action.
5 (of a topic etc.) subject to restriction of discussion to prevent embarrassment, ensure security, etc.
6 (of a market) liable to quick changes of price. --n. a person who is sensitive (esp. to supposed occult influences). sensitive plan.
1 a plant whose leaves curve downwards and leaflets fold together when touched, esp. mimosa.
2 a sensitive person. sensitively adv. sensitiveness n. [ME, = sensory, f. OF sensitif -ive or med.L sensitivus, irreg. f. L sentire sens- feel]

shady
shady: adj. (shadier, shadiest.
1 giving shade.
2 situated in shade.
3 (of a person or behaviour) disreputable; of doubtful honesty. shadily adv. shadiness n.

speed
speed: n. & v. --n.
1 rapidity of movement (with all speed; at full speed).
2 a rate of progress or motion over a distance in time (attains a high speed).
3 a a gear appropriate to a range of speeds of a bicycle. b US or archaic such a gear in a motor vehicle.
4 Photog. a the sensitivity of film to light. b the light-gathering power of a lens. c the duration of an exposure.
5 sl. an amphetamine drug, esp. methamphetamine.
6 archaic success, prosperity (send me good speed). --v. (past and past part. sped.
1 intr. go fast (sped down the street).
2 (past and past part. speeded) a intr. (of a motorist etc.) travel at an illegal or dangerous speed. b tr. regulate the speed of (an engine etc.). c tr. cause (an engine etc.) to go at a fixed speed.
3 tr. send fast or on its way (speed an arrow from the bow).
4 intr. & tr. archaic be or make prosperous or successful (how have you sped?; God speed you!). at speed moving quickly. speed bump (or hump) a transverse ridge in the road to control the speed of vehicles. speed limit the maximum speed at which a road vehicle may legally be driven in a particular area etc. speed merchant colloq. a motorist who enjoys driving fast. speed up move or work at greater speed. speed-up n. an increase in the speed or rate of working. speeder n. [OE sped, spedan f. Gmc]

satellite
satellite: n. & adj. --n.
1 a celestial body orbiting the earth or another planet.
2 an artificial body placed in orbit round the earth or another planet.
3 a follower; a hanger-on.
4 an underling; a member of an important person's staff or retinue.
5 (in full satellite State) a small country etc. nominally independent but controlled by or dependent on another. --adj.
1 transmitted by satellite (satellite communications; satellite television).
2 esp. Computing secondary; dependent; minor (networks of small satellite computers). satellite dish a concave dish-shaped aerial for receiving broadcasting signals transmitted by satellite. satellite town a small town economically or otherwise dependent on a nearby larger town. satellitic adj. satellitism n. [F satellite or L satelles satellitis attendant]

secret
secret: adj. & n. --adj.
1 kept or meant to be kept private, unknown, or hidden from all or all but a few.
2 acting or operating secretly.
3 fond of, prone to, or able to preserve secrecy.
4 (of a place) hidden, completely secluded. --n.
1 a thing kept or meant to be kept secret.
2 a thing known only to a few.
3 a mystery.
4 a valid but not commonly known or recognized method of achieving or maintaining something (what's their secret?; correct breathing is the secret of good health).
5 RC Ch. a prayer concluding the offertory of the mass. in secret secretly. in (or in on) the secret among the number of those who know it. keep a secret not reveal it. secret agent a spy acting for a country. secret ballot a ballot in which votes are cast in secret. secret police a police force operating in secret for political purposes. secret service a government department concerned with espionage. secret society a society whose members are sworn to secrecy about it. secretly adv. [ME f. OF f. L secretus (adj.) separate, set apart f. secernere secret- (as SE-, cernere sift)]

surgery
surgery: n. (pl. -ies.
1 the branch of medicine concerned with treatment of injuries or disorders of the body by incision, manipulation or alteration of organs etc., with the hands or with instruments.
2 Brit. a a place where a doctor, dentist, etc., treats patients. b the occasion of this (the doctor will see you after surgery).
3 Brit. a a place where an MP, lawyer, or other professional person gives advice. b the occasion of this. [ME f. OF surgerie f. L chirurgia f. Gk kheirourgia handiwork, surgery f. kheir hand + erg- work]

shrimp
shrimp: n. & v. --n.
1 (pl. same or shrimps) any of various small (esp. marine) edible crustaceans, with ten legs, grey-green when alive and pink when boiled.
2 colloq. a very small slight person. --v.intr. go catching shrimps. shrimp plant an evergreen shrub, Justicia brandegeana, bearing small white flowers in clusters of pinkish-brown bracts. shrimper n. [ME, prob. rel. to MLG schrempen wrinkle, MHG schrimpfen contract, and SCRIMP]

subservient
subservient: adj.
1 cringing; obsequious.
2 (usu. foll. by to) serving as a means; instrumental.
3 (usu. foll. by to) subordinate. subservience n. subserviency n. subserviently adv. [L subserviens subservient- (as SUBSERVE)]

scientist
scientist: n.
1 a person with expert knowledge of a (usu. physical or natural) science.
2 a person using scientific methods.

something
something: n., pron., & adv. --n. & pron.
1 a some unspecified or unknown thing (have something to tell you; something has happened). b (in full something or other) as a substitute for an unknown or forgotten description (a student of something or other).
2 a known or understood but unexpressed quantity, quality, or extent (there is something about it I do not like; is something of a fool).
3 colloq. an important or notable person or thing (the party was quite something). --adv. archaic in some degree. or something or some unspecified alternative possibility (must have run away or something). see something of encounter (a person)) briefly or occasionally. something els.
1 something different.
2 colloq. something exceptional. something lik.
1 an amount in the region of (left something like a million pounds).
2 somewhat like (shaped something like a cigar).
3 colloq. impressive; a fine specimen of. something of to some extent; in some sense (is something of an expert). [OE sum thing (as SOME, THING)]

sagittal
sagittal: adj. Anat.
1 of or relating to the suture between the parietal bones of the skull.
2 in the same plane as this, or in a parallel plane. [F f. med.L sagittalis f. sagitta arrow]

smootherstricturedsaccharine
saccharine: adj.
1 sugary.
2 of, containing, or like sugar.
3 unpleasantly over-polite, sentimental, etc.

scholastic
scholastic: adj. & n. --adj.
1 of or concerning universities, schools, education, teachers, etc.
2 pedantic; formal (shows scholastic precision).
3 Philos. hist. of, resembling, or concerning the schoolmen, esp. in dealing with logical subtleties. --n.
1 a student.
2 Philos. hist. a schoolman.
3 a theologian of scholastic tendencies.
4 RC Ch. a member of any of several religious orders, who is between the novitiate and the priesthood. scholastically adv. scholasticism n. [L scholasticus f. Gk skholastikos studious f. skholazo be at leisure, formed as SCHOOL]

scorpio
Scorpio: n. (pl. -os.
1 a constellation, traditionally regarded as contained in the figure of a scorpion.
2 a the eighth sign of the zodiac (the Scorpion). b a person born when the sun is in this sign. Scorpian adj. & n. [ME f. L (as SCORPION)]

skateboardingsteel
steel: n., adj., & v. --n.
1 any of various alloys of iron and carbon with other elements increasing strength and malleability, much used for making tools, weapons, etc., and capable of being tempered to many different degrees of hardness.
2 hardness of character; strength, firmness (nerves of steel).
3 a a rod of steel, usu. roughened and tapering, on which knives are sharpened. b a strip of steel for expanding a skirt or stiffening a corset.
4 (not in pl.) literary a sword, lance, etc. (foemen worthy of their steel). --adj.
1 made of steel.
2 like or having the characteristics of steel. --v.tr. & refl. harden or make resolute (steeled myself for a shock). cold steel cutting or thrusting weapons. pressed steel steel moulded under pressure. steel band a group of usu. W. Indian musicians with percussion instruments made from oil drums. steel-clad wearing armour. steel engraving the process of engraving on or an impression taken from a steel-coated copper plate. steel wool an abrasive substance consisting of a mass of fine steel shavings. [OE style, steli f. Gmc, rel. to STAY(2)]

spidery
spidery: adj. elongated and thin (spidery handwriting).

scarce
scarce: adj. & adv. --adj.
1 (usu. predic.) (esp. of food, money, etc.) insufficient for the demand; scanty.
2 hard to find; rare. --adv. archaic or literary scarcely. make oneself scarce colloq. keep out of the way; surreptitiously disappear. scarceness n. [ME f. AF & ONF (e)scars, OF eschars f. L excerpere: see EXCERPT]

species
species: n. (pl. same.
1 a class of things having some common characteristics.
2 Biol. a category in the system of classification of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding.
3 a kind or sort.
4 Logic a group subordinate to a genus and containing individuals agreeing in some common attribute(s) and called by a common name.
5 Law a form or shape given to materials.
6 Eccl. the visible form of each of the elements of consecrated bread and wine in the Eucharist. [L, = appearance, kind, beauty, f. specere look]

sacrilege
sacrilege: n. the violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred. sacrilegious adj. sacrilegiously adv. [ME f. OF f. L sacrilegium f. sacrilegus stealer of sacred things, f. sacer sacri sacred + legere take possession of]

symphony
symphony: n. (pl. -ies.
1 an elaborate composition usu. for full orchestra, and in several movements with one or more in sonata form.
2 an interlude for orchestra alone in a large-scale vocal work.
3 = symphony orchestra. symphony orchestra a large orchestra suitable for playing symphonies etc. [ME, = harmony of sound, f. OF symphonie f. L symphonia f. Gk sumphonia (as SYN-, - phonos f. phone sound)]

subliminal
subliminal: adj. Psychol. (of a stimulus etc.) below the threshold of sensation or consciousness. subliminal advertising the use of subliminal images in advertising on television etc. to influence the viewer at an unconscious level. subliminal self the part of one's personality outside conscious awareness. subliminally adv. [SUB- + L limen -inis threshold]

sandhi
sandhi: n. Gram. the process whereby the form of a word changes as a result of its position in an utterance (e.g. the change from a to an before a vowel). [Skr. samdhi putting together]

swordfish
swordfish: n. a large marine fish, Xiphias gladius, with an extended swordlike upper jaw.

serial
serial: n. & adj. --n.
1 a story, play, or film which is published, broadcast, or shown in regular instalments.
2 a periodical. --adj.
1 of or in or forming a series.
2 (of a story etc.) in the form of a serial.
3 Mus. using transformations of a fixed series of notes (see SERIES ).
4 (of a publication) appearing in successive parts published usu. at regular intervals, periodical. serial killer a person who murders continuously with no apparent motive. serial number a number showing the position of an item in a series. serial rights the right to publish a story or book as a serial. seriality n. serially adv. [SERIES + -AL]

spelling
spelling: n.
1 the process or activity of writing or naming the letters of a word etc.
2 the way a word is spelled.
3 the ability to spell (his spelling is weak). spelling-bee a spelling competition.

sour
sour: adj., n., & v. --adj.
1 having an acid taste like lemon or vinegar, esp. because of unripeness (sour apples).
2 a (of food, esp. milk or bread) bad because of fermentation. b smelling or tasting rancid or unpleasant.
3 (of a person, temper, etc.) harsh; morose; bitter.
4 (of a thing) unpleasant; distasteful.
5 (of the soil) deficient in lime and usually dank. --n.
1 US a drink with lemon- or lime-juice (whisky sour).
2 an acid solution used in bleaching etc. --v.tr. & intr. make or become sour (soured the cream; soured by misfortune). go (or turn) sou.
1 (of food etc.) become sour.
2 turn out badly (the job went sour on him).
3 lose one's keenness. sour cream cream deliberately fermented by adding bacteria. sour grapes resentful disparagement of something one cannot personally acquire. sour mash US a brewing- or distilling-mash made acid to promote fermentation. sourish adj. sourly adv. sourness n. [OE sur f. Gmc]

season
season: n. & v. --n.
1 each of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) associated with a type of weather and a stage of vegetation.
2 a time of year characterized by climatic or other features (the dry season).
3 a the time of year when a plant is mature or flowering etc. b the time of year when an animal breeds or is hunted.
4 a proper or suitable time.
5 a time when something is plentiful or active or in vogue.
6 (usu. prec. by the) = high season.
7 the time of year regularly devoted to an activity (the football season).
8 the time of year dedicated to social life generally (went up to London for the season).
9 a period of indefinite or varying length. 10 Brit. colloq. = season ticket. --v.
1 tr. flavour (food) with salt, herbs, etc.
2 tr. enhance with wit, excitement, etc.
3 tr. temper or moderate.
4 tr. & intr. a make or become suitable or in the desired condition, esp. by exposure to the air or weather; mature. b make or become experienced or accustomed (seasoned soldiers). in seaso.
1 (of foodstuff) available in plenty and in good condition.
2 (of an animal) on heat.
3 timely. season ticket a ticket entitling the holder to any number of journeys, admittances, etc., in a given period. seasoner n. [ME f. OF seson f. L satio -onis (in Rmc sense 'seed-time') f. serere sat- sow]

shoulder
shoulder: n. & v. --n.
1 a the part of the body at which the arm, foreleg, or wing is attached. b (in full shoulder joint) the end of the upper arm joining with the collar-bone and blade-bone. c either of the two projections below the neck from which the arms depend.
2 the upper foreleg and shoulder blade of a pig, lamb, etc. when butchered.
3 (in pl.) a the upper part of the back and arms. b this part of the body regarded as capable of bearing a burden or blame, providing comfort, etc. (needs a shoulder to cry on).
4 a strip of land next to a metalled road (pulled over on to the shoulder).
5 a part of a garment covering the shoulder.
6 a part of anything resembling a shoulder in form or function, as in a bottle, mountain, tool, etc. --v.
1 a tr. push with the shoulder; jostle. b intr. make one's way by jostling (shouldered through the crowd).
2 tr. take (a burden etc.) on one's shoulders (shouldered the family's problems). put (or set) one's shoulder to the wheel make an effort. shoulder arms hold a rifle with the barrel against the shoulder and the butt in the hand. shoulder-bag a woman's handbag that can be hung from the shoulder. shoulder-belt a bandolier or other strap passing over one shoulder and under the opposite arm. shoulder-blade Anat. either of the large flat bones of the upper back; the scapula. shoulder-high up to or as high as the shoulders. shoulder-holster a gun holster worn in the armpit. shoulder-knot a knot of ribbon, metal, lace, etc. worn as part of a ceremonial dress. shoulder-length (of hair etc.) reaching to the shoulders. shoulder loop US the shoulder-strap of an army, air-force, or marines officer. shoulder mark US the shoulder-strap of a naval officer. shoulder-note Printing a marginal note at the top of a page. shoulder-of-mutton sail = leg-of-mutton sail. shoulder-pad a pad sewn into a garment to bulk out the shoulder. shoulder-stra.
1 a strip of fabric, leather, etc. suspending a bag or garment from the shoulder.
2 a strip of cloth from shoulder to collar on a military uniform bearing a symbol of rank etc.
3 a similar strip on a raincoat. shoulder to shoulde.
1 side by side.
2 with closed ranks or united effort. shouldered adj. (also in comb.). [OE sculdor f. WG]

surfacedsmokingscythe
scythe: n. & v. --n. a mowing and reaping implement with a long curved blade swung over the ground by a long pole with two short handles projecting from it. --v.tr. cut with a scythe. [OE sithe f. Gmc]

savoury
savoury: adj. & n. (US savory) --adj.
1 having an appetizing taste or smell.
2 (of food) salty or piquant, not sweet (a savoury omelette).
3 pleasant; acceptable. --n. (pl. -ies) Brit. a savoury dish served as an appetizer or at the end of dinner. savourily adv. savouriness n. [ME f. OF savour past part. (as SAVOUR)]

shoot
shoot: v., n., & int. --v. (past and past part. shot.
1 tr. a cause (a gun, bow, etc.) to fire. b discharge (a bullet, arrow, etc.) from a gun, bow, etc. c kill or wound (a person, animal, etc.) with a bullet, arrow, etc. from a gun, bow, etc.
2 intr. discharge a gun etc. esp. in a specified way (shoots well).
3 tr. send out, discharge, propel, etc., esp. violently or swiftly (shot out the contents; shot a glance at his neighbour).
4 intr. (often foll. by out, along, forth, etc.) come or go swiftly or vigorously.
5 intr. a (of a plant etc.) put forth buds etc. b (of a bud etc.) appear.
6 intr. a hunt game etc. with a gun. b (usu. foll. by over) shoot game over an estate etc.
7 tr. shoot game in or on (coverts, an estate, etc.).
8 tr. film or photograph (a scene, film, etc.).
9 tr. (also absol.) esp. Football a score (a goal). b take a shot at (the goal). 10 tr. (of a boat) sweep swiftly down or under (a bridge, rapids, falls, etc.). 11 tr. move (a door-bolt) to fasten or unfasten a door etc. 12 tr. let (rubbish, a load, etc.) fall or slide from a container, lorry, etc. 13 intr. a (usu. foll. by through, up, etc.) (of a pain) pass with a stabbing sensation. b (of part of the body) be intermittently painful. 14 intr. (often foll. by out) project abruptly (the mountain shoots out against the sky). 15 tr. (often foll. by up) sl. inject esp. oneself with (a drug). 16 tr. US colloq. a play a game of (craps, pool, etc.). b throw (a die or dice). 17 tr. Golf colloq. make (a specified score) for a round or hole. 18 tr. colloq. pass (traffic-lights at red). 19 tr. plane (the edge of a board) accurately. 20 intr. Cricket (of a ball) dart along the ground after pitching. --n.
1 the act or an instance of shooting.
2 a a young branch or sucker. b the new growth of a plant.
3 Brit. a a hunting party, expedition, etc. b land shot over for game.
4 = CHUTE(1).
5 a rapid in a stream. --int. colloq.
1 a demand for a reply, information, etc.
2 US euphem. an exclamation of disgust, anger, etc. (see SHIT ). shoot ahead come quickly to the front of competitors etc. shoot one's bolt see BOLT(1) ). shoot dow.
1 kill (a person) by shooting.
2 cause (an aircraft, its pilot, etc.) to crash by shooting.
3 argue effectively against (a person, argument, etc.). shoot it out sl. engage in a decisive gun-battle. shoot a line sl. talk pretentiously. shoot one's mouth off sl. talk too much or indiscreetly. shoot-out colloq. a decisive gun battle. shoot through Austral. & NZ sl. depart; escape, abscond. shoot u.
1 grow rapidly, esp. (of a person) grow taller.
2 rise suddenly.
3 terrorize (a district) by indiscriminate shooting.
4 sl. = sense 15 of v. the whole shoot = the whole shooting match (see SHOOTING ). shootable adj. [OE sceotan f. Gmc: cf. SHEET(1), SHOT(1), SHUT]

soli
soli: pl. of SOLO.

seasonal
seasonal: adj. of, depending on, or varying with the season. seasonal affective disorder a depressive state associated with late autumn and winter and thought to be caused by a lack of light. seasonality n. seasonally adv.

subject
subject: n., adj., adv., & v. --n.
1 a a matter, theme, etc. to be discussed, described, represented, dealt with, etc. b (foll. by for) a person, circumstance, etc., giving rise to specified feeling, action, etc. (a subject for congratulation).
2 a department or field of study (his best subject is geography).
3 Gram. a noun or its equivalent about which a sentence is predicated and with which the verb agrees.
4 a any person except a monarch living under a monarchy or any other form of government (the ruler and his subjects). b any person owing obedience to another.
5 Philos. a a thinking or feeling entity; the conscious mind; the ego, esp. as opposed to anything external to the mind. b the central substance or core of a thing as opposed to its attributes.
6 Mus. a theme of a fugue or sonata; a leading phrase or motif.
7 a person of specified mental or physical tendencies (a hysterical subject).
8 Logic the part of a proposition about which a statement is made.
9 (in full subject for dissection) a dead body. --adj.
1 (often foll. by to) owing obedience to a government, colonizing power, force, etc.; in subjection.
2 (foll. by to) liable, exposed, or prone to (is subject to infection).
3 (foll. by to) conditional upon; on the assumption of (the arrangement is subject to your approval). --adv. (foll. by to) conditionally upon (subject to your consent, I propose to try again). --v.tr.
1 (foll. by to) make liable; expose; treat (subjected us to hours of waiting).
2 (usu. foll. by to) subdue (a nation, person, etc.) to one's sway etc. on the subject of concerning, about. subject and object Psychol. the ego or self and the non-ego; consciousness and that of which it is or may be conscious. subject catalogue a catalogue, esp. in a library, arranged according to the subjects treated. subject-heading a heading in an index collecting references to a subject. subject-matter the matter treated of in a book, lawsuit, etc. subjection n. subjectless adj. [ME soget etc. f. OF suget etc. f. L subjectus past part. of subjicere (as SUB-, jacere throw)]

stratosphere
stratosphere: n. a layer of atmospheric air above the troposphere extending to about 50 km above the earth's surface, in which the lower part changes little in temperature and the upper part increases in temperature with height (cf. IONOSPHERE). stratospheric adj. [STRATUM + SPHERE after atmosphere]

system
system: n.
1 a complex whole; a set of connected things or parts; an organized body of material or immaterial things.
2 a set of devices (e.g. pulleys) functioning together.
3 Physiol. a a set of organs in the body with a common structure or function (the digestive system). b the human or animal body as a whole.
4 a method; considered principles of procedure or classification. b classification.
5 orderliness.
6 a a body of theory or practice relating to or prescribing a particular form of government, religion, etc. b (prec. by the) the prevailing political or social order, esp. regarded as oppressive and intransigent.
7 a method of choosing one's procedure in gambling etc.
8 Computing a group of related hardware units or programs or both, esp. when dedicated to a single application.
9 one of seven general types of crystal structure. 10 a major group of geological strata (the Devonian system). 11 Physics a group of associated bodies moving under mutual gravitation etc. 12 Mus. the braced staves of a score. get a thing out of one's system colloq. be rid of a preoccupation or anxiety. systems analysis the analysis of a complex process or operation in order to improve its efficiency, esp. by applying a computer system. systemless adj. [F systme or LL systema f. Gk sustema -atos (as SYN-, histemi set up)]

stolen
stolen: past part. of STEAL.

suturedsoftware
software: n. the programs and other operating information used by a computer (opp. HARDWARE 3).

soundtrack
soundtrack: n.
1 the recorded sound element of a film.
2 this recorded on the edge of a film in optical or magnetic form.

solid
solid: adj. & n. --adj. (solider, solidest.
1 firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid (solid food; water becomes solid at 0C).
2 of such material throughout, not hollow or containing cavities (a solid sphere).
3 of the same substance throughout (solid silver).
4 of strong material or construction or build, not flimsy or slender etc.
5 a having three dimensions. b concerned with solids (solid geometry).
6 a sound and reliable; genuine (solid arguments). b staunch and dependable (a solid Tory).
7 sound but without any special flair etc. (a solid piece of work).
8 financially sound.
9 (of time) uninterrupted, continuous (spend four solid hours on it). 10 a unanimous, undivided (support has been pretty solid so far). b (foll. by for) united in favour of. 11 (of printing) without spaces between the lines etc. 12 (of a tyre) without a central air space. 13 (foll. by with) US colloq. on good terms. 14 Austral. & NZ colloq. severe, unreasonable. --n.
1 a solid substance or body.
2 (in pl.) solid food.
3 Geom. a body or magnitude having three dimensions. solid angle an angle formed by planes etc. meeting at a point. solid colour colour covering the whole of an object, without a pattern etc. solid-drawn (of a tube etc.) pressed or drawn out from a solid bar of metal. solid solution solid material containing one substance uniformly distributed in another. solid state the state of matter that retains its boundaries without support. solid-state adj. using the electronic properties of solids (e.g. a semiconductor) to replace those of valves. solidly adv. solidness n. [ME f. OF solide f. L solidus, rel. to salvus safe, sollus entire]

shall
shall: v.aux. (3rd sing. present shall; archaic 2nd sing. present shalt as below; past should) (foll. by infin. without to, or absol.; present and past only in use.
1 (in the 1st person) expressing the future tense (I shall return soon) or (with shall stressed) emphatic intention (I shall have a party).
2 (in the 2nd and 3rd persons) expressing a strong assertion or command rather than a wish (cf. WILL(1)) (you shall not catch me again; they shall go to the party). For the other persons in senses 1.
2 see WILL(1) ).
3 expressing a command or duty (thou shalt not steal; they shall obey).
4 (in 2nd-person questions) expressing an enquiry, esp. to avoid the form of a request (cf. WILL(1)) (shall you go to France?). shall I? do you want me to? [OE sceal f. Gmc]

sabledseries
series: n. (pl. same.
1 a number of things of which each is similar to the preceding or in which each successive pair are similarly related; a sequence, succession, order, row, or set.
2 a set of successive games between the same teams.
3 a set of programmes with the same actors etc. or on related subjects but each complete in itself.
4 a set of lectures by the same speaker or on the same subject.
5 a a set of successive issues of a periodical, of articles on one subject or by one writer, etc., esp. when numbered separately from a preceding or following set (second series). b a set of independent books in a common format or under a common title or supervised by a common general editor.
6 Philately a set of stamps, coins, etc., of different denominations but issued at one time, in one reign, etc.
7 Geol. a a set of strata with a common characteristic. b the rocks deposited during a specific epoch.
8 Mus. an arrangement of the twelve notes of the chromatic scale as a basis for serial music.
9 Electr. a a set of circuits or components arranged so that the current passes through each successively. b a set of batteries etc. having the positive electrode of each connected with the negative electrode of the next. 10 Chem. a set of elements with common properties or of compounds related in composition or structure. 11 Math. a set of quantities constituting a progression or having the several values determined by a common relation. arithmetical (or geometrical) series a series in arithmetical (or geometrical) progression. in serie.
1 in ordered succession.
2 Electr. (of a set of circuits or components) arranged so that the current passes through each successively. [L, = row, chain f. serere join, connect]

sacrum
sacrum: n. (pl. sacra or sacrums) Anat. a triangular bone formed from fused vertebrae and situated between the two hip-bones of the pelvis. [L os sacrum transl. Gk hieron osteon sacred bone (from its sacrificial use)]

sweeten
sweeten: v.tr. & intr.
1 make or become sweet or sweeter.
2 make agreeable or less painful. sweeten the pill see PILL . sweetening n.

suicide
suicide: n. & v. --n.
1 a the intentional killing of oneself. b a person who commits suicide.
2 a self-destructive action or course (political suicide).
3 (attrib.) Mil. designating a highly dangerous or deliberately suicidal operation etc. (a suicide mission). --v.intr. commit suicide. suicide pact an agreement between two or more people to commit suicide together. [mod.L suicida, suicidium f. L sui of oneself]

speedy
speedy: adj. (speedier, speediest.
1 moving quickly; rapid.
2 done without delay; prompt (a speedy answer). speedily adv. speediness n.

sausage
sausage: n.
1 a minced pork, beef, or other meat seasoned and often mixed with other ingredients, encased in cylindrical form in a skin, for cooking and eating hot or cold. b a length of this.
2 a sausage-shaped object. not a sausage colloq. nothing at all. sausage dog Brit. colloq. a dachshund. sausage machin.
1 a sausage-making machine.
2 a relentlessly uniform process. sausage meat minced meat used in sausages or as a stuffing etc. sausage roll Brit. sausage meat enclosed in a pastry roll and baked. [ME f. ONF saussiche f. med.L salsicia f. L salsus: see SAUCE]

schematic
schematic: adj. & n. --adj.
1 of or concerning a scheme or schema.
2 representing objects by symbols etc. --n. a schematic diagram, esp. of an electronic circuit. schematically adv.

station
station: n. & v. --n.
1 a a regular stopping place on a railway line, with a platform and usu. administrative buildings. b these buildings (see also bus stationcoach station).
2 a place or building etc. where a person or thing stands or is placed, esp. habitually or for a definite purpose.
3 a a designated point or establishment where a particular service or activity is based or organized (police station; polling station). b US a subsidiary post office.
4 an establishment involved in radio or television broadcasting.
5 a a military or naval base esp. hist. in India. b the inhabitants of this.
6 position in life; rank or status (ideas above your station).
7 Austral. & NZ a large sheep or cattle farm.
8 Bot. a particular place where an unusual species etc. grows. --v.tr.
1 assign a station to.
2 put in position. station-bill Naut. a list showing the prescribed stations of a ship's crew for various drills or in an emergency. station break US a pause between broadcast programmes for an announcement of the identity of the station transmitting them. station hand Austral. a worker on a large sheep or cattle farm. station house US a police station. station-keeping the maintenance of one's proper relative position in a moving body of ships etc. station of the cross RC Ch. a each of a series of usu. 14 images or pictures representing the events in Christ's passion before which devotions are performed in some churches. b each of these devotions. station pointer Naut. a ship's navigational instrument, often a three-armed protractor, for fixing one's place on a chart from the angle in the horizontal plane between two land- or sea-marks. station sergeant Brit. the sergeant in charge of a police station. station-wagon an estate car. [ME, = standing, f. OF f. L statio -onis f. stare stand]

sheenystudio
studio: n. (pl. -os.
1 the workroom of a painter or photographer etc.
2 a place where cinema films or recordings are made or where television or radio programmes are made or produced. studio couch a couch that can be converted into a bed. studio flat a flat containing a room suitable as an artist's studio, or only one main room. [It. f. L (as STUDY)]

seat
seat: n. & v. --n.
1 a thing made or used for sitting on; a chair, stool, saddle, etc.
2 the buttocks.
3 the part of the trousers etc. covering the buttocks.
4 the part of a chair etc. on which the sitter's weight directly rests.
5 a place for one person in a theatre, vehicle, etc.
6 the occupation of a seat.
7 esp. Brit. a the right to occupy a seat, esp. as a Member of the House of Commons. b a member's constituency.
8 the part of a machine that supports or guides another part.
9 a site or location of something specified (a seat of learning; the seat of the emotions). 10 a country mansion, esp. with large grounds. 11 the manner of sitting on a horse etc. --v.tr.
1 cause to sit.
2 a provide sitting accommodation for (the cinema seats 500). b provide with seats.
3 (as seated adj.) sitting.
4 put or fit in position. be seated sit down. by the seat of one's pants colloq. by instinct rather than logic or knowledge. seat-belt a belt securing a person in the seat of a car or aircraft. take a (or one's) seat sit down. seatless adj. [ME f. ON sti (= OE gesete f. Gmc)]

sacrifice
sacrifice: n. & v. --n.
1 a the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else more important or worthy. b a thing given up in this way. c the loss entailed in this.
2 a the slaughter of an animal or person or the surrender of a possession as an offering to a deity. b an animal, person, or thing offered in this way.
3 an act of prayer, thanksgiving, or penitence as propitiation.
4 Theol. a Christ's offering of himself in the Crucifixion. b the Eucharist as either a propitiatory offering of the body and blood of Christ or an act of thanksgiving.
5 (in games) a loss incurred deliberately to avoid a greater loss or to obtain a compensating advantage. --v.
1 tr. give up (a thing) as a sacrifice.
2 tr. (foll. by to) devote or give over to.
3 tr. (also absol.) offer or kill as a sacrifice. sacrificial adj. sacrificially adv. [ME f. OF f. L sacrificium f. sacrificus (as SACRED)]

scrapbook
scrapbook: n. a book of blank pages for sticking cuttings, drawings, etc., in.

schizophrenia
schizophrenia: n. a mental disease marked by a breakdown in the relation between thoughts, feelings, and actions, frequently accompanied by delusions and retreat from social life. schizophrenic adj. & n. [mod.L f. Gk skhizo to split + phren mind]

seabed
seabed: n. the ground under the sea; the ocean floor.

sense
sense: n. & v. --n.
1 a any of the special bodily faculties by which sensation is roused (has keen senses; has a dull sense of smell). b sensitiveness of all or any of these.
2 the ability to perceive or feel or to be conscious of the presence or properties of things.
3 (foll. by of) consciousness (sense of having done well; sense of one's own importance).
4 (often foll. by of) a quick or accurate appreciation, understanding, or instinct regarding a specified matter (sense of the ridiculous; road sense; the moral sense). b the habit of basing one's conduct on such instinct.
5 practical wisdom or judgement, common sense; conformity to these (has plenty of sense; what is the sense of talking like that?; has more sense than to do that).
6 a a meaning; the way in which a word etc. is to be understood (the sense of the word is clear; I mean that in the literal sense). b intelligibility or coherence or possession of a meaning.
7 the prevailing opinion among a number of people.
8 (in pl.) a person's sanity or normal state of mind.
9 Math. etc. a a direction of movement. b that which distinguishes a pair of entities which differ only in that each is the reverse of the other. --v.tr.
1 perceive by a sense or senses.
2 be vaguely aware of.
3 realize.
4 (of a machine etc.) detect.
5 US understand. bring a person to his or her sense.
1 cure a person of folly.
2 restore a person to consciousness. come to one's sense.
1 regain consciousness.
2 become sensible after acting foolishly. the five senses sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. in a (or one) sense if the statement is understood in a particular way (what you say is true in a sense). in one's senses sane. make sense be intelligible or practicable. make sense of show or find the meaning of. man of sense a sagacious man. out of one's senses in or into a state of madness (is out of her senses; frightened him out of his senses). sense-datum (pl. -data) Philos. an element of experience received through the senses. sense of direction the ability to know without guidance the direction in which one is or should be moving. sense of humour see HUMOUR . sense-organ a bodily organ conveying external stimuli to the sensory system. take leave of one's senses go mad. take the sense of the meeting ascertain the prevailing opinion. under a sense of wrong feeling wronged. [ME f. L sensus faculty of feeling, thought, meaning, f. sentire sens- feel]

soon
soon: adv.
1 after no long interval of time (shall soon know the result).
2 relatively early (must you go so soon?).
3 (prec. by how) early (with relative rather than distinctive sense) (how soon will it be ready?).
4 readily or willingly (in expressing choice or preference: which would you sooner do?; would as soon stay behind). as (or so) soon as (implying a causal or temporal connection) at the moment that; not later than; as early as (came as soon as I heard about it; disappears as soon as it's time to pay). no sooner ... than at the very moment that (we no sooner arrived than the rain stopped). sooner or later at some future time; eventually. soonish adv. [OE sona f. WG]

startlerscooter
scooter: n. & v. --n.
1 a child's toy consisting of a footboard mounted on two wheels and a long steering-handle, propelled by resting one foot on the footboard and pushing the other against the ground.
2 (in full motor scooter) a light two-wheeled open motor vehicle with a shieldlike protective front.
3 US a sailboat able to travel on both water and ice. --v.intr. travel or ride on a scooter. scooterist n.

silicon
silicon: n. Chem. a non-metallic element occurring widely in silica and silicates, and used in the manufacture of glass. Symb.: Si. silicon chip a silicon microchip. silicon carbide = CARBORUNDUM. Silicon Valley an area with a high concentration of electronics industries. [L silex -icis flint (after carbon, boron), alt. of earlier silicium]

satisfy
satisfy: v. (-ies, -ied.
1 tr. a meet the expectations or desires of; comply with (a demand). b be accepted by (a person, his taste) as adequate; be equal to (a preconception etc.).
2 tr. put an end to (an appetite or want) by supplying what was required.
3 tr. rid (a person) of an appetite or want in a similar way.
4 intr. give satisfaction; leave nothing to be desired.
5 tr. pay (a debt or creditor).
6 tr. adequately meet, fulfil, or comply with (conditions, obligations, etc.) (has satisfied all the legal conditions).
7 tr. (often foll. by of, that) provide with adequate information or proof, convince (satisfied the others that they were right; satisfy the court of their innocence).
8 tr. Math. (of a quantity) make (an equation) true.
9 tr. (in passive) a (foll. by with) contented or pleased with. b (foll. by to) demand no more than or consider it enough to do. satisfy the examiners reach the standard required to pass an examination. satisfy oneself (often foll. by that + clause) be certain in one's own mind. satisfiable adj. satisfiability n. satisfiedly adv. satisfying adj. satisfyingly adv. [ME f. OF satisfier f. L satisfacere satisfact- f. satis enough]

strawberry
strawberry: n. (pl. -ies.
1 a any plant of the genus Fragaria, esp. any of various cultivated varieties, with white flowers, trifoliate leaves, and runners. b the pulpy red edible fruit of this, having a seed-studded surface.
2 a deep pinkish-red colour. strawberry blond.
1 pinkish-blonde hair.
2 a woman with such hair. strawberry mark a soft reddish birthmark. strawberry pea.
1 a W. Indian cactaceous plant, Hylocereus undatus.
2 the fruit of this. strawberry roan see ROAN(1) ). strawberry-tree an evergreen tree, Arbutus unedo, bearing strawberry-like fruit. [OE strea(w)berige, streowberige (as STRAW, BERRY): reason for the name unkn.]

symbol
symbol: n. & v. --n.
1 a thing conventionally regarded as typifying, representing, or recalling something, esp. an idea or quality (white is a symbol of purity).
2 a mark or character taken as the conventional sign of some object, idea, function, or process, e.g. the letters standing for the chemical elements or the characters in musical notation. --v.tr. (symbolled, symbolling; US symboled, symboling) symbolize. symbology n. [ME f. L symbolum f. Gk sumbolon mark, token (as SYN-, ballo throw)]

squirrel
squirrel: n. & v. --n.
1 any rodent of the family Sciuridae, e.g. the red squirrel, grey squirrel, etc., often of arboreal habits, with a bushy tail arching over its back, and pointed ears.
2 the fur of this animal.
3 a person who hoards objects, food, etc. --v. (squirrelled, squirrelling; US squirreled, squirreling.
1 tr. (often foll. by away) hoard (objects, food, time, etc.) (squirrelled it away in the cupboard).
2 intr. (often foll. by around) bustle about. squirrel cag.
1 a small cage containing a revolving cylinder like a treadmill, on which a captive squirrel may exercise.
2 a form of rotor used in small electric motors, resembling the cylinder of a squirrel cage.
3 a monotonous or repetitive way of life. squirrel (or squirrel-tail) grass a grass, Hordeum jubatum, with bushy spikelets. squirrel-monkey a small yellow-haired monkey, Saimiri sciureus, native to S. America. [ME f. AF esquirel, OF esquireul, ult. f. L sciurus f. Gk skiouros f. skia shade + oura tail]

shrink
shrink: v. & n. --v. (past shrank; past part. shrunk or (esp. as adj.) shrunken.
1 tr. & intr. make or become smaller; contract, esp. by the action of moisture, heat, or cold.
2 intr. (usu. foll. by from) a retire; recoil; flinch; cower (shrank from her touch). b be averse from doing (shrinks from meeting them).
3 (as shrunken adj.) (esp. of a face, person, etc.) having grown smaller esp. because of age, illness, etc. --n.
1 the act or an instance of shrinking; shrinkage.
2 sl. a psychiatrist (from 'head-shrinker'). shrinking violet an exaggeratedly shy person. shrink into oneself become withdrawn. shrink on slip (a metal tyre etc.) on while expanded with heat and allow to tighten. shrink-resistant (of textiles etc.) resistant to shrinkage when wet etc. shrink-wrap (-wrapped, -wrapping) enclose (an article) in (esp. transparent) film that shrinks tightly on to it. shrinkable adj. shrinker n. shrinkingly adv. shrink-proof adj. [OE scrincan: cf. skrynka to wrinkle]

several
several: adj. & n. --adj. & n. more than two but not many. --adj.
1 separate or respective; distinct (all went their several ways).
2 Law applied or regarded separately (opp. JOINT). severally adv. [ME f. AF f. AL separalis f. L separ SEPARATE adj.]