Pn. (also p) (pl. Ps or P's) the sixteenth letter of the alphabet. abbr. (also P.) 1 (on road signs) parking. 2 Chess pawn. 3 Physics poise (unit). 4 proprietary. symb. Chem. the element phosphorus. pabbr. (also p.) 1 Brit. penny, pence. 2 page. 3 pico-. 4 piano (softly). PAabbr. 1 personal assistant. 2 public address (esp. PA system). 3 Press Association. 4 US Pennsylvania (in official postal use). Pasymb. Chem. the element protactinium. pan. colloq. father. [abbr. of PAPA] p.a.abbr. per annum. pabulumn. food, esp. for the mind (mental pabulum). [L f. pascere feed] PABXabbr. Brit. private automatic branch exchange. pacan. any tailless rodent of the genus Cuniculus, esp. the spotted cavy of S. and Central America. [Sp. & Port., f. Tupi] pacen. & v. --n. 1 a a single step in walking or running. b the distance covered in this (about 75 cm or 30 in.). c the distance between two successive stationary positions of the same foot in walking. 2 speed in walking or running. 3 Theatr. & Mus. speed or tempo in theatrical or musical performance (played with great pace). 4 a rate of progression. 5 a a manner of walking or running; a gait. b any of various gaits, esp. of a trained horse etc. (rode at an ambling pace). --v. 1 intr. a walk (esp. repeatedly or methodically) with a slow or regular pace (pacing up and down). b (of a horse) = AMBLE. 2 tr. traverse by pacing. 3 tr. set the pace for (a rider, runner, etc.). 4 tr. (foll. by out) measure (a distance) by pacing. keep pace (often foll. by with) advance at an equal rate (as). pace bowler Cricket a bowler who delivers the ball at high speed without spin. pace-setter 1 a leader. 2 = PACEMAKER 1. put a person through his (or her) paces test a person's qualities in action etc. set the pace determine the speed, esp. by leading. stand (or stay) the pace be able to keep up with others. -paced adj. pacer n. [ME f. OF pas f. L passus f. pandere pass- stretch] prep. (in stating a contrary opinion) with due deference to (the person named). [L, ablat. of pax peace] pacemakern. 1 a competitor who sets the pace in a race. 2 a natural or artificial device for stimulating the heart muscle and determining the rate of its contractions. pachavar. of PASHA. pachinkon. a Japanese form of pinball. [Jap.] pachisin. a four-handed Indian board-game with six cowries used like dice. [Hindi, = of 25 (the highest throw)] pachydermn. any thick-skinned mammal, esp. an elephant or rhinoceros. pachydermatous adj. [F pachyderme f. Gk pakhudermos f. pakhus thick + derma -matos skin] pacificadj. & n. --adj. 1 characterized by or tending to peace; tranquil. 2 (Pacific) of or adjoining the Pacific. --n. (the Pacific) the generally placid expanse of ocean between America to the east and Asia to the west. Pacific Time the standard time used in the Pacific region of Canada and the US. pacifically adv. [F pacifique or L pacificus f. pax pacis peace] pacification n. the act of pacifying or the process of being pacified. pacificatory adj. [F f. L pacificatio -onis (as PACIFY)] pacifiern. 1 a person or thing that pacifies. 2 US a baby's dummy. pacifismn. the belief that war and violence are morally unjustified and that all disputes can be settled by peaceful means. pacifist n. & adj. [F pacifisme f. pacifier PACIFY] pacifyv.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 appease (a person, anger, etc.). 2 bring (a country etc.) to a state of peace. [ME f. OF pacifier or L pacificare (as PACIFIC)] packn. & v. --n. 1 a a collection of things wrapped up or tied together for carrying. b = BACKPACK. 2 a set of items packaged for use or disposal together. 3 usu. derog. a lot or set (of similar things or persons) (a pack of lies; a pack of thieves). 4 Brit. a set of playing cards. 5 a a group of hounds esp. for foxhunting. b a group of wild animals, esp. wolves, hunting together. 6 an organized group of Cub Scouts or Brownies. 7 Rugby Football a team's forwards. 8 a a medicinal or cosmetic substance applied to the skin; = face-pack. b a hot or cold pad of absorbent material for treating a wound etc. 9 = pack ice. 10 a quantity of fish, fruit, etc., packed in a season etc. 11 Med. a the wrapping of a body or part of a body in a wet sheet etc. b a sheet etc. used for this. --v. 1 tr. (often foll. by up) a fill (a suitcase, bag, etc.) with clothes and other items. b put (things) together in a bag or suitcase, esp. for travelling. 2 intr. & tr. come or put closely together; crowd or cram (packed a lot into a few hours; passengers packed like sardines). 3 tr. (in passive; often foll. by with) be filled (with); contain extensively (the restaurant was packed; the book is packed with information). 4 tr. fill (a hall, theatre, etc.) with an audience etc. 5 tr. cover (a thing) with something pressed tightly round. 6 intr. be suitable for packing. 7 tr. colloq. a carry (a gun etc.). b be capable of delivering (a punch) with skill or force. 8 intr. (of animals or Rugby forwards) form a pack. pack-animal an animal for carrying packs. pack-drill a military punishment of marching up and down carrying full equipment. packed lunch a lunch carried in a bag, box, etc., esp. to work, school, etc. packed out colloq. full, crowded. pack ice an area of large crowded pieces of floating ice in the sea. pack it in (or up) colloq. end or stop it. pack off send (a person) away, esp. abruptly or promptly. pack-rat US a large hoarding rodent. pack-saddle a saddle adapted for supporting packs. pack up colloq. 1 (esp. of a machine) stop functioning; break down. 2 retire from an activity, contest, etc. send packing colloq. dismiss (a person) summarily. packable adj. [ME f. MDu., MLG pak, pakken, of unkn. orig.] v.tr. select (a jury etc.) or fill (a meeting) so as to secure a decision in one's favour. [prob. f. obs. verb pact f. PACT] packagen. & v. --n. 1 a a bundle of things packed. b a parcel, box, etc., in which things are packed. 2 (in full package deal) a set of proposals or items offered or agreed to as a whole. 3 Computing a piece of software suitable for various applications rather than one which is custom-built. 4 colloq. = package holiday. --v.tr. make up into or enclose in a package. package holiday (or tour etc.) a holiday or tour etc. with all arrangements made at an inclusive price. packager n. [PACK + -AGE] packagingn. 1 a wrapping or container for goods. 2 the process of packing goods. packern. a person or thing that packs, esp. a dealer who prepares and packs food for transportation and sale. packetn. 1 a small package. 2 colloq. a large sum of money won, lost, or spent. 3 (in full packet-boat) hist. a mail-boat or passenger ship. [PACK + -ET] packhorsen. a horse for carrying loads. packingn. 1 the act or process of packing. 2 material used as padding to pack esp. fragile articles. 3 material used to seal a join or assist in lubricating an axle. packing-case a case (usu. wooden) or framework for packing goods in. packthread n. stout thread for sewing or tying up packs. pactn. an agreement or a treaty. [ME f. OF pact(e) f. L pactum, neut. past part. of pacisci agree] padn. & v. --n. 1 a piece of soft material used to reduce friction or jarring, fill out hollows, hold or absorb liquid, etc. 2 a number of sheets of blank paper fastened together at one edge, for writing or drawing on. 3 = ink-pad. 4 the fleshy underpart of an animal's foot or of a human finger. 5 a guard for the leg and ankle in sports. 6 a flat surface for helicopter take-off or rocket-launching. 7 colloq. a lodging, esp. a bedsitter or flat. 8 the floating leaf of a water lily. --v.tr. (padded, padding) 1 provide with a pad or padding; stuff. 2 (foll. by out) lengthen or fill out (a book etc.) with unnecessary material. padded cell a room with padded walls in a mental hospital. [prob. of LG or Du. orig.] v. & n. --v. (padded, padding) 1 intr. walk with a soft dull steady step. 2 a tr. tramp along (a road etc.) on foot. b intr. travel on foot. --n. the sound of soft steady steps. [LG padden tread, pad PATH] paddingn. soft material used to pad or stuff with. paddlen. & v. --n. 1 a short broad-bladed oar used without a rowlock. 2 a paddle-shaped instrument. 3 Zool. a fin or flipper. 4 each of the boards fitted round the circumference of a paddle-wheel or mill-wheel. 5 the action or a spell of paddling. --v. 1 intr. & tr. move on water or propel a boat by means of paddles. 2 intr. & tr. row gently. 3 tr. esp. US colloq. spank. paddle-boat (or -steamer etc.) a boat, steamer, etc., propelled by a paddle-wheel. paddle-wheel a wheel for propelling a ship, with boards round the circumference so as to press backwards against the water. paddler n. [15th c.: orig. unkn.] v. & n. --v.intr. walk barefoot or dabble the feet or hands in shallow water. --n. the action or a spell of paddling. paddler n. [prob. of LG or Du. orig.: cf. LG paddeln tramp about] paddockn. 1 a small field, esp. for keeping horses in. 2 a turf enclosure adjoining a racecourse where horses or cars are assembled before a race. 3 Austral. & NZ a field; a plot of land. [app. var. of (now dial.) parrock (OE pearruc): see PARK] Paddyn. (pl. -ies) colloq. often offens. an Irishman. [pet-form of the Irish name Padraig (= Patrick)] paddyn. (pl. -ies) 1 (in full paddy-field) a field where rice is grown. 2 rice before threshing or in the husk. [Malay padi] n. (pl. -ies) Brit. colloq. a rage; a fit of temper. [PADDY] pademelonn. any small wallaby of the genus Thylogale, inhabiting the coastal scrub of Australia. [corrupt. of an Aboriginal name] padlockn. & v. --n. a detachable lock hanging by a pivoted hook on the object fastened. --v.tr. secure with a padlock. [ME f. LOCK: first element unexpl.] padoukn. 1 any timber tree of the genus Pterocarpus, esp. P. indicus. 2 the wood of this tree, resembling rosewood. [Burmese] padren. a chaplain in any of the armed services. [It., Sp., & Port., = father, priest, f. L pater patris father] padsawn. a saw with a narrow blade, for cutting curves. paeann. (US pean) a song of praise or triumph. [L f. Doric Gk paian hymn of thanksgiving to Apollo (under the name of Paian)] paederastvar. of PEDERAST. paederasty var. of PEDERASTY. paediatrics n.pl. (treated as sing.) (US pediatrics) the branch of medicine dealing with children and their diseases. paediatric adj. paediatrician n. [PAEDO- + Gk iatros physician] paedo-comb. form (US pedo-) child. [Gk pais paid- child] paedophile n. (US pedophile) a person who displays paedophilia. paedophilia n. (US pedophilia) sexual desire directed towards children. paellan. a Spanish dish of rice, saffron, chicken, seafood, etc., cooked and served in a large shallow pan. [Catalan f. OF paele f. L patella pan] paeonn. a metrical foot of one long syllable and three short syllables in any order. paeonic adj. [L f. Gk paion, the Attic form of paian PAEAN] paeonyvar. of PEONY. pagann. & adj. --n. a person not subscribing to any of the main religions of the world, esp. formerly regarded by Christians as unenlightened or heathen. --adj. 1 a of or relating to or associated with pagans. b irreligious. 2 identifying divinity or spirituality in nature; pantheistic. paganish adj. paganism n. paganize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). [ME f. L paganus villager, rustic f. pagus country district: in Christian L = civilian, heathen] pagen. & v. --n. 1 a a leaf of a book, periodical, etc. b each side of this. c what is written or printed on this. 2 a an episode that might fill a page in written history etc.; a record. b a memorable event. --v.tr. paginate. [F f. L pagina f. pangere fasten] n. & v. --n. 1 a boy or man, usu. in livery, employed to run errands, attend to a door, etc. 2 a boy employed as a personal attendant of a person of rank, a bride, etc. 3 hist. a boy in training for knighthood and attached to a knight's service. --v.tr. 1 (in hotels, airports, etc.) summon by making an announcement or by sending a messenger. 2 summon by means of a pager. page-boy 1 = PAGE n. 2. 2 a woman's hairstyle with the hair reaching to the shoulder and rolled under at the ends. [ME f. OF, perh. f. It. paggio f. Gk paidion, dimin. of pais paidos boy] pageantn. 1 a a brilliant spectacle, esp. an elaborate parade. b a spectacular procession, or play performed in the open, illustrating historical events. c a tableau etc. on a fixed stage or moving vehicle. 2 an empty or specious show. [ME pagyn, of unkn. orig.] pageantryn. (pl. -ies) 1 elaborate or sumptuous show or display. 2 an instance of this. pagern. a radio device with a bleeper, activated from a central point to alert the person wearing it. paginaladj. 1 of pages (of books etc.). 2 corresponding page for page. paginary adj. [LL paginalis (as PAGE)] paginatev.tr. assign numbers to the pages of a book etc. pagination n. [F paginer f. L pagina PAGE] pagodan. 1 a Hindu or Buddhist temple or sacred building, esp. a many-tiered tower, in India and the Far East. 2 an ornamental imitation of this. pagoda-tree any of various trees, esp. Sophora japonica, resembling a pagoda in shape. [Port. pagode, prob. ult. f. Pers. butkada idol temple] pahint. expressing disgust or contempt. [natural utterance] Pahlavin. (also Pehlevi) the writing system of Persia from the 2nd c. BC to the advent of Islam in the 7th c. AD. [Pers. pahlawi f. pahlav f. parthava Parthia] paidpast and past part. of PAY. pailn. 1 a bucket. 2 an amount contained in this. pailful n. (pl. -fuls). [OE p‘gel gill (cf. MDu. pegel gauge), assoc. with OF paelle: see PAELLA] paillassevar. of PALLIASSE. pailletten. 1 a piece of bright metal used in enamel painting. 2 a spangle. [F, dimin. of paille f. L palea straw, chaff] painn. & v. --n. 1 a the range of unpleasant bodily sensations produced by illness or by harmful physical contact etc. b a particular kind or instance of this (often in pl.: suffering from stomach pains). 2 mental suffering or distress. 3 (in pl.) careful effort; trouble taken (take pains; got nothing for my pains). 4 (also pain in the neck) colloq. a troublesome person or thing; a nuisance. --v.tr. 1 cause pain to. 2 (as pained adj.) expressing pain (a pained expression). in pain suffering pain. on (or under) pain of with (death etc.) as the penalty. [ME f. OF peine f. L poena penalty] painfuladj. 1 causing bodily or mental pain or distress. 2 (esp. of part of the body) suffering pain. 3 causing trouble or difficulty; laborious (a painful climb). painfully adv. painfulness n. painkiller n. a medicine or drug for alleviating pain. painkilling adj. painlessadj. not causing or suffering pain. painlessly adv. painlessness n. painstaking adj. careful, industrious, thorough. painstakingly adv. painstakingness n. paintn. & v. --n. 1 a colouring matter, esp. in liquid form for imparting colour to a surface. b this as a dried film or coating (the paint peeled off). 2 joc. or archaic cosmetic make-up, esp. rouge or nail varnish. --v.tr. 1 a cover the surface of (a wall, object, etc.) with paint. b apply paint of a specified colour to (paint the door green). 2 depict (an object, scene, etc.) with paint; produce (a picture) by painting. 3 describe vividly as if by painting (painted a gloomy picture of the future). 4 joc. or archaic a apply liquid or cosmetic to (the face, skin, etc.). b apply (a liquid to the skin etc.). painted lady an orange-red butterfly, esp. Cynthia cardui, with black and white spots. paint out efface with paint. paint shop the part of a factory where goods are painted, esp. by spraying. paint-stick a stick of water-soluble paint used like a crayon. paint the town red colloq. enjoy oneself flamboyantly. paintable adj. [ME f. peint past part. of OF peindre f. L pingere pict- paint] paintboxn. a box holding dry paints for painting pictures. paintbrush n. a brush for applying paint. paintern. a person who paints, esp. an artist or decorator. [ME f. OF peintour ult. f. L pictor (as PAINT)] n. a rope attached to the bow of a boat for tying it to a quay etc. [ME, prob. f. OF penteur rope from a masthead: cf. G Pentertakel f. pentern fish the anchor] painterlyadj. 1 a using paint well; artistic. b characteristic of a painter or paintings. 2 (of a painting) lacking clearly defined outlines. paintingn. 1 the process or art of using paint. 2 a painted picture. paintworkn. 1 a painted surface or area in a building etc. 2 the work of painting. paintyadj. (paintier, paintiest) 1 of or covered in paint. 2 (of a picture etc.) overcharged with paint. pairn. & v. --n. 1 a set of two persons or things used together or regarded as a unit (a pair of gloves; a pair of eyes). 2 an article (e.g. scissors, trousers, or pyjamas) consisting of two joined or corresponding parts not used separately. 3 a an engaged or married couple. b a mated couple of animals. 4 two horses harnessed side by side (a coach and pair). 5 the second member of a pair in relation to the first (cannot find its pair). 6 two playing cards of the same denomination. 7 Parl. either or both of two MPs etc. on opposite sides absenting themselves from voting by mutual arrangement. --v.tr. & intr. 1 (often foll. by off) arrange or be arranged in couples. 2 a join or be joined in marriage. b (of animals) mate. 3 Parl. form a pair. in pairs in twos. pair production Physics the conversion of a radiation quantum into an electron and a positron. pair royal a set of three cards of the same denomination. [ME f. OF paire f. L paria neut. pl. of par equal] paisan. (pl. paise) a coin and monetary unit of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, equal to one-hundredth of a rupee or taka. [Hindi] Paisleyn. (often attrib.) 1 a distinctive detailed pattern of curved feather-shaped figures. 2 a soft woollen garment having this pattern. [Paisley in Scotland] pajamasUS var. of PYJAMAS. pakehan. NZ a White person as opposed to a Maori. [Maori] Pakin. (pl. Pakis) Brit. sl. offens. a Pakistani, esp. an immigrant in Britain. [abbr.] Pakistanin. & adj. --n. 1 a native or national of Pakistan. 2 a person of Pakistani descent. --adj. of or relating to Pakistan. [Hindu] pakoran. a piece of cauliflower, carrot, or other vegetable, coated in seasoned batter and deep-fried. [Hind.] paln. & v. --n. colloq. a friend, mate, or comrade. --v.intr. (palled, palling) (usu. foll. by up) associate; form a friendship. [Romany = brother, mate, ult. f. Skr. bhratr BROTHER] palacen. 1 the official residence of a sovereign, president, archbishop, or bishop. 2 a splendid mansion; a spacious building. palace revolution (or coup) the (usu. non-violent) overthrow of a sovereign, government, etc. at the hands of senior officials. [ME f. OF palais f. L Palatium Palatine (hill) in Rome where the house of the emperor was situated] paladinn. hist. 1 any of the twelve peers of Charlemagne's court, of whom the Count Palatine was the chief. 2 a knight errant; a champion. [F paladin f. It. paladino f. L palatinus: see PALATINE] Palaearctic adj. Zool. of the Arctic and temperate parts of the old world. [PALAEO- + ARCTIC] palaeo-comb. form (US paleo-) ancient, old; of ancient (esp. prehistoric) times. [Gk palaios ancient] palaeobotany n. the study of fossil plants. Palaeocene adj. & n. (US Paleocene) Geol. --adj. of or relating to the earliest epoch of the Tertiary period with evidence of the emergence and development of mammals. --n. this epoch or system. °Cf. Appendix II. [PALAEO- + Gk kainos new] palaeoclimatology n. (US paleoclimatology) the study of the climate in geologically past times. palaeogeography n. (US paleogeography) the study of the geographical features at periods in the geological past. palaeography n. (US paleography) the study of writing and documents from the past. palaeographer n. palaeographic adj. palaeographical adj. palaeographically adv. [F pal‚ographie f. mod.L palaeographia (as PALAEO-, -GRAPHY)] palaeolithic adj. (US paleolithic) Archaeol. of or relating to the early part of the Stone Age. [PALAEO- + Gk lithos stone] palaeomagnetism n. (US paleomagnetism) the study of the magnetism remaining in rocks. palaeontology n. (US paleontology) the study of life in the geological past. palaeontological adj. palaeontologist n. [PALAEO- + Gk onta neut. pl. of on being, part. of eimi be + -LOGY] Palaeozoic adj. & n. (also Paleozoic) Geol. --adj. of or relating to an era of geological time marked by the appearance of marine and terrestrial plants and animals, esp. invertebrates. °Cf. Appendix II. --n. this era (cf. CENOZOIC, MESOZOIC). [PALAEO- + Gk zoe life, zoos living] palaestran. (also palestra) Gk & Rom. Antiq. a wrestling-school or gymnasium. [ME f. L palaestra f. Gk palaistra f. palaio wrestle] palaisn. colloq. a public hall for dancing. [F palais (de danse) (dancing) hall] palanquinn. (also palankeen) (in India and the East) a covered litter for one passenger. [Port. palanquim: cf. Hindi palki f. Skr. palyanka bed, couch] palatableadj. 1 pleasant to taste. 2 (of an idea, suggestion, etc.) acceptable, satisfactory. palatability n. palatableness n. palatably adv. palataladj. & n. --adj. 1 of the palate. 2 (of a sound) made by placing the surface of the tongue against the hard palate (e.g. y in yes). --n. a palatal sound. palatalize v.tr. (also -ise). palatalization n. palatally adv. [F (as PALATE)] palaten. 1 a structure closing the upper part of the mouth cavity in vertebrates. 2 the sense of taste. 3 a mental taste or inclination; liking. [ME f. L palatum] palatialadj. (of a building) like a palace, esp. spacious and splendid. palatially adv. [L (as PALACE)] palatinate n. territory under the jurisdiction of a Count Palatine. palatineadj. (also Palatine) hist. 1 (of an official or feudal lord) having local authority that elsewhere belongs only to a sovereign (Count Palatine). 2 (of a territory) subject to this authority. [ME f. F palatin -ine f. L palatinus of the PALACE] adj. & n. --adj. of or connected with the palate. --n. (in full palatine bone) each of two bones forming the hard palate. [F palatin -ine (as PALATE)] palavern. & v. --n. 1 fuss and bother, esp. prolonged and tedious. 2 profuse or idle talk. 3 cajolery. 4 colloq. an affair or business. 5 esp. hist. a parley between African or other natives and traders. --v. 1 intr. talk profusely. 2 tr. flatter, wheedle. [Port. palavra word f. L (as PARABLE)] paleadj. & v. --adj. 1 (of a person or complexion) of a whitish or ashen appearance. 2 a (of a colour) faint; not dark or deep. b faintly coloured. 3 of faint lustre; dim. --v. 1 intr. & tr. grow or make pale. 2 intr. (often foll. by before, beside) become feeble in comparison (with). palely adv. paleness n. palish adj. [ME f. OF pale, palir f. L pallidus f. pallere be pale] n. 1 a pointed piece of wood for fencing etc.; a stake. 2 a boundary or enclosed area. 3 Heraldry a vertical stripe in the middle of a shield. beyond the pale outside the bounds of acceptable behaviour. in pale Heraldry arranged vertically. [ME f. OF pal f. L palus stake] palean. (pl. paleae) Bot. a chafflike bract, esp. in a flower of grasses. [L, = chaff] paledadj. having palings. palefacen. a name supposedly used by the N. American Indians for the White man. paleo-comb. form US var. of PALAEO-. PaleoceneUS var. of PALAEOCENE. PaleozoicUS var. of PALAEOZOIC. Palestinian adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to Palestine, a region (in ancient and modern times) and former mandated territory on the E. Mediterranean coast. --n. 1 a native of Palestine in ancient or modern times. 2 an Arab, or a descendant of one, born or living in the area formerly called Palestine. palestravar. of PALAESTRA. paletten. 1 a thin board or slab or other surface, usu. with a hole for the thumb, on which an artist lays and mixes colours. 2 the range of colours used by an artist. palette-knife 1 a thin steel blade with a handle for mixing colours or applying or removing paint. 2 a kitchen knife with a long blunt round-ended flexible blade. [F, dimin. of pale shovel f. L pala spade] palfreyn. (pl. -eys) archaic a horse for ordinary riding, esp. for women. [ME f. OF palefrei f. med.L palefredus, LL paraveredus f. Gk para beside, extra, + L veredus light horse, of Gaulish orig.] Palin. an Indic language used in the canonical books of Buddhists. [Skr. pali-bhasa f. pali canon + bhasa language] palimonyn. esp. US colloq. an allowance made by one member of an unmarried couple to the other after separation. [PAL + ALIMONY] palimpsest n. 1 a piece of writing-material or manuscript on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for other writing. 2 a monumental brass turned and re-engraved on the reverse side. [L palimpsestus f. Gk palimpsestos f. palin again + psestos rubbed smooth] palindrome n. a word or phrase that reads the same backwards as forwards (e.g. rotator, nurses run). palindromic adj. palindromist n. [Gk palindromos running back again f. palin again + drom- run] palingn. 1 a fence of pales. 2 a pale. palingenesis n. Biol. the exact reproduction of ancestral characteristics in ontogenesis. palingenetic adj. [Gk palin again + genesis birth, GENESIS] palinoden. 1 a poem in which the writer retracts a view or sentiment expressed in a former poem. 2 a recantation. [F palinode or LL palinodia f. Gk palinoidia f. palin again + oide song] palisaden. & v. --n. 1 a a fence of pales or iron railings. b a strong pointed wooden stake used in a close row for defence. 2 US (in pl.) a line of high cliffs. --v.tr. enclose or provide with a palisade. palisade layer Bot. a layer of elongated cells below the epidermis. [F palissade f. Prov. palissada f. palissa paling ult. f. L palus stake] palln. 1 a cloth spread over a coffin, hearse, or tomb. 2 a shoulder-band with pendants, worn as an ecclesiastical vestment and sign of authority. 3 a dark covering (a pall of darkness; a pall of smoke). 4 Heraldry a Y-shaped bearing charged with crosses representing the front of an ecclesiastical pall. [OE p‘ll, f. L pallium cloak] v. 1 intr. (often foll. by on) become uninteresting (to). 2 tr. satiate, cloy. [ME, f. APPAL] palladiapl. of PALLADIUM. Palladianadj. Archit. in the neoclassical style of Palladio. Palladianism n. [A. Palladio, It. architect d. 1580] palladiumn. Chem. a white ductile metallic element occurring naturally in various ores and used in chemistry as a catalyst and for making jewellery. °Symb.: Pd. [mod.L f. Pallas, an asteroid discovered (1803) just before the element, + -IUM; cf. CERIUM] n. (pl. palladia) a safeguard or source of protection. [ME f. L f. Gk palladion image of Pallas (Athene), a protecting deity] pallbearer n. a person helping to carry or officially escorting a coffin at a funeral. palletn. 1 a straw mattress. 2 a mean or makeshift bed. [ME pailet, paillet f. AF paillete straw f. OF paille f. L palea] n. 1 a flat wooden blade with a handle, used in ceramics to shape clay. 2 = PALETTE. 3 a portable platform for transporting and storing loads. 4 a projection transmitting motion from an escapement to a pendulum etc. 5 a projection on a machine-part, serving to change the mode of motion of a wheel. palletize v.tr. (also -ise) (in sense 3). [F palette: see PALETTE] palliapl. of PALLIUM. palliassen. (also paillasse) a straw mattress. [F paillasse f. It. pagliaccio ult. f. L palea straw] palliatev.tr. 1 alleviate (disease) without curing it. 2 excuse, extenuate. palliation n. palliator n. [LL palliare to cloak f. pallium cloak] palliative n. & adj. --n. anything used to alleviate pain, anxiety, etc. --adj. serving to alleviate. palliatively adv. [F palliatif -ive or med.L palliativus (as PALLIATE)] pallidadj. pale, esp. from illness. pallidity n. pallidly adv. pallidness n. [L pallidus PALE] palliumn. (pl. palliums or pallia) 1 an ecclesiastical pall, esp. that sent by the Pope to an archbishop as a symbol of authority. 2 hist. a man's large rectangular cloak esp. as worn in antiquity. 3 Zool. the mantle of a mollusc or brachiopod . [L] pall-malln. hist. a game in which a ball was driven through an iron ring suspended in a long alley. [obs. F pallemaille f. It. pallamaglio f. palla ball + maglio mallet] pallorn. pallidness, paleness. [L f. pallere be pale] pallyadj. (pallier, palliest) colloq. like a pal; friendly. palmn. 1 any usu. tropical tree of the family Palmae, with no branches and a mass of large pinnate or fan-shaped leaves at the top. 2 the leaf of this tree as a symbol of victory. 3 a supreme excellence. b a prize for this. 4 a branch of various trees used instead of a palm in non-tropical countries, esp. in celebrating Palm Sunday. palm oil oil from the fruit of any of various palms. Palm Sunday the Sunday before Easter, celebrating Christ's entry into Jerusalem. palm wine an alcoholic drink made from fermented palm sap. palmaceous adj. [OE palm(a) f. Gmc f. L palma PALM, its leaf being likened to a spread hand] n. & v. --n. 1 the inner surface of the hand between the wrist and fingers. 2 the part of a glove that covers this. 3 the palmate part of an antler. --v.tr. conceal in the hand. in the palm of one's hand under one's control or influence. palm off 1 (often foll. by on) a impose or thrust fraudulently (on a person). b cause a person to accept unwillingly or unknowingly (palmed my old typewriter off on him). 2 (often foll. by with) cause (a person) to accept unwillingly or unknowingly (palmed him off with my old typewriter). palmar adj. palmed adj. palmful n. (pl. -fuls). [ME paume f. OF paume f. L palma: later assim. to L] palmateadj. 1 shaped like an open hand. 2 having lobes etc. like spread fingers. [L palmatus (as PALM)] palmern. 1 hist. a a pilgrim returning from the Holy Land with a palm branch or leaf. b an itinerant monk under a vow of poverty. 2 a hairy artificial fly used in angling. 3 (in full palmer-worm) a destructive hairy caterpillar of a European moth, Euproctis chrysorrhoea. [ME f. AF palmer, OF palmier f. med.L palmarius pilgrim] palmetten. Archaeol. an ornament of radiating petals like a palm-leaf. [F, dimin. of palme PALM] palmetton. (pl. -os) a small palm tree, e.g. any of various fan palms of the genus Sabal or Chamaerops. [Sp. palmito, dimin. of palma PALM, assim. to It. words in -etto] palmipedadj. & n. (also palmipede) --adj. web-footed. --n. a web-footed bird. [L palmipes -pedis (as PALM, pes pedis foot)] palmistryn. supposed divination from lines and other features on the palm of the hand. palmist n. [ME (orig. palmestry) f. PALM: second element unexpl.] palmyadj. (palmier, palmiest) 1 of or like or abounding in palms. 2 triumphant, flourishing (palmy days). palmyran. an Asian palm, Borassus flabellifer, with fan-shaped leaves used for matting etc. [Port. palmeira palm-tree, assim. to Palmyra in Syria] palominon. (pl. -os) a golden or cream-coloured horse with a light-coloured mane and tail, orig. bred in the south-western US. [Amer. Sp. f. Sp. palomino young pigeon f. paloma dove f. L palumba] paloverden. any yellow-flowered thorny tree of the genus Cercidium in Arizona etc. [Amer. Sp., = green tree] palpn. (also palpus) (pl. palps or palpi) a segmented sense-organ at the mouth of an arthropod; a feeler. palpal adj. [L palpus f. palpare feel] palpableadj. 1 that can be touched or felt. 2 readily perceived by the senses or mind. palpability n. palpably adv. [ME f. LL palpabilis (as PALPATE)] palpatev.tr. examine (esp. medically) by touch. palpation n. [L palpare palpat- touch gently] palpebraladj. of or relating to the eyelids. [LL palpebralis f. L palpebra eyelid] palpitatev.intr. 1 pulsate, throb. 2 tremble. palpitant adj. [L palpitare frequent. of palpare touch gently] palpitation n. 1 throbbing, trembling. 2 (often in pl.) increased activity of the heart due to exertion, agitation, or disease. [L palpitatio (as PALPITATE)] palpusvar. of PALP. palsgraven. a Count Palatine. [Du. paltsgrave f. palts palatinate + grave count] palstaven. Archaeol. a type of chisel made of bronze etc. shaped to fit into a split handle. [Da. paalstav f. ON p lstavr f. p ll hoe (cf. L palus stake) + stafr STAFF] palsyn. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 paralysis, esp. with involuntary tremors. 2 a a condition of utter helplessness. b a cause of this. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 affect with palsy. 2 render helpless. [ME pa(r)lesi f. OF paralisie ult. f. L paralysis: see PARALYSIS] palterv.intr. 1 haggle or equivocate. 2 trifle. palterer n. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] paltryadj. (paltrier, paltriest) worthless, contemptible, trifling. paltriness n. [16th c.: f. paltry trash app. f. palt, pelt rubbish + -RY (cf. trumpery): cf. LG paltrig ragged] paludaladj. 1 of a marsh. 2 malarial. paludism n. (in sense 2). [L palus -udis marsh + -AL] palyadj. Heraldry divided into equal vertical shapes. [OF pal‚ f. pal PALE] palynology n. the study of pollen, spores, etc., for rock-dating and the study of past environments. palynological adj. palynologist n. [Gk paluno sprinkle + -LOGY] pampasn.pl. large treeless plains in S. America. pampas-grass a tall grass, Cortaderia selloana, from S. America, with silky flowering plumes. [Sp. f. Quechua pampa plain] pamperv.tr. 1 overindulge (a person, taste, etc.), cosset. 2 spoil (a person) with luxury. pamperer n. [ME, prob. of LG or Du. orig.] pamperon. (pl. -os) a strong cold SW wind in S. America, blowing from the Andes to the Atlantic. [Sp. (as PAMPAS)] pamphletn. & v. --n. a small, usu. unbound booklet or leaflet containing information or a short treatise. --v.tr. (pamphleted, pamphleting) distribute pamphlets to. [ME f. Pamphilet, the familiar name of the 12th-c. Latin love poem Pamphilus seu de Amore] pamphleteer n. & v. --n. a writer of (esp. political) pamphlets. --v.intr. write pamphlets. pann. & v. --n. 1 a a vessel of metal, earthenware, or plastic, usu. broad and shallow, used for cooking and other domestic purposes. b the contents of this. 2 a panlike vessel in which substances are heated etc. 3 any similar shallow container such as the bowl of a pair of scales or that used for washing gravel etc. to separate gold. 4 Brit. the bowl of a lavatory. 5 part of the lock that held the priming in old guns. 6 a hollow in the ground (salt-pan). 7 a hard substratum of soil. 8 US sl. the face. --v. (panned, panning) 1 tr. colloq. criticize severely. 2 a tr. (foll. by off, out) wash (gold-bearing gravel) in a pan. b intr. search for gold by panning gravel. c intr. (foll. by out) (of gravel) yield gold. pan out (of an action etc.) turn out in a specified way. panful n. (pl. -fuls). panlike adj. [OE panne, perh. ult. f. L patina dish] v. & n. --v. (panned, panning) 1 tr. swing (a cine-camera) horizontally to give a panoramic effect or to follow a moving object. 2 intr. (of a cine-camera) be moved in this way. --n. a panning movement. [abbr. of PANORAMA] n. Bot. 1 a leaf of the betel. 2 this enclosing lime and areca-nut parings, chewed in India etc. [Hindi f. Skr. parna feather, leaf] pan-comb. form 1 all; the whole of. 2 relating to the whole or all the parts of a continent, racial group, religion, etc. (pan-American; pan-African; pan-Hellenic; pan-Anglican). [Gk f. pan neut. of pas all] panacean. a universal remedy. panacean adj. [L f. Gk panakeia f. panakes all-healing (as PAN-, akos remedy)] panachen. 1 assertiveness or flamboyant confidence of style or manner. 2 hist. a tuft or plume of feathers, esp. as a head-dress or on a helmet. [F f. It. pennacchio f. LL pinnaculum dimin. of pinna feather] panadan. 1 a thick paste of flour etc. 2 bread boiled to a pulp and flavoured. [Sp. ult. f. L panis bread] panaman. a hat of strawlike material made from the leaves of a pine-tree. [Panama in Central America] Panamanian n. & adj. --n. 1 a native or national of the Republic of Panama in Central America. 2 a person of Panamanian descent. --adj. of or relating to Panama. panatellan. a long thin cigar. [Amer. Sp. panatela, = long thin biscuit f. It. panatella dimin. of panata (as PANADA)] pancaken. & v. --n. 1 a thin flat cake of batter usu. fried and turned in a pan and rolled up with a filling. 2 a flat cake of make-up etc. --v. 1 intr. make a pancake landing. 2 tr. cause (an aircraft) to pancake. flat as a pancake completely flat. Pancake Day Shrove Tuesday (on which pancakes are traditionally eaten). pancake landing an emergency landing by an aircraft with its undercarriage still retracted, in which the pilot attempts to keep the aircraft in a horizontal position throughout. [ME f. PAN + CAKE] panchayatn. a village council in India. [Hindi f. Skr. pancha five] Panchen lama n. a Tibetan lama ranking next after the Dalai lama. [Tibetan panchen great learned one] panchromatic adj. Photog. (of a film etc.) sensitive to all visible colours of the spectrum. pancreasn. a gland near the stomach supplying the duodenum with digestive fluid and secreting insulin into the blood. pancreatic adj. pancreatitis n. [mod.L f. Gk pagkreas (as PAN-, kreas -atos flesh)] pancreatin n. a digestive extract containing pancreatic enzymes, prepared from animal pancreases. pandan. 1 (also giant panda) a large bearlike mammal, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, native to China and Tibet, having characteristic black and white markings. 2 (also red panda) a Himalayan racoon-like mammal, Ailurus fulgens, with reddish-brown fur and a long bushy tail. panda car Brit. a police patrol car (orig. white with black stripes on the doors). [Nepali name] pandectn. (usu. in pl.) 1 a complete body of laws. 2 hist. a compendium in 50 books of the Roman civil law made by order of Justinian in the 6th c. [F pandecte or L pandecta pandectes f. Gk pandektes all-receiver (as PAN-, dektes f. dekhomai receive)] pandemicadj. & n. --adj. (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world. --n. a pandemic disease. [Gk pandemos (as PAN-, demos people)] pandemonium n. 1 uproar; utter confusion. 2 a scene of this. [mod.L (place of all demons in Milton's Paradise Lost) f. PAN- + Gk daimon DEMON] panderv. & n. --v.intr. (foll. by to) gratify or indulge a person, a desire or weakness, etc. --n. 1 a go-between in illicit love affairs; a procurer. 2 a person who encourages coarse desires. [Pandare, a character in Boccaccio and in Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, f. L Pandarus f. Gk Pandaros] panditvar. of PUNDIT 1. P. & O.abbr. Peninsular and Oriental Shipping Company (or Line). Pandora'sbox n. a process that once activated will generate many unmanageable problems. [in Gk Mythol. the box from which the ills of mankind were released, Hope alone remaining: f. Gk Pandora all-gifted (as PAN-, doron gift)] p. & p.abbr. Brit. postage and packing. panen. 1 a single sheet of glass in a window or door. 2 a rectangular division of a chequered pattern etc. [ME f. OF pan f. L pannus piece of cloth] panegyricn. a laudatory discourse; a eulogy. panegyrical adj. [F pan‚gyrique f. L panegyricus f. Gk panegurikos of public assembly (as PAN-, eguris = agora assembly)] panegyrize v.tr. (also -ise) speak or write in praise of; eulogize. panegyrist n. [Gk panegurizo (as PANEGYRIC)] paneln. & v. --n. 1 a a distinct, usu. rectangular, section of a surface (e.g. of a wall, door, or vehicle). b a control panel (see CONTROL n. 5). c = instrument panel. 2 a strip of material as part of a garment. 3 a group of people forming a team in a broadcast game, discussion, etc. 4 Brit. hist. a list of medical practitioners registered in a district as accepting patients under the National Insurance Act. 5 a a list of available jurors; a jury. b Sc. a person or persons accused of a crime. --v.tr. (panelled, panelling; US paneled, paneling) 1 fit or provide with panels. 2 cover or decorate with panels. panel-beater one whose job is to beat out the metal panels of motor vehicles. panel game a broadcast quiz etc. played by a panel. panel heating the heating of rooms by panels in the wall etc. containing the sources of heat. panel pin a thin nail with a very small head. panel saw a saw with small teeth for cutting thin wood for panels. panel truck US a small enclosed delivery truck. [ME & OF, = piece of cloth, ult. f. L pannus: see PANE] panellingn. (US paneling) 1 panelled work. 2 wood for making panels. panellistn. (US panelist) a member of a panel (esp. in broadcasting). pangn. (often in pl.) a sudden sharp pain or painful emotion. [16th c.: var. of earlier prange pinching f. Gmc] pangan. a bladed African tool like a machete. [native name in E. Africa] pangolinn. any scaly anteater of the genus Manis, native to Asia and Africa, having a small head with elongated snout and tongue, and a tapering tail. [Malay peng-goling roller (from its habit of rolling itself up)] panhandlen. & v. US --n. a narrow strip of territory extending from one State into another. --v.tr. & intr. colloq. beg for money in the street. panhandler n. panicn. & v. --n. 1 a sudden uncontrollable fear or alarm. b (attrib.) characterized or caused by panic (panic buying). 2 infectious apprehension or fright esp. in commercial dealings. --v.tr. & intr. (panicked, panicking) (often foll. by into) affect or be affected with panic (was panicked into buying). panic button a button for summoning help in an emergency. panic-monger a person who fosters a panic. panic stations a state of emergency. panic-stricken (or -struck) affected with panic; very apprehensive. panicky adj. [F panique f. mod.L panicus f. Gk panikos f. Pan a rural god causing terror] n. any grass of the genus Panicum, including millet and other cereals. [OE f. L panicum f. panus thread on bobbin, millet-ear f. Gk penos web] paniclen. Bot. a loose branching cluster of flowers, as in oats. panicled adj. [L paniculum dimin. of panus thread] panjandrum n. 1 a mock title for an important person. 2 a pompous or pretentious official etc. [app. invented in nonsense verse by S. Foote 1755] pannen. (in full panne velvet) a velvet-like fabric of silk or rayon with a flattened pile. [F] panniern. 1 a basket, esp. one of a pair carried by a beast of burden. 2 each of a pair of bags or boxes on either side of the rear wheel of a bicycle or motor cycle. 3 hist. a part of a skirt looped up round the hips. b a frame supporting this. [ME f. OF panier f. L panarium bread-basket f. panis bread] pannikinn. Brit. 1 a small metal drinking-cup. 2 the contents of this. [PAN + -KIN, after cannikin] panoplyn. (pl. -ies) 1 a complete or splendid array. 2 a complete suit of armour. panoplied adj. [F panoplie or mod.L panoplia full armour f. Gk (as PAN-, oplia f. hopla arms)] panopticadj. showing or seeing the whole at one view. [Gk panoptos seen by all, panoptes all-seeing] panoraman. 1 an unbroken view of a surrounding region. 2 a complete survey or presentation of a subject, sequence of events, etc. 3 a picture or photograph containing a wide view. 4 a continuous passing scene. panoramic adj. panoramically adv. [PAN- + Gk horama view f. horao see] pan-pipesn.pl. a musical instrument orig. associated with the Greek rural god Pan, made of a series of short pipes graduated in length and fixed together with the mouthpieces in line. pansyn. (pl. -ies) 1 any garden plant of the genus Viola, with flowers of various rich colours. 2 colloq. derog. a an effeminate man. b a male homosexual. [F pens‚e thought, pansy f. penser think f. L pensare frequent. of pendere pens- weigh] pantv. & n. --v. 1 intr. breathe with short quick breaths. 2 tr. (often foll. by out) utter breathlessly. 3 intr. (often foll. by for) yearn or crave. 4 intr. (of the heart etc.) throb violently. --n. 1 a panting breath. 2 a throb. pantingly adv. [ME f. OF pantaisier ult. f. Gk phantasioo cause to imagine (as FANTASY)] pantaletsn.pl. (also pantalettes) hist. 1 long underpants worn by women and girls in the 19th c., with a frill at the bottom of each leg. 2 women's cycling trousers. [dimin. of PANTALOON] pantaloonn. 1 (in pl.) a hist. men's close-fitting breeches fastened below the calf or at the foot. b esp. US trousers. 2 (Pantaloon) a character in Italian comedy wearing pantaloons (in sense 1a). [F pantalon f. It. pantalone, a character in Italian comedy] pantechnicon n. Brit. a large van for transporting furniture. [PAN- + TECHNIC orig. as the name of a bazaar and then a furniture warehouse] pantheismn. 1 the belief that God is identifiable with the forces of nature and with natural substances. 2 worship that admits or tolerates all gods. pantheist n. pantheistic adj. pantheistical adj. pantheistically adv. [PAN- + Gk theos god] pantheonn. 1 a building in which illustrious dead are buried or have memorials. 2 the deities of a people collectively. 3 a temple dedicated to all the gods, esp. the circular one at Rome. [ME f. L f. Gk pantheion (as PAN-, theion holy f. theos god)] panthern. 1 a leopard, esp. with black fur. 2 US a puma. [ME f. OF pantere f. L panthera f. Gk panther] pantie-girdle n. a woman's girdle with a crotch shaped like pants. pantiesn.pl. colloq. short-legged or legless underpants worn by women and girls. [dimin. of PANTS] pantihosen. (US panty hose) (usu. treated as pl.) women's tights. [PANTIES + HOSE] pantilen. a roof-tile curved to form an S-shaped section, fitted to overlap. [PAN + TILE] panton. (pl. -os) Brit. colloq. = PANTOMIME 1. [abbr.] panto-comb. form all, universal. [Gk pas pantos all] pantograph n. 1 Art & Painting an instrument for copying a plan or drawing etc. on a different scale by a system of jointed rods. 2 a jointed framework conveying a current to an electric vehicle from overhead wires. pantographic adj. [PANTO- + Gk -graphos writing] pantomimen. 1 Brit. a theatrical entertainment based on a fairy tale, with music, topical jokes, etc., usu. produced about Christmas. 2 the use of gestures and facial expression to convey meaning, esp. in drama and dance. 3 colloq. an absurd or outrageous piece of behaviour. pantomimic adj. [F pantomime or L pantomimus f. Gk pantomimos (as PANTO-, MIME)] pantothenic acid n. a vitamin of the B complex, found in rice, bran, and many other foods, and essential for the oxidation of fats and carbohydrates. [Gk pantothen from every side] pantryn. (pl. -ies) 1 a small room or cupboard in which crockery, cutlery, table linen, etc., are kept. 2 a larder. [ME f. AF panetrie, OF paneterie f. panetier baker ult. f. LL panarius bread-seller f. L panis bread] pantrymann. (pl. -men) a butler or a butler's assistant. pantsn.pl. colloq. 1 Brit. underpants or knickers. 2 US trousers or slacks. bore (or scare etc.) the pants off colloq. bore, scare, etc., to an intolerable degree. pants (or pant) suit esp. US a trouser suit. with one's pants down colloq. in an embarrassingly unprepared state. [abbr. of PANTALOONS] panty hose US var. of PANTIHOSE. panzern. 1 (in pl.) armoured troops. 2 (attrib.) heavily armoured (panzer division). [G, = coat of mail] papn. 1 a soft or semi-liquid food for infants or invalids. b a mash or pulp. 2 light or trivial reading matter; nonsense. pappy adj. [ME prob. f. MLG, MDu. pappe, prob. ult. f. L pappare eat] n. archaic or dial. the nipple of a breast. [ME, of Scand. orig.: ult. imit. of sucking] papan. archaic father (esp. as a child's word). [F f. LL f. Gk papas] papabileadj. suitable for high office. [It., = suitable to be pope, f. L papa pope] papacyn. (pl. -ies) 1 a pope's office or tenure. 2 the papal system. [ME f. med.L papatia f. papa pope] papainn. an enzyme obtained from unripe pawpaws, used to tenderize meat and as a food supplement to aid digestion. [PAPAYA + -IN] papaladj. of or relating to a pope or to the papacy. Papal States hist. the temporal dominions belonging to the Pope, esp. in central Italy. papally adv. [ME f. OF f. med.L papalis f. eccl.L papa POPE] paparazzon. (pl. paparazzi) a freelance photographer who pursues celebrities to get photographs of them. [It.] papaverous adj. like or related to the poppy. papaveraceous adj. [L papaver poppy] papawvar. of PAWPAW. papayan. = PAWPAW 1. [earlier form of PAWPAW] papern. & v. --n. 1 a material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, used for writing or drawing or printing on, or as wrapping material etc. 2 (attrib.) a made of or using paper. b flimsy like paper. 3 = NEWSPAPER. 4 a a document printed on paper. b (in pl.) documents attesting identity or credentials. c (in pl.) documents belonging to a person or relating to a matter. 5 Commerce a negotiable documents, e.g. bills of exchange. b (attrib.) recorded on paper though not existing (paper profits). 6 a a set of questions to be answered at one session in an examination. b the written answers to these. 7 = WALLPAPER. 8 an essay or dissertation, esp. one read to a learned society or published in a learned journal. 9 a piece of paper, esp. as a wrapper etc. 10 Theatr. sl. free tickets or the people admitted by them (the house is full of paper). --v.tr. 1 apply paper to, esp. decorate (a wall etc.) with wallpaper. 2 (foll. by over) a cover (a hole or blemish) with paper. b disguise or try to hide (a fault etc.). 3 Theatr. sl. fill (a theatre) by giving free passes. on paper 1 in writing. 2 in theory; to judge from written or printed evidence. paper-boy (or -girl) a boy or girl who delivers or sells newspapers. paper-chase a cross-country run in which the runners follow a trail marked by torn-up paper. paper-clip a clip of bent wire or of plastic for holding several sheets of paper together. paper-hanger a person who decorates with wallpaper, esp. professionally. paper-knife a blunt knife for opening letters etc. paper-mill a mill in which paper is made. paper money money in the form of banknotes. paper mulberry a small Asiatic tree, Broussonetia papyrifera, of the mulberry family, whose bark is used for making paper and cloth. paper nautilus see NAUTILUS 2. paper round 1 a job of regularly delivering newspapers. 2 a route taken doing this. paper tape Computing tape made of paper, esp. that on which data or instructions are represented by means of holes punched in it, for conveying to a processor etc. paper tiger an apparently threatening, but ineffectual, person or thing. paperer n. paperless adj. [ME f. AF papir, = OF papier f. L papyrus: see PAPYRUS] paperbackadj. & n. --adj. (of a book) bound in stiff paper not boards. --n. a paperback book. paperweight n. a small heavy object for keeping loose papers in place. paperworkn. routine clerical or administrative work. paperyadj. like paper in thinness or texture. papier mƒch‚ n. paper pulp used for moulding into boxes, trays, etc. [F, = chewed paper] papilionaceous adj. (of a plant) with a corolla like a butterfly. [mod.L papilionaceus f. L papilio -onis butterfly] papillan. (pl. papillae) 1 a small nipple-like protuberance in a part or organ of the body. 2 Bot. a small fleshy projection on a plant. papillary adj. papillate adj. papillose adj. [L, = nipple, dimin. of papula: see PAPULA] papilloman. (pl. papillomas or papillomata) a wartlike usu. benign tumour. papillonn. 1 a toy dog of a breed with ears suggesting the form of a butterfly. 2 this breed. [F, = butterfly, f. L papilio -onis] papistn. & adj. often derog. --n. 1 a Roman Catholic. 2 hist. an advocate of papal supremacy. --adj. of or relating to Roman Catholics. papistic adj. papistical adj. papistry n. [F papiste or mod.L papista f. eccl.L papa POPE] papoosen. a N. American Indian young child. [Algonquin] pappusn. (pl. pappi) a group of hairs on the fruit of thistles, dandelions, etc. pappose adj. [L f. Gk pappos] paprikan. 1 Bot. a red pepper. 2 a condiment made from it. [Magyar] pap testn. a test done by a cervical smear. [abbr. of G. N. Papanicolaou, US scientist d. 1962] papulan. (also papule) (pl. papulae) 1 a pimple. 2 a small fleshy projection on a plant. papular adj. papulose adj. papulous adj. [L] papyrology n. the study of ancient papyri. papyrological adj. papyrologist n. papyrusn. (pl. papyri) 1 an aquatic plant, Cyperus papyrus, with dark green stems topped with fluffy inflorescences. 2 a a writing-material prepared in ancient Egypt from the pithy stem of this. b a document written on this. [ME f. L papyrus f. Gk papuros] parn. 1 the average or normal amount, degree, condition, etc. (feel below par; be up to par). 2 equality; an equal status or footing (on a par with). 3 Golf the number of strokes a first-class player should normally require for a hole or course. 4 Stock Exch. the face value of stocks and shares etc. (at par). 5 (in full par of exchange) the recognized value of one country's currency in terms of another's. above (or below) par Stock Exch. at a premium (or discount). at par Stock Exch. at face value. par for the course colloq. what is normal or expected in any given circumstances. [L (adj. & n.) = equal, equality] n. Brit. esp. Journalism colloq. paragraph. [abbr.] par.abbr. (also para.) paragraph. par-prefix var. of PARA- before a vowel or h; (paraldehyde; parody; parhelion). paran. colloq. 1 a paratrooper. 2 a paragraph. [abbr.] para-prefix (also par-) 1 beside (paramilitary). 2 beyond (paranormal). 3 Chem. a modification of (paraldehyde). b relating to diametrically opposite carbon atoms in a benzene ring (paradichlorobenzene). [from or after Gk para- f. para beside, past, beyond] comb. form protect, ward off (parachute; parasol). [F f. It. f. L parare defend] parabiosis n. Biol. the natural or artificial joining of two individuals. parabiotic adj. [mod.L, formed as PARA- + Gk biosis mode of life f. bios life] parablen. 1 a narrative of imagined events used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. 2 an allegory. [ME f. OF parabole f. LL sense 'allegory, discourse' of L parabola comparison] parabolan. an open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side, resembling the path of a projectile under the action of gravity. [mod.L f. Gk parabole placing side by side, comparison (as PARA-, bole a throw f. ballo)] parabolicadj. 1 of or expressed in a parable. 2 of or like a parabola. parabolically adv. [LL parabolicus f. Gk parabolikos (as PARABOLA)] parabolical adj. = PARABOLIC 1. paraboloid n. 1 (in full paraboloid of revolution) a solid generated by the rotation of a parabola about its axis of symmetry. 2 a solid having two or more non-parallel parabolic cross-sections. paraboloidal adj. paracetamol n. 1 a drug used to reduce pain and relieve fever. 2 a tablet of this. [para-a cetyl aminophen ol] parachronism n. an error in chronology, esp. by assigning too late a date. [PARA- + Gk khronos time, perh. after anachronism] parachuten. & v. --n. 1 a rectangular or umbrella-shaped apparatus allowing a person or heavy object attached to it to descend slowly from a height, esp. from an aircraft, or to retard motion in other ways. 2 (attrib.) dropped or to be dropped by parachute (parachute troops; parachute flare). --v.tr. & intr. convey or descend by parachute. [F (as PARA-, CHUTE)] parachutist n. 1 a person who uses a parachute. 2 (in pl.) parachute troops. Paracleten. the Holy Spirit as advocate or counsellor (John 14:16, 26, etc.). [ME f. OF paraclet f. LL paracletus f. Gk parakletos called in aid (as PARA-, kletos f. kaleo call)] paraden. & v. --n. 1 a a formal or ceremonial muster of troops for inspection. b = parade-ground. 2 a public procession. 3 ostentatious display (made a parade of their wealth). 4 a public square, promenade, or row of shops. --v. 1 intr. assemble for parade. 2 a tr. march through (streets etc.) in procession. b intr. march ceremonially. 3 tr. display ostentatiously. on parade 1 taking part in a parade. 2 on display. parade-ground a place for the muster of troops. parader n. [F, = show, f. Sp. parada and It. parata ult. f. L parare prepare, furnish] paradiddle n. a drum roll with alternate beating of sticks. [imit.] paradigmn. an example or pattern, esp. a representative set of the inflections of a noun, verb, etc. paradigmatic adj. paradigmatically adv. [LL paradigma f. Gk paradeigma f. paradeiknumi show side by side (as PARA-, deiknumi show)] paradisen. 1 (in some religions) heaven as the ultimate abode of the just. 2 a place or state of complete happiness. 3 (in full earthly paradise) the abode of Adam and Eve in the biblical account of the Creation; the garden of Eden. paradisaical adj. paradisal adj. paradisiacal adj. paradisical adj. [ME f. OF paradis f. LL paradisus f. Gk paradeisos f. Avestan pairidaeza park] paradosn. an elevation of earth behind a fortified place as a protection against attack from the rear, esp. a mound along the back of a trench. [F (as PARA-, dos back f. L dorsum)] paradoxn. 1 a a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement, even if actually well-founded. b a self-contradictory or essentially absurd statement. 2 a person or thing conflicting with a preconceived notion of what is reasonable or possible. 3 a paradoxical quality or character. [orig. = a statement contrary to accepted opinion, f. LL paradoxum f. Gk paradoxon neut. adj. (as PARA-, doxa opinion)] paradoxical adj. 1 of or like or involving paradox. 2 fond of paradox. paradoxically adv. paraffinn. 1 an inflammable waxy or oily substance obtained by distillation from petroleum or shale, used in liquid form (also paraffin oil) esp. as a fuel. 2 Chem. = ALKANE. paraffin wax paraffin in its solid form. [G (1830) f. L parum little + affinis related, from the small affinity it has for other substances] paragogen. the addition of a letter or syllable to a word in some contexts or as a language develops (e.g. t in peasant). paragogic adj. [LL f. Gk paragoge derivation (as PARA-, agoge f. ago lead)] paragonn. 1 a a model of excellence. b a supremely excellent person or thing. 2 (foll. by of) a model (of virtue etc.). 3 a perfect diamond of 100 carats or more. [obs. F f. It. paragone touchstone, f. med.Gk parakone whetstone] paragraphn. & v. --n. 1 a distinct section of a piece of writing, beginning on a new usu. indented line. 2 a symbol (usu. X!X!) used to mark a new paragraph, and also as a reference mark. 3 a short item in a newspaper, usu. of only one paragraph. --v.tr. arrange (a piece of writing) in paragraphs. paragraphic adj. [F paragraphe or med.L paragraphus f. Gk paragraphos short stroke marking a break in sense (as PARA-, grapho write)] parakeetn. (US also parrakeet) any of various small usu. long-tailed parrots. [OF paroquet, It. parrocchetto, Sp. periquito, perh. ult. f. dimin. of Pierre etc. Peter: cf. PARROT] paralanguage n. elements or factors in communication that are ancillary to language proper, e.g. intonation and gesture. paraldehyde n. a cyclic polymer of acetaldehyde, used as a narcotic and sedative. [PARA- + ALDEHYDE] paralegaladj. & n. esp. US --adj. of or relating to auxiliary aspects of the law. --n. a person trained in subsidiary legal matters. [PARA- + LEGAL] paralipomena n.pl. (also -leipomena) 1 things omitted from a work and added as a supplement. 2 Bibl. the books of Chronicles in the Old Testament, containing particulars omitted from Kings. [ME f. eccl.L f. Gk paraleipomena f. paraleipo omit (as PARA-), leipo leave)] paralipsis n. (also -leipsis) (pl. -ses) Rhet. 1 the device of giving emphasis by professing to say little or nothing of a subject, as in not to mention their unpaid debts of several millions. 2 an instance of this. [LL f. Gk paraleipsis passing over (as PARA-), leipsis f. leipo leave)] parallaxn. 1 the apparent difference in the position or direction of an object caused when the observer's position is changed. 2 the angular amount of this. parallactic adj. [F parallaxe f. mod.L parallaxis f. Gk parallaxis change f. parallasso to alternate (as PARA-, allasso exchange f. allos other)] paralleladj., n., & v. --adj. 1 a (of lines or planes) side by side and having the same distance continuously between them. b (foll. by to, with) (of a line or plane) having this relation (to another). 2 (of circumstances etc.) precisely similar, analogous, or corresponding. 3 a (of processes etc.) occurring or performed simultaneously. b Computing involving the simultaneous performance of operations. --n. 1 a person or thing precisely analogous or equal to another. 2 a comparison (drew a parallel between the two situations). 3 (in full parallel of latitude) Geog. a each of the imaginary parallel circles of constant latitude on the earth's surface. b a corresponding line on a map (the 49th parallel). 4 Printing two parallel lines (ll) as a reference mark. --v.tr. (paralleled, paralleling) 1 be parallel to; correspond to. 2 represent as similar; compare. 3 adduce as a parallel instance. in parallel (of electric circuits) arranged so as to join at common points at each end. parallel bars a pair of parallel rails on posts for gymnastics. parallelism n. [F parallŠle f. L parallelus f. Gk parallelos (as PARA-, allelos one another)] parallelepiped n. Geom. a solid body of which each face is a parallelogram. [Gk parallelepipedon (as PARALLEL, epipedon plane surface)] parallelogram n. Geom. a four-sided plane rectilinear figure with opposite sides parallel. parallelogram of forces 1 a parallelogram illustrating the theorem that if two forces acting at a point are represented in magnitude and direction by two sides of a parallelogram meeting at that point, their resultant is represented by the diagonal drawn from that point. 2 this theorem. [F parall‚logramme f. LL parallelogrammum f. Gk parallelogrammon (as PARALLEL, gramme line)] paralogism n. Logic 1 a fallacy. 2 illogical reasoning (esp. of which the reasoner is unconscious). paralogist n. paralogize v.intr. (also -ise). [F paralogisme f. LL paralogismus f. Gk paralogismos f. paralogizomai reason falsely f. paralogos contrary to reason (as PARA-, logos reason)] paralysen. (US paralyze) 1 affect with paralysis. 2 render powerless; cripple. paralysation n. paralysingly adv. [F paralyser f. paralysie: cf. PALSY] paralysisn. (pl. paralyses) 1 a nervous condition with impairment or loss of esp. the motor function of the nerves. 2 a state of utter powerlessness. [L f. Gk paralusis f. paraluo disable (as PARA-, luo loosen)] paralyticadj. & n. --adj. 1 affected by paralysis. 2 sl. very drunk. --n. a person affected by paralysis. paralytically adv. [ME f. OF paralytique f. L paralyticus f. Gk paralutikos (as PARALYSIS)] paramagnetic adj. (of a body or substance) tending to become weakly magnetized so as to lie parallel to a magnetic field force. paramagnetism n. paramattavar. of PARRAMATTA. paramecium n. (also paramoecium) any freshwater protozoan of the genus Paramecium, of a characteristic slipper-like shape covered with cilia. [mod.L f. Gk paramekes oval (as PARA-, mekos length)] paramedicn. a paramedical worker. paramedical adj. (of services etc.) supplementing and supporting medical work. parametern. 1 Math. a quantity constant in the case considered but varying in different cases. 2 a an (esp. measurable or quantifiable) characteristic or feature. b (loosely) a constant element or factor, esp. serving as a limit or boundary. parametric adj. parametrize v.tr. (also -ise). [mod.L f. Gk para beside + metron measure] paramilitary adj. (of forces) ancillary to and similarly organized to military forces. paramnesia n. Psychol. = DJ° VU. [PARA- + AMNESIA] paramon. (pl. -os) a high treeless plateau in tropical S. America. [Sp. & Port. f. L paramus] paramoecium var. of PARAMECIUM. paramountadj. 1 supreme; requiring first consideration; pre-eminent (of paramount importance). 2 in supreme authority. paramountcy n. paramountly adv. [AF paramont f. OF par by + amont above: cf. AMOUNT] paramourn. archaic or derog. an illicit lover of a married person. [ME f. OF par amour by love] parangn. a large heavy Malayan knife used for clearing vegetation etc. [Malay] paranoian. 1 a mental disorder esp. characterized by delusions of persecution and self-importance. 2 an abnormal tendency to suspect and mistrust others. paranoiac adj. & n. paranoiacally adv. paranoic adj. paranoically adv. paranoid adj. & n. [mod.L f. Gk f. paranoos distracted (as PARA-, noos mind)] paranormal adj. beyond the scope of normal objective investigation or explanation. paranormally adv. parapetn. 1 a low wall at the edge of a roof, balcony, etc., or along the sides of a bridge. 2 a defence of earth or stone to conceal and protect troops. parapeted adj. [F parapet or It. parapetto breast-high wall (as PARA-, petto breast f. L pectus)] paraphn. a flourish after a signature, orig. as a precaution against forgery. [ME f. F paraphe f. med.L paraphus for paragraphus PARAGRAPH] paraphernalia n.pl. (also treated as sing.) miscellaneous belongings, items of equipment, accessories, etc. [orig. = property owned by a married woman, f. med.L paraphernalia f. LL parapherna f. Gk parapherna property apart from a dowry (as PARA-, pherna f. pherne dower)] paraphrase n. & v. --n. a free rendering or rewording of a passage. --v.tr. express the meaning of (a passage) in other words. paraphrastic adj. [F paraphrase or L paraphrasis f. Gk paraphrasis f. paraphrazo (as PARA- phrazo tell)] paraplegia n. paralysis of the legs and part or the whole of the trunk. paraplegic adj. & n. [mod.L f. Gk paraplegia f. paraplesso (as PARA-, plesso strike)] parapsychology n. the study of mental phenomena outside the sphere of ordinary psychology (hypnosis, telepathy, etc.). parapsychological adj. parapsychologist n. paraquatn. a quick-acting herbicide, becoming inactive on contact with the soil. [PARA- + QUATERNARY (from the position of the bond between the two parts of the molecule relative to quaternary nitrogen atom)] parascending n. a sport in which participants wearing open parachutes are towed behind a vehicle or motor boat to gain height before release for a conventional descent, usu. towards a predetermined target. parascender n. paraselene n. (pl. paraselenae) a bright spot, esp. an image of the moon, on a lunar halo. Also called mock moon. [mod.L (as PARA-, Gk selene moon)] parasiten. 1 an organism living in or on another and benefiting at the expense of the other. 2 a person who lives off or exploits another or others. 3 Philol. an inorganic sound or letter developing from an adjacent one. parasitic adj. parasitical adj. parasitically adv. parasiticide n. parasitism n. parasitology n. parasitologist n. [L parasitus f. Gk parasitos one who eats at another's table (as PARA-, sitos food)] parasitize v.tr. (also -ise) infest as a parasite. parasitization n. parasoln. a light umbrella used to give shade from the sun. [F f. It. parasole (as PARA-, sole sun f. L sol)] parasympathetic adj. Anat. relating to the part of the nervous system that consists of nerves leaving the lower end of the spinal cord and connecting with those in or near the viscera (cf. SYMPATHETIC 9). [PARA- + SYMPATHETIC, because some of these nerves run alongside sympathetic nerves] parasynthesis n. Philol. a derivation from a compound, e.g. black-eyed from black eye(s) + -ed. parasynthetic adj. [Gk parasunthesis (as PARA-, SYNTHESIS)] parataxisn. Gram. the placing of clauses etc. one after another, without words to indicate coordination or subordination, e.g. Tell me, how are you? paratactic adj. paratactically adv. [Gk parataxis (as PARA-, taxis arrangement f. tasso arrange)] parathionn. a highly toxic agricultural insecticide. [PARA- + THIO- + -ON] parathyroid n. & adj. Anat. --n. a gland next to the thyroid, secreting a hormone that regulates calcium levels in the body. --adj. of or associated with this gland. paratroopn. (attrib.) of or consisting of paratroops (paratroop regiment). paratrooper n. a member of a body of paratroops. paratroops n.pl. troops equipped to be dropped by parachute from aircraft. [contr. of PARACHUTE + TROOP] paratyphoid n. & adj. --n. a fever resembling typhoid but caused by various different though related bacteria. --adj. of, relating to, or caused by this fever. paravanen. a torpedo-shaped device towed at a depth regulated by its vanes or planes to cut the moorings of submerged mines. par avionadv. by airmail. [F, = by aeroplane] parboilv.tr. partly cook by boiling. [ME f. OF parbo(u)illir f. LL perbullire boil thoroughly (as PER-, bullire boil: confused with PART)] parbucklen. & v. --n. a rope arranged like a sling, for raising or lowering casks and cylindrical objects. --v.tr. raise or lower with this. [earlier parbunkle, of unkn. orig.: assoc. with BUCKLE] parceln. & v. --n. 1 a goods etc. wrapped up in a single package. b a bundle of things wrapped up, usu. in paper. 2 a piece of land, esp. as part of an estate. 3 a quantity dealt with in one commercial transaction. 4 archaic part. --v.tr. (parcelled, parcelling; US parceled, parceling) 1 (foll. by up) wrap as a parcel. 2 (foll. by out) divide into portions. 3 cover (rope) with strips of canvas. parcel post the branch of the postal service dealing with parcels. [ME f. OF parcelle ult. f. L particula (as PART)] parchv. 1 tr. & intr. make or become hot and dry. 2 tr. roast (peas, corn, etc.) slightly. [ME perch, parche, of unkn. orig.] parchedadj. 1 hot and dry; dried out with heat. 2 colloq. thirsty. parchmentn. 1 a an animal skin, esp. that of a sheep or goat, prepared as a writing or painting surface. b a manuscript written on this. 2 (in full vegetable parchment) high-grade paper made to resemble parchment. [ME f. OF parchemin, ult. a blend of LL pergamina writing material from Pergamum (in Asia Minor) with Parthica pellis Parthian skin (leather)] parclosen. a screen or railing in a church, separating a side chapel. [ME f. OF parclos -ose past part. of parclore enclose] pardn. archaic or poet. a leopard. [ME f. OF f. L pardus f. Gk pardos] pardaloten. any small brightly-coloured Australian bird of the genus Pardalotus, with spotted plumage. Also called diamond-bird. [mod.L Pardalotus f. Gk pardalotos spotted like a leopard (as PARD)] pardnern. US colloq. a partner or comrade. [corrupt.] pardonn., v., & int. --n. 1 the act of excusing or forgiving an offence, error, etc. 2 (in full free pardon) a remission of the legal consequences of a crime or conviction. 3 RC Ch. an indulgence. --v.tr. 1 release from the consequences of an offence, error, etc. 2 forgive or excuse a person for (an offence etc.). 3 make (esp. courteous) allowances for; excuse. --int. (also pardon me or I beg your pardon) 1 a formula of apology or disagreement. 2 a request to repeat something said. pardonable adj. pardonably adv. [ME f. OF pardun, pardoner f. med.L perdonare concede, remit (as PER-, donare give)] pardonern. hist. a person licensed to sell papal pardons or indulgences. [ME f. AF (as PARDON)] parev.tr. 1 a trim or shave (esp. fruit and vegetables) by cutting away the surface or edge. b (often foll. by off, away) cut off (the surface or edge). 2 (often foll. by away, down) diminish little by little. parer n. [ME f. OF parer adorn, peel (fruit), f. L parare prepare] paregoricn. (in full paregoric elixir) hist. a camphorated tincture of opium used to reduce pain. [LL paregoricus f. Gk paregorikos soothing (as PARA-, -agoros speaking f. agora assembly)] pareiran. a drug from the root of a Brazilian shrub, Chondrodendron tomentosum, used as a muscle relaxant in surgery etc. [Port. parreira vine trained against a wall] parenchyma n. 1 Anat. the functional part of an organ as distinguished from the connective and supporting tissue. 2 Bot. the cellular material, usu. soft and succulent, found esp. in the softer parts of leaves, pulp of fruits, bark and pith of stems, etc. parenchymal adj. parenchymatous adj. [Gk paregkhuma something poured in besides (as PARA-, egkhuma infusion f. egkheo pour in)] parentn. & v. --n. 1 a person who has begotten or borne offspring; a father or mother. 2 a person who has adopted a child. 3 a forefather. 4 an animal or plant from which others are derived. 5 a source or origin. 6 an initiating organization or enterprise. --v.tr. (also absol.) be a parent of. parent company a company of which other companies are subsidiaries. parent-teacher association a local organization of parents and teachers for promoting closer relations and improving educational facilities at a school. parental adj. parentally adv. parenthood n. [ME f. OF f. L parens parentis f. parere bring forth] parentagen. lineage; descent from or through parents (their parentage is unknown). [ME f. OF (as PARENT)] parenteral adj. Med. administered or occurring elsewhere than in the alimentary canal. parenterally adv. [PARA- + Gk enteron intestine] parenthesis n. (pl. parentheses) 1 a a word, clause, or sentence inserted as an explanation or afterthought into a passage which is grammatically complete without it, and usu. marked off by brackets or dashes or commas. b (in pl.) a pair of round brackets () used for this. 2 an interlude or interval. in parenthesis as a parenthesis or afterthought. [LL f. Gk parenthesis f. parentithemi put in beside] parenthesize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 (also absol.) insert as a parenthesis. 2 put into brackets or similar punctuation. parenthetic adj. 1 of or by way of a parenthesis. 2 interposed. parenthetical adj. parenthetically adv. [PARENTHESIS after synthesis, synthetic, etc.] parentingn. the occupation or concerns of parents. parergonn. (pl. parerga) 1 work subsidiary to one's main employment. 2 an ornamental accessory. [L f. Gk parergon (as PARA-, ergon work)] paresisn. (pl. pareses) Med. partial paralysis. paretic adj. [mod.L f. Gk f. pariemi let go (as PARA-, hiemi let go)] par excellence adv. as having special excellence; being the supreme example of its kind (the short story par excellence). [F, = by excellence] parfaitn. 1 a rich iced pudding of whipped cream, eggs, etc. 2 layers of ice-cream, meringue, etc., served in a tall glass. [F parfait PERFECT adj.] parganan. (also pergunnah, pergana) (in India) a group of villages or a subdivision of a district. [Urdu pargana district] pargetv. & n. --v.tr. (pargeted, pargeting) 1 plaster (a wall etc.) esp. with an ornamental pattern. 2 roughcast. --n. 1 plaster applied in this way; ornamental plasterwork. 2 roughcast. [ME f. OF pargeter, parjeter f. par all over + jeter throw] parhelionn. (pl. parhelia) a bright spot on the solar halo. Also called mock sun, sun-dog. parheliacal adj. parhelic adj. [L parelion f. Gk (as PARA-, helios sun)] pariahn. 1 a social outcast. 2 hist. a member of a low caste or of no caste in S. India. pariah-dog = PYE-DOG. [Tamil paraiyar pl. of paraiyan hereditary drummer f. parai drum] parietaladj. 1 Anat. of the wall of the body or any of its cavities. 2 Bot. of the wall of a hollow structure etc. 3 US relating to residence within a college. parietal bone either of a pair of bones forming the central part of the sides and top of the skull. [F pari‚tal or LL parietalis f. L paries -etis wall] pari-mutuel n. 1 a form of betting in which those backing the first three places divide the losers' stakes (less the operator's commission). 2 a totalizator. [F, = mutual stake] paringn. a strip or piece cut off. pari passu adv. 1 with equal speed. 2 simultaneously and equally. [L] Paris commune see COMMUNE. Paris green n. a poisonous chemical used as a pigment and insecticide. [Paris in France] parishn. 1 an area having its own church and clergy. 2 (in full civil parish) a district constituted for purposes of local government. 3 the inhabitants of a parish. 4 US a county in Louisiana. parish clerk an official performing various duties concerned with the church. parish council Brit. the administrative body in a civil parish. parish pump (often attrib.) a symbol of a parochial or restricted outlook. parish register a book recording christenings, marriages, and burials, at a parish church. [ME paroche, parosse f. OF paroche, paroisse f. eccl.L parochia, paroechia f. Gk paroikia sojourning f. paroikos (as PARA-, -oikos -dwelling f. oikeo dwell)] parishioner n. an inhabitant of a parish. [obs. parishen f. ME f. OF parossien, formed as PARISH] Parisianadj. & n. --adj. of or relating to Paris in France. --n. 1 a native or inhabitant of Paris. 2 the kind of French spoken in Paris. [F parisien] parisonn. a rounded mass of glass formed by rolling immediately after taking it from the furnace. [F paraison f. parer prepare f. L parare] parityn. 1 equality or equal status, esp. as regards status or pay. 2 parallelism or analogy (parity of reasoning). 3 equivalence of one currency with another; being at par. 4 (of a number) the fact of being even or odd. 5 Physics (of a quantity) the fact of changing its sign or remaining unaltered under a given transformation of coordinates etc. [F parit‚ or LL paritas (as PAR)] n. Med. 1 the fact or condition of having borne children. 2 the number of children previously borne. [formed as -PAROUS + -ITY] parkn. & v. --n. 1 a large public garden in a town, for recreation. 2 a large enclosed piece of ground, usu. with woodland and pasture, attached to a country house etc. 3 a a large area of land kept in its natural state for public recreational use. b a large enclosed area of land used to accommodate wild animals in captivity (wildlife park). 4 an area for motor vehicles etc. to be left in (car park). 5 the gear position or function in automatic transmission in which the gears are locked, preventing the vehicle's movement. 6 an area devoted to a specified purpose (industrial park). 7 a US a sports ground. b (usu. prec. by the) a football pitch. --v.tr. 1 (also absol.) leave (a vehicle) usu. temporarily, in a car park, by the side of the road, etc. 2 colloq. deposit and leave, usu. temporarily. parking-light a small light at the side of a vehicle, for use when the vehicle is parked at night. parking-lot US an outdoor area for parking vehicles. parking-meter a coin-operated meter which receives fees for vehicles parked in the street and indicates the time available. parking-ticket a notice, usu. attached to a vehicle, of a penalty imposed for parking illegally. park oneself colloq. sit down. [ME f. OF parc f. med.L parricus of Gmc orig., rel. to pearruc: see PADDOCK] parkan. 1 a skin jacket with hood, worn by Eskimos. 2 a similar windproof fabric garment worn by mountaineers etc. [Aleutian] parkinn. Brit. a cake or biscuit made with oatmeal, ginger, and treacle or molasses. [perh. f. the name Parkin, dimin. of Peter] Parkinsonism n. = PARKINSON'S DISEASE. Parkinson's disease n. a progressive disease of the nervous system with tremor, muscular rigidity, and emaciation. Also called PARKINSONISM. [J. Parkinson, Engl. surgeon d. 1824] Parkinson's law n. the notion that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. [C. N. Parkinson, Engl. writer b. 1909] parklandn. open grassland with clumps of trees etc. parkwayn. 1 US an open landscaped highway. 2 Brit. a railway station with extensive parking facilities. parkyadj. (parkier, parkiest) Brit. colloq. chilly. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] Parl.abbr. Brit. 1 Parliament. 2 Parliamentary. parlancen. a particular way of speaking, esp. as regards choice of words, idiom, etc. [OF f. parler speak, ult. f. L parabola (see PARABLE): in LL = 'speech'] parlayv. & n. US --v.tr. 1 use (money won on a bet) as a further stake. 2 increase in value by or as if by parlaying. --n. 1 an act of parlaying. 2 a bet made by parlaying. [F paroli f. It. f. paro like f. L par equal] parleyn. & v. --n. (pl. -eys) a conference for debating points in a dispute, esp. a discussion of terms for an armistice etc. --v.intr. (-leys, -leyed) (often foll. by with) hold a parley. [perh. f. OF parlee, fem. past part. of parler speak: see PARLANCE] parliament n. 1 (Parliament) a (in the UK) the highest legislature, consisting of the Sovereign, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. b the members of this legislature for a particular period, esp. between one dissolution and the next. 2 a similar legislature in other nations and States. [ME f. OF parlement speaking (as PARLANCE)] parliamentarian n. & adj. --n. 1 a member of a parliament, esp. one well-versed in its procedures. 2 hist. an adherent of Parliament in the English Civil War of the 17th c. --adj. = PARLIAMENTARY. parliamentary adj. 1 of or relating to a parliament. 2 enacted or established by a parliament. 3 (of language) admissible in a parliament; polite. Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration the official name of the ombudsman in the UK. parliamentary private secretary a member of parliament assisting a government minister. parlourn. (US parlor) 1 a sitting-room in a private house. 2 a room in a hotel, convent, etc., for the private use of residents. 3 esp. US a shop providing specified goods or services (beauty parlour; ice-cream parlour). 4 a room or building equipped for milking cows. 5 (attrib.) derog. denoting support for political views by those who do not try to practise them (parlour socialist). parlour game an indoor game, esp. a word game. parlour-maid hist. a maid who waits at table. [ME f. AF parlur, OF parleor, parleur: see PARLANCE] parlousadj. & adv. archaic or joc. --adj. 1 dangerous or difficult. 2 hard to deal with. --adv. extremely. parlously adv. parlousness n. [ME, = PERILOUS] Parma violet n. a variety of sweet violet with heavy scent and lavender-coloured flowers often crystallized for food decoration. [Parma in Italy] Parmesann. a kind of hard dry cheese made orig. at Parma and used esp. in grated form. [F f. It. parmegiano of Parma in Italy] Parnassian adj. & n. --adj. 1 of Parnassus, a mountain in C. Greece, in antiquity sacred to the Muses. 2 poetic. 3 of or relating to a group of French poets in the late 19th c., emphasizing strictness of form, named from the anthology Le Parnasse contemporain (1866). --n. a member of this group. parochialadj. 1 of or concerning a parish. 2 (of affairs, views, etc.) merely local, narrow or restricted in scope. parochialism n. parochiality n. parochially adv. [ME f. AF parochiel, OF parochial f. eccl.L parochialis (as PARISH)] parodyn. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a humorous exaggerated imitation of an author, literary work, style, etc. 2 a feeble imitation; a travesty. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 compose a parody of. 2 mimic humorously. parodic adj. parodist n. [LL parodia or Gk paroidia burlesque poem (as PARA-, oide ode)] paroladj. & n. Law --adj. 1 given orally. 2 (of a document) not given under seal. --n. an oral declaration. [OF parole (as PAROLE)] parolen. & v. --n. 1 a the release of a prisoner temporarily for a special purpose or completely before the expiry of a sentence, on the promise of good behaviour. b such a promise. 2 a word of honour. --v.tr. put (a prisoner) on parole. on parole released on the terms of parole. parolee n. [F, = word: see PARLANCE] paronomasia n. a play on words; a pun. [L f. Gk paronomasia (as PARA-, onomasia naming f. onomazo to name f. onoma a name)] paronymn. 1 a word cognate with another. 2 a word formed from a foreign word. paronymous adj. [Gk paronumon, neut. of paronumos (as PARA-, onuma name)] parotidadj. & n. --adj. situated near the ear. --n. (in full parotid gland) a salivary gland in front of the ear. parotid duct a duct opening from the parotid gland into the mouth. [F parotide or L parotis parotid- f. Gk parotis -idos (as PARA-, ous otos ear)] parotitisn. 1 inflammation of the parotid gland. 2 mumps. [PAROTID + -ITIS] -parouscomb. form bearing offspring of a specified number or kind (multiparous; viviparous). [L -parus -bearing f. parere bring forth] Parousian. Theol. the supposed second coming of Christ. [Gk, = presence, coming] paroxysmn. 1 (often foll. by of) a sudden attack or outburst (of rage, laughter, etc.). 2 a fit of disease. paroxysmal adj. [F paroxysme f. med.L paroxysmus f. Gk paroxusmos f. paroxuno exasperate (as PARA-, oxuno sharpen f. oxus sharp)] paroxytone adj. & n. --adj. (esp. in ancient Greek) having an acute accent on the last syllable but one. --n. a word of this kind. [mod.L f. Gk paroxutonos (as PARA-, OXYTONE)] parpenn. a stone passing through a wall from side to side, with two smooth vertical faces. [ME f. OF parpain, prob. ult. f. L per through + pannus piece of cloth, in Rmc 'piece of wall'] parquetn. & v. --n. 1 a flooring of wooden blocks arranged in a pattern. 2 US the stalls of a theatre. --v.tr. (parqueted; parqueting) furnish (a room) with a parquet floor. [F, = small compartment, floor, dimin. of parc PARK] parquetryn. the use of wooden blocks to make floors or inlay for furniture. parrn. a young salmon with blue-grey finger-like markings on its sides, younger than a smolt. [18th c.: orig. unkn.] parrakeetUS var. of PARAKEET. parramatta n. (also paramatta) a light dress fabric of wool and silk or cotton. [Parramatta in New South Wales, Australia] parriciden. 1 the killing of a near relative, esp. of a parent. 2 an act of parricide. 3 a person who commits parricide. parricidal adj. [F parricide or L parricida (= sense 3), parricidium (= sense 1), of uncert. orig., assoc. in L with pater father and parens parent] parrotn. & v. --n. 1 any of various mainly tropical birds of the order Psittaciformes, with a short hooked bill, often having vivid plumage and able to mimic the human voice. 2 a person who mechanically repeats the words or actions of another. --v.tr. (parroted, parroting) repeat mechanically. parrot-fashion (learning or repeating) mechanically without understanding. parrot-fish any fish of the genus Scarus, with a mouth like a parrot's bill and forming a protective mucous cocoon against predators. [prob. f. obs. or dial. F perrot parrot, dimin. of Pierre Peter: cf. PARAKEET] parryv. & n. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 avert or ward off (a weapon or attack), esp. with a countermove. 2 deal skilfully with (an awkward question etc.). --n. (pl. -ies) an act of parrying. [prob. repr. F parez imper. of parer f. It. parare ward off] parsev.tr. 1 describe (a word in context) grammatically, stating its inflection, relation to the sentence, etc. 2 resolve (a sentence) into its component parts and describe them grammatically. parser n. esp. Computing [perh. f. ME pars parts of speech f. OF pars, pl. of part PART, infl. by L pars part] parsecn. a unit of stellar distance, equal to about 3.25 light years (3.08 x 10(16) metres), the distance at which the mean radius of the earth's orbit subtends an angle of one second of arc. [PARALLAX + SECOND] Parseen. 1 an adherent of Zoroastrianism. 2 a descendant of the Persians who fled to India from Muslim persecution in the 7th-8th c. 3 = PAHLAVI. Parseeism n. [Pers. parsi Persian f. pars Persia] parsimonyn. 1 carefulness in the use of money or other resources. 2 meanness, stinginess. law of parsimony the assertion that no more causes or forces should be assumed than are necessary to account for the facts. parsimonious adj. parsimoniously adv. parsimoniousness n. [ME f. L parsimonia, parcimonia f. parcere pars- spare] parsleyn. a biennial herb, Petroselinum crispum, with white flowers and crinkly aromatic leaves, used for seasoning and garnishing food. parsley fern a fern, Cryptogramma crispa, with leaves like parsley. parsley-piert a dwarf annual herb, Aphanes arvensis. [ME percil, per(e)sil f. OF peresil, and OE petersilie ult. f. L petroselinum f. Gk petroselinon; parsley-piert prob. corrupt. of F perce-pierre pierce stone] parsnipn. 1 a biennial umbelliferous plant, Pastinaca sativa, with yellow flowers and a large pale-yellow tapering root. 2 this root eaten as a vegetable. [ME pas(se)nep (with assim. to nep turnip) f. OF pasnaie f. L pastinaca] parsonn. 1 a rector. 2 a vicar or any beneficed member of the clergy. 3 colloq. any (esp. Protestant) member of the clergy. parson's nose the piece of fatty flesh at the rump of a fowl. parsonical adj. [ME person(e), parson f. OF persone f. L persona PERSON (in med.L rector)] parsonagen. a church house provided for a parson. partn., v., & adv. --n. 1 some but not all of a thing or number of things. 2 an essential member or constituent of anything (part of the family; a large part of the job). 3 a component of a machine etc. (spare parts; needs a new part). 4 a a portion of a human or animal body. b (in pl.) = private parts. 5 a division of a book, broadcast serial, etc., esp. as much as is issued or broadcast at one time. 6 each of several equal portions of a whole (the recipe has 3 parts sugar to 2 parts flour). 7 a a portion allotted; a share. b a person's share in an action or enterprise (will have no part in it). c one's duty (was not my part to interfere). 8 a a character assigned to an actor on stage. b the words spoken by an actor on stage. c a copy of these. 9 Mus. a melody or other constituent of harmony assigned to a particular voice or instrument. 10 each of the sides in an agreement or dispute. 11 (in pl.) a region or district (am not from these parts). 12 (in pl.) abilities (a man of many parts). 13 US = PARTING 2. --v. 1 tr. & intr. divide or separate into parts (the crowd parted to let them through). 2 intr. a leave one another's company (they parted the best of friends). b (foll. by from) say goodbye to. 3 tr. cause to separate (they fought hard and had to be parted). 4 intr. (foll. by with) give up possession of; hand over. 5 tr. separate (the hair of the head on either side of the parting) with a comb. --adv. to some extent; partly (is part iron and part wood; a lie that is part truth). for the most part see MOST. for one's part as far as one is concerned. in part (or parts) to some extent; partly. look the part appear suitable for a role. on the part of on the behalf or initiative of (no objection on my part). part and parcel (usu. foll. by of) an essential part. part company see COMPANY. part-exchange n. a transaction in which goods are given as part of the payment for other goods, with the balance in money. --v.tr. give (goods) in such a transaction. part of speech n. each of the categories to which words are assigned in accordance with their grammatical and semantic functions (in English esp. noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, verb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection). part-song a song with three or more voice-parts, often without accompaniment, and harmonic rather than contrapuntal in character. part time less than the full time required by an activity. part-time adj. occupying or using only part of one's working time. part-timer a person employed in part-time work. part-work Brit. a publication appearing in several parts over a period of time. play a part 1 be significant or contributory. 2 act deceitfully. 3 perform a theatrical role. take in good part see GOOD. take part (often foll. by in) assist or have a share (in). take the part of support; back up. three parts three quarters. [ME f. OF f. L pars partis (n.), partire, partiri (v.)] partakev.intr. (past partook; past part. partaken) 1 (foll. by of, in) take a share or part. 2 (foll. by of) eat or drink some or colloq. all (of a thing). 3 (foll. by of) have some (of a quality etc.) (their manner partook of insolence). partakable adj. partaker n. [16th c.: back-form. f. partaker, partaking = part-taker etc.] parterren. 1 a level space in a garden occupied by flower-beds arranged formally. 2 US the ground floor of a theatre auditorium, esp. the pit overhung by balconies. [F, = par terre on the ground] parthenogenesis n. Biol. reproduction by a male gamete without fertilization, esp. as a normal process in invertebrates and lower plants. parthenogenetic adj. parthenogenetically adv. [mod.L f. Gk parthenos virgin + genesis as GENESIS] Parthian shot n. a remark or glance etc. reserved for the moment of departure. [Parthia, an ancient kingdom in W. Asia: from the custom of a retreating Parthian horseman firing a shot at the enemy] partialadj. & n. --adj. 1 not complete; forming only part (a partial success). 2 biased, unfair. 3 (foll. by to) having a liking for. --n. Mus. any of the constituents of a musical sound. partial eclipse an eclipse in which only part of the luminary is covered or darkened. partial verdict a verdict finding a person guilty of part of a charge. partially adv. partialness n. [ME f. OF parcial f. LL partialis (as PART)] partiality n. 1 bias, favouritism. 2 (foll. by for) fondness. [ME f. OF parcialit‚ f. med.L partialitas (as PARTIAL)] participant n. a participator. participate v.intr. 1 (foll. by in) take a part or share (in). 2 literary or formal (foll. by of) have a certain quality (the speech participated of wit). participation n. participator n. participatory adj. [L participare f. particeps - cipis taking part, formed as PART + -cip- = cap- stem of capere take] participle n. Gram. a word formed from a verb (e.g. going, gone, being, been) and used in compound verb-forms (e.g. is going, has been) or as an adjective (e.g. working woman, burnt toast). participial adj. participially adv. [ME f. OF, by-form of participe f. L participium (as PARTICIPATE)] particlen. 1 a minute portion of matter. 2 the least possible amount (not a particle of sense). 3 Gram. a a minor part of speech, esp. a short undeclinable one. b a common prefix or suffix such as in-, -ness. [ME f. L particula (as PART)] particoloured adj. partly of one colour, partly of another or others. [PARTY + COLOURED] particular adj. & n. --adj. 1 relating to or considered as one thing or person as distinct from others; individual (in this particular instance). 2 more than is usual; special, noteworthy (took particular trouble). 3 scrupulously exact; fastidious. 4 detailed (a full and particular account). 5 Logic (of a proposition) in which something is asserted of some but not all of a class (opp. UNIVERSAL). --n. 1 a detail; an item. 2 (in pl.) points of information; a detailed account. in particular especially, specifically. [ME f. OF particuler f. L particularis (as PARTICLE)] particularism n. 1 exclusive devotion to one party, sect, etc. 2 the principle of leaving political independence to each State in an empire or federation. 3 the theological doctrine of individual election or redemption. particularist n. [F particularisme, mod.L particularismus, and G Partikularismus (as PARTICULAR)] particularity n. 1 the quality of being individual or particular. 2 fullness or minuteness of detail in a description. particularize v.tr. (also -ise) tr. (also absol.) 1 name specially or one by one. 2 specify (items). particularization n. [F particulariser (as PARTICULAR)] particularly adv. 1 especially, very. 2 specifically (they particularly asked for you). 3 in a particular or fastidious manner. particulate adj. & n. --adj. in the form of separate particles. --n. matter in this form. [L particula PARTICLE] partingn. 1 a leave-taking or departure (often attrib.: parting words). 2 Brit. the dividing line of combed hair. 3 a division; an act of separating. parting shot = PARTHIAN SHOT. parti pris n. & adj. --n. a preconceived view; a bias. --adj. prejudiced, biased. [F, = side taken] partisann. & adj. (also partizan) --n. 1 a strong, esp. unreasoning, supporter of a party, cause, etc. 2 Mil. a guerrilla in wartime. --adj. 1 of or characteristic of partisans. 2 loyal to a particular cause; biased. partisanship n. [F f. It. dial. partigiano etc. f. parte PART] partitan. (pl. partite) Mus. 1 a suite. 2 an air with variations. [It., fem. past part. of partire divide, formed as PART] partiteadj. 1 divided (esp. in comb.: tripartite). 2 Bot. & Zool. divided to or nearly to the base. [L partitus past part. of partiri PART v.] partitionn. & v. --n. 1 division into parts, esp. Polit. of a country with separate areas of government. 2 a structure dividing a space into two parts, esp. a light interior wall. --v.tr. 1 divide into parts. 2 (foll. by off) separate (part of a room etc.) with a partition. partitioned adj. partitioner n. partitionist n. [ME f. OF f. L partitio -onis (as PARTITE)] partitiveadj. & n. Gram. --adj. (of a word, form, etc.) denoting part of a collective group or quantity. --n. a partitive word (e.g. some, any) or form. partitive genitive a genitive used to indicate a whole divided into or regarded in parts, expressed in English by of as in most of us. partitively adv. [F partitif -ive or med.L partitivus (as PARTITE)] partizanvar. of PARTISAN. partlyadv. 1 with respect to a part or parts. 2 to some extent. partnern. & v. --n. 1 a person who shares or takes part with another or others, esp. in a business firm with shared risks and profits. 2 a companion in dancing. 3 a player (esp. one of two) on the same side in a game. 4 either member of a married couple, or of an unmarried couple living together. --v.tr. 1 be the partner of. 2 associate as partners. partnerless adj. [ME, alt. of parcener joint heir, after PART] partnership n. 1 the state of being a partner or partners. 2 a joint business. 3 a pair or group of partners. partookpast of PARTAKE. partridgen. (pl. same or partridges) 1 any game-bird of the genus Perdix, esp. P. perdix of Europe and Asia. 2 any other of various similar birds of the family Phasianidae, including the snow partridge. [ME partrich etc. f. OF perdriz etc. f. L perdix -dicis: for -dge cf. CABBAGE] parturient adj. about to give birth. [L parturire be in labour, incept. f. parere part- bring forth] parturition n. formal the act of bringing forth young; childbirth. [LL parturitio (as PARTURIENT)] partyn. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a social gathering, usu. of invited guests. 2 a body of persons engaged in an activity or travelling together (fishing party; search party). 3 a group of people united in a cause, opinion, etc., esp. a political group organized on a national basis. 4 a person or persons forming one side in an agreement or dispute. 5 (foll. by to) Law an accessory (to an action). 6 colloq. a person. --v.tr. & intr. (-ies, -ied) entertain at or attend a party. party line 1 the policy adopted by a political party. 2 a telephone line shared by two or more subscribers. party-wall a wall common to two adjoining buildings or rooms. [ME f. OF partie ult. f. L partire: see PART] adj. Heraldry divided into parts of different colours. [ME f. OF parti f. L (as PARTY)] parvenun. & adj. --n. (fem. parvenue) 1 a person of obscure origin who has gained wealth or position. 2 an upstart. --adj. 1 associated with or characteristic of such a person. 2 upstart. [F, past part. of parvenir arrive f. L pervenire (as PER-, venire come)] parvisn. (also parvise) 1 an enclosed area in front of a cathedral, church, etc. 2 a room over a church porch. [ME f. OF parvis ult. f. LL paradisus PARADISE, a court in front of St Peter's, Rome] pasn. (pl. same) a step in dancing, esp. in classical ballet. pas de chat a leap in which each foot in turn is raised to the opposite knee. pas de deux a dance for two persons. pas gliss‚ see GLISS. pas seul a solo dance. [F, = step] pascaln. 1 the SI unit of pressure, equal to one newton per square metre. 2 (Pascal) Computing a programming language esp. used in education. [B. Pascal, Fr. scientist d. 1662: sense 2 so named because he built a calculating machine] paschaladj. 1 of or relating to the Jewish Passover. 2 of or relating to Easter. paschal lamb 1 a lamb sacrificed at Passover. 2 Christ. [ME f. OF pascal f. eccl.L paschalis f. pascha f. Gk paskha f. Aram. pasha, rel. to Heb. pesah PASSOVER] pashn. sl. a brief infatuation. [abbr. of PASSION] pashan. (also pacha) hist. the title (placed after the name) of a Turkish officer of high rank, e.g. a military commander, the governor of a province, etc. [Turk. pasa, prob. = basa f. bas head, chief] pashmn. the under-fur of some Tibetan animals, esp. that of goats as used for Cashmere shawls. Pashton. & adj. --n. the official language of Afghanistan, also spoken in areas of Pakistan. --adj. of or in this language. [Pashto] paso doble n. 1 a ballroom dance based on a Latin American style of marching. 2 this style of marching. [Sp., = double step] pasque-flower n. a ranunculaceous plant, Pulsatilla vulgaris, with bell-shaped purple flowers and fernlike foliage. Also called ANEMONE. [earlier passe-flower f. F passe-fleur: assim. to pasque = obs. pasch (as PASCHAL), Easter] pasquinade n. a lampoon or satire, orig. one displayed in a public place. [It. pasquinata f. Pasquino, a statue in Rome on which abusive Latin verses were annually posted] passv. & n. --v. (past part. passed) (see also PAST). 1 intr. (often foll. by along, by, down, on, etc.) move onward; proceed, esp. past some point of reference (saw the procession passing). 2 tr. a go past; leave (a thing etc.) on one side or behind in proceeding. b overtake, esp. in a vehicle. c go across (a frontier, mountain range, etc.). 3 intr. & tr. be transferred or cause to be transferred from one person or place to another (pass the butter; the title passes to his son). 4 tr. surpass; be too great for (it passes my comprehension). 5 intr. get through; effect a passage. 6 intr. a be accepted as adequate; go uncensored (let the matter pass). b (foll. by as, for) be accepted or currently known as. c US (of a person with some Black ancestry) be accepted as White. 7 tr. move; cause to go (passed her hand over her face; passed a rope round it). 8 a intr. (of a candidate in an examination) be successful. b tr. be successful in (an examination). c tr. (of an examiner) judge the performance of (a candidate) to be satisfactory. 9 a tr. (of a bill) be examined and approved by (a parliamentary body or process). b tr. cause or allow (a bill) to proceed to further legislative processes. c intr. (of a bill or proposal) be approved. 10 intr. a occur, elapse (the remark passed unnoticed; time passes slowly). b happen; be done or said (heard what passed between them). 11 a intr. circulate; be current. b tr. put into circulation (was passing forged cheques). 12 tr. spend or use up (a certain time or period) (passed the afternoon reading). 13 tr. (also absol.) (in field games) send (the ball) to another player of one's own side. 14 intr. forgo one's turn or chance in a game etc. 15 intr. (foll. by to, into) change from one form (to another). 16 intr. come to an end. 17 tr. discharge from the body as or with excreta. 18 tr. (foll. by on, upon) a utter (criticism) about. b pronounce (a judicial sentence) on. 19 intr. (often foll. by on, upon) adjudicate. 20 tr. not declare or pay (a dividend). 21 tr. cause (troops etc.) to go by esp. ceremonially. --n. 1 an act or instance of passing. 2 a success in an examination. b Brit. the status of a university degree without honours. 3 written permission to pass into or out of a place, or to be absent from quarters. 4 a a ticket or permit giving free entry or access etc. b = free pass. 5 (in field games) a transference of the ball to another player on the same side. 6 a thrust in fencing. 7 a juggling trick. 8 an act of passing the hands over anything, as in conjuring or hypnotism. 9 a critical position (has come to a fine pass). in passing 1 by the way. 2 in the course of speech, conversation, etc. make a pass at colloq. make amorous or sexual advances to. pass away 1 euphem. die. 2 cease to exist; come to an end. pass by 1 go past. 2 disregard, omit. passed pawn Chess a pawn that has advanced beyond the pawns on the other side. pass one's eye over read (a document etc.) cursorily. pass muster see MUSTER. pass off 1 (of feelings etc.) disappear gradually. 2 (of proceedings) be carried through (in a specified way). 3 (foll. by as) misrepresent (a person or thing) as something else. 4 evade or lightly dismiss (an awkward remark etc.). pass on 1 proceed on one's way. 2 euphem. die. 3 transmit to the next person in a series. pass out 1 become unconscious. 2 Brit. Mil. complete one's training as a cadet. 3 distribute. pass over 1 omit, ignore, or disregard. 2 ignore the claims of (a person) to promotion or advancement. 3 euphem. die. pass round 1 distribute. 2 send or give to each of a number in turn. pass through experience. pass the time of day see TIME. pass up colloq. refuse or neglect (an opportunity etc.). pass water urinate. passer n. [ME f. OF passer ult. f. L passus PACE] n. 1 a narrow passage through mountains. 2 a navigable channel, esp. at the mouth of a river. sell the pass betray a cause. [ME, var. of PACE, infl. by F pas and by PASS] passableadj. 1 barely satisfactory; just adequate. 2 (of a road, pass, etc.) that can be passed. passableness n. passably adv. [ME f. OF (as PASS)] passacaglia n. Mus. an instrumental piece usu. with a ground bass. [It. f. Sp. pasacalle f. pasar pass + calle street: orig. often played in the streets] passagen. 1 the process or means of passing; transit. 2 = PASSAGEWAY. 3 the liberty or right to pass through. 4 a the right of conveyance as a passenger by sea or air. b a journey by sea or air. 5 a transition from one state to another. 6 a a short extract from a book etc. b a section of a piece of music. 7 the passing of a bill etc. into law. 8 (in pl.) an interchange of words etc. 9 Anat. a duct etc. in the body. passage of (or at) arms a fight or dispute. work one's passage earn a right (orig. of passage) by working for it. [ME f. OF (as PASS)] v. 1 intr. (of a horse or rider) move sideways, by the pressure of the rein on the horse's neck and of the rider's leg on the opposite side. 2 tr. make (a horse) do this. [F passager, earlier pass‚ger f. It. passeggiare to walk, pace f. passeggio walk f. L passus PACE] passageway n. a narrow way for passing along, esp. with walls on either side; a corridor. passantadj. Heraldry (of an animal) walking and looking to the dexter side, with three paws on the ground and the right forepaw raised. [ME f. OF, part. of passer PASS] passbandn. a frequency band within which signals are transmitted by a filter without attenuation. passbookn. a book issued by a bank or building society etc. to an account-holder recording sums deposited and withdrawn. pass‚adj. (fem. pass‚e) 1 behind the times; out of date. 2 past its prime. [F, past part. of passer PASS] passementerie n. a trimming of gold or silver lace, braid, beads, etc. [F f. passement gold lace etc. f. passer PASS] passengern. 1 a traveller in or on a public or private conveyance (other than the driver, pilot, crew, etc.). 2 colloq. a member of a team, crew, etc., who does no effective work. 3 (attrib.) for the use of passengers (passenger seat). passenger-mile one mile travelled by one passenger, as a unit of traffic. passenger-pigeon an extinct wild pigeon of N. America, capable of long flight. [ME f. OF passager f. OF passager (adj.) passing (as passage): -n- as in messenger etc.] passe-partout n. 1 a master-key. 2 a picture-frame (esp. for mounted photographs) consisting of two pieces of glass stuck together at the edges with adhesive tape. 3 adhesive tape or paper used for this. [F, = passes everywhere] passer-byn. (pl. passers-by) a person who goes past, esp. by chance. passerinen. & adj. --n. any perching bird of the order Passeriformes, having feet with three toes pointing forward and one pointing backwards, including sparrows and most land birds. --adj. 1 of or relating to this order. 2 of the size of a sparrow. [L passer sparrow] passibleadj. Theol. capable of feeling or suffering. passibility n. [ME f. OF passible or LL passibilis f. L pati pass- suffer] passimadv. (of allusions or references in a published work) to be found at various places throughout the text. [L f. passus scattered f. pandere spread] passingadj. & n. --adj. 1 in senses of PASS v. 2 transient, fleeting (a passing glance). 3 cursory, incidental (a passing reference). --n. 1 in senses of PASS v. 2 euphem. the death of a person (mourned his passing). passing note Mus. a note not belonging to the harmony but interposed to secure a smooth transition. passing shot Tennis a shot aiming the ball beyond and out of reach of the other player. passingly adv. passionn. 1 strong barely controllable emotion. 2 an outburst of anger (flew into a passion). 3 intense sexual love. 4 a strong enthusiasm (has a passion for football). b an object arousing this. 5 (the Passion) a Relig. the suffering of Christ during his last days. b a narrative of this from the Gospels. c a musical setting of any of these narratives. passion-flower any climbing plant of the genus Passiflora, with a flower that was supposed to suggest the instruments of the Crucifixion. passion-fruit the edible fruit of some species of passion-flower, esp. Passiflora edulis: also called GRANADILLA. passion-play a miracle play representing Christ's Passion. Passion Sunday the fifth Sunday in Lent. Passion Week 1 the week between Passion Sunday and Palm Sunday. 2 = Holy Week. passionless adj. [ME f. OF f. LL passio -onis f. L pati pass- suffer] passionaladj. & n. --adj. literary of or marked by passion. --n. a book of the sufferings of saints and martyrs. passionate adj. 1 dominated by or easily moved to strong feeling, esp. love or anger. 2 showing or caused by passion. passionately adv. passionateness n. [ME f. med.L passionatus (as PASSION)] Passiontide n. the last two weeks of Lent. passivatev.tr. make (esp. metal) passive (see PASSIVE). passivation n. passiveadj. 1 suffering action; acted upon. 2 offering no opposition; submissive. 3 a not active; inert. b (of a metal) abnormally unreactive. 4 Gram. designating the voice in which the subject undergoes the action of the verb (e.g. in they were killed). 5 (of a debt) incurring no interest payment. passive obedience 1 surrender to another's will without cooperation. 2 compliance with commands irrespective of their nature. passive resistance a non-violent refusal to cooperate. passive smoking the involuntary inhaling, esp. by a non-smoker, of smoke from others' cigarettes etc. passively adv. passiveness n. passivity n. [ME f. OF passif -ive or L passivus (as PASSION)] passkeyn. 1 a private key to a gate etc. for special purposes. 2 a master-key. passmarkn. the minimum mark needed to pass an examination. Passovern. 1 the Jewish spring festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, held from the 14th to the 21st day of the seventh month of the Jewish year. 2 = paschal lamb. [pass over = pass without touching, with ref. to the exemption of the Israelites from the death of the first-born (Exod. 12)] passportn. 1 an official document issued by a government certifying the holder's identity and citizenship, and entitling the holder to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries. 2 (foll. by to) a thing that ensures admission or attainment (a passport to success). [F passeport (as PASS, PORT)] passwordn. a selected word or phrase securing recognition, admission, etc., when used by those to whom it is disclosed. pastadj., n., prep., & adv. --adj. 1 gone by in time and no longer existing (in past years; the time is past). 2 recently completed or gone by (the past month; for some time past). 3 relating to a former time (past president). 4 Gram. expressing a past action or state. --n. 1 (prec. by the) a past time. b what has happened in past time (cannot undo the past). 2 a person's past life or career, esp. if discreditable (a man with a past). 3 a past tense or form. --prep. 1 beyond in time or place (is past two o'clock; ran past the house). 2 beyond the range, duration, or compass of (past belief; past endurance). --adv. so as to pass by (hurried past). not put it past a person believe it possible of a person. past it colloq. incompetent or unusable through age. past master 1 a person who is especially adept or expert in an activity, subject, etc. 2 a person who has been a master in a guild, Freemason's lodge, etc. past perfect = PLUPERFECT. [past part. of PASS v.] pastan. 1 a dried flour paste used in various shapes in cooking (e.g. lasagne, spaghetti). 2 a cooked dish made from this. [It., = PASTE] pasten. & v. --n. 1 any moist fairly stiff mixture, esp. of powder and liquid. 2 a dough of flour with fat, water, etc., used in baking. 3 an adhesive of flour, water, etc., esp. for sticking paper and other light materials. 4 an easily spread preparation of ground meat, fish, etc. (anchovy paste). 5 a hard vitreous composition used in making imitation gems. 6 a mixture of clay, water, etc., used in making ceramic ware, esp. a mixture of low plasticity used in making porcelain. --v.tr. 1 fasten or coat with paste. 2 sl. a beat or thrash. b bomb or bombard heavily. paste-up a document prepared for copying etc. by combining and pasting various sections on a backing. pasting n. (esp. in sense 2 of v.). [ME f. OF f. LL pasta small square medicinal lozenge f. Gk paste f. pastos sprinkled] pasteboard n. 1 a sheet of stiff material made by pasting together sheets of paper. 2 (attrib.) a flimsy, unsubstantial. b fake. pasteln. 1 a crayon consisting of powdered pigments bound with a gum solution. 2 a work of art in pastel. 3 a light and subdued shade of a colour. pastelist n. pastellist n. [F pastel or It. pastello, dimin. of pasta PASTE] pasternn. 1 the part of a horse's foot between the fetlock and the hoof. 2 a corresponding part in other animals. [ME pastron f. OF pasturon f. pasture hobble ult. f. L pastorius of a shepherd: see PASTOR] pasteurize v.tr. (also -ise) subject (milk etc.) to the process of partial sterilization by heating. pasteurization n. pasteurizer n. [L. Pasteur, Fr. chemist d. 1895] pasticcion. (pl. -os) = PASTICHE. [It.: see PASTICHE] pastichen. 1 a medley, esp. a picture or a musical composition, made up from or imitating various sources. 2 a literary or other work of art composed in the style of a well-known author. [F f. It. pasticcio ult. f. LL pasta PASTE] pastillen. 1 a small sweet or lozenge. 2 a small roll of aromatic paste burnt as a fumigator etc. pastille-burner an ornamental ceramic container in which an aromatic pastille may be burnt. [F f. L pastillus little loaf, lozenge f. panis loaf] pastimen. 1 a pleasant recreation or hobby. 2 a sport or game. [PASS + TIME] pastisn. an aniseed-flavoured aperitif. [F] pastorn. 1 a minister in charge of a church or a congregation. 2 a person exercising spiritual guidance. 3 a pink starling, Sturnus roseus. pastorship n. [ME f. AF & OF pastour f. L pastor -oris shepherd f. pascere past- feed, graze] pastoraladj. & n. --adj. 1 of, relating to, or associated with shepherds or flocks and herds. 2 (of land) used for pasture. 3 (of a poem, picture, etc.) portraying country life, usu. in a romantic or idealized form. 4 of or appropriate to a pastor. --n. 1 a pastoral poem, play, picture, etc. 2 a letter from a pastor (esp. a bishop) to the clergy or people. pastoral staff a bishop's crosier. pastoral theology that considering religious truth in relation to spiritual needs. pastoralism n. pastorality n. pastorally adv. [ME f. L pastoralis (as PASTOR)] pastoralen. (pl. pastorales or pastorali) 1 a slow instrumental composition in compound time, usu. with drone notes in the bass. 2 a simple musical play with a rural subject. [It. (as PASTORAL)] pastoralist n. Austral. a farmer of sheep or cattle. pastoraten. 1 the office or tenure of a pastor. 2 a body of pastors. pastramin. seasoned smoked beef. [Yiddish] pastryn. (pl. -ies) 1 a dough of flour, fat, and water baked and used as a base and covering for pies etc. 2 a food, esp. cake, made wholly or partly of this. b a piece or item of this food. pastry-cook a cook who specializes in pastry, esp. for public sale. [PASTE after OF pastaierie] pasturagen. 1 land for pasture. 2 the process of pasturing cattle etc. [OF (as PASTURE)] pasturen. & v. --n. 1 land covered with grass etc. suitable for grazing animals, esp. cattle or sheep. 2 herbage for animals. --v. 1 tr. put (animals) to graze in a pasture. 2 intr. & tr. (of animals) graze. [ME f. OF f. LL pastura (as PASTOR)] pastyn. (pl. -ies) a pastry case with a sweet or savoury filling, baked without a dish to shape it. [ME f. OF past‚ ult. f. LL pasta PASTE] adj. (pastier, pastiest) 1 of or like or covered with paste. 2 unhealthily pale (esp. in complexion) (pasty-faced). pastily adv. pastiness n. Patn. a nickname for an Irishman. [abbr. of the name Patrick] Pat.abbr. Patent. patv. & n. --v. (patted, patting) 1 tr. strike gently with the hand or a flat surface. 2 tr. flatten or mould by patting. 3 tr. strike gently with the inner surface of the hand, esp. as a sign of affection, sympathy, or congratulation. 4 intr. (foll. by on, upon) beat lightly. --n. 1 a light stroke or tap, esp. with the hand in affection etc. 2 the sound made by this. 3 a small mass (esp. of butter) formed by patting. pat-a-cake a child's game with the patting of hands (the first words of a nursery rhyme). pat on the back a gesture of approval or congratulation. pat a person on the back congratulate a person. [ME, prob. imit.] adj. & adv. --adj. 1 known thoroughly and ready for any occasion. 2 apposite or opportune, esp. unconvincingly so (gave a pat answer). --adv. 1 in a pat manner. 2 appositely, opportunely. have off pat know or have memorized perfectly. stand pat esp. US 1 stick stubbornly to one's opinion or decision. 2 Poker retain one's hand as dealt; not draw other cards. patly adv. patness n. [16th c.: rel. to PAT] n. on one's pat Austral. sl. on one's own. [Pat Malone, rhyming slang for own] patagiumn. (pl. patagia) Zool. 1 the wing-membrane of a bat or similar animal. 2 a scale covering the wing-joint in moths and butterflies. [med.L use of L patagium f. Gk patageion gold edging] patballn. 1 a simple game of ball played between two players. 2 derog. lawn tennis. patchn. & v. --n. 1 a piece of material or metal etc. used to mend a hole or as reinforcement. 2 a pad worn to protect an injured eye. 3 a dressing etc. put over a wound. 4 a large or irregular distinguishable area on a surface. 5 colloq. a period of time in terms of its characteristic quality (went through a bad patch). 6 a piece of ground. 7 colloq. an area assigned to or patrolled by an authorized person, esp. a police officer. 8 a number of plants growing in one place (brier patch). 9 a scrap or remnant. 10 a temporary electrical connection. 11 hist. a small disc etc. of black silk attached to the face, worn esp. by women in the 17th-18th c. for adornment. 12 Mil. a piece of cloth on a uniform as the badge of a unit. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by up) repair with a patch or patches; put a patch or patches on. 2 (of material) serve as a patch to. 3 (often foll. by up) put together, esp. hastily or in a makeshift way. 4 (foll. by up) settle (a quarrel etc.) esp. hastily or temporarily. not a patch on colloq. greatly inferior to. patch cord an insulated lead with a plug at each end, for use with a patchboard. patch panel = PATCHBOARD. patch pocket one made of a piece of cloth sewn on a garment. patch test a test for allergy by applying to the skin patches containing allergenic substances. patcher n. [ME pacche, patche, perh. var. of peche f. OF pieche dial. var. of piece PIECE] patchboard n. a board with electrical sockets linked to enable changeable permutations of connection. patchoulin. 1 a strongly scented E. Indian plant, Pogostemon cablin. 2 the perfume obtained from this. [a native name in Madras] patchworkn. 1 needlework using small pieces of cloth with different designs, forming a pattern. 2 a thing composed of various small pieces or fragments. patchyadj. (patchier, patchiest) 1 uneven in quality. 2 having or existing in patches. patchily adv. patchiness n. paten. archaic or colloq. the head, esp. representing the seat of intellect. [ME: orig. unkn.] pƒten. the paste of which porcelain is made. [F, = PASTE] pƒt‚n. a rich paste or spread of mashed and spiced meat or fish etc. pƒt‚ de foie gras a paste of fatted goose liver. [F f. OF past‚ (as PASTY)] patellan. (pl. patellae) the kneecap. patellar adj. patellate adj. [L, dimin. of patina: see PATEN] patenn. 1 a shallow dish used for the bread at the Eucharist. 2 a thin circular plate of metal. [ME ult. f. OF patene or L patena, patina shallow dish f. Gk patane a plate] patentn., adj., & v. --n. 1 a government authority to an individual or organization conferring a right or title, esp. the sole right to make or use or sell some invention. 2 a document granting this authority. 3 an invention or process protected by it. --adj. 1 obvious, plain. 2 conferred or protected by patent. 3 a made and marketed under a patent; proprietary. b to which one has a proprietary claim. 4 such as might be patented; ingenious, well-contrived. 5 (of an opening etc.) allowing free passage. --v.tr. obtain a patent for (an invention). letters patent an open document from a sovereign or government conferring a patent or other right. patent leather leather with a glossy varnished surface. patent medicine medicine made and marketed under a patent and available without prescription. patent office an office from which patents are issued. Patent Roll (in the UK) a list of patents issued in a year. patency n. patentable adj. patently adv. (in sense 1 of adj.). [ME f. OF patent and L patere lie open] patenteen. 1 a person who takes out or holds a patent. 2 a person for the time being entitled to the benefit of a patent. patentorn. a person or body that grants a patent. patern. Brit. colloq. father. °Now only in jocular or affected use. [L] paterfamilias n. the male head of a family or household. [L, = father of the family] paternaladj. 1 of or like or appropriate to a father. 2 fatherly. 3 related through the father. 4 (of a government etc.) limiting freedom and responsibility by well-meant regulations. paternally adv. [LL paternalis f. L paternus f. pater father] paternalism n. the policy of governing in a paternal way, or behaving paternally to one's associates or subordinates. paternalist n. paternalistic adj. paternalistically adv. paternityn. 1 fatherhood. 2 one's paternal origin. 3 the source or authorship of a thing. paternity test a blood test to determine whether a man may be or cannot be the father of a particular child. [ME f. OF paternit‚ or LL paternitas] paternoster n. 1 a the Lord's Prayer, esp. in Latin. b a rosary bead indicating that this is to be said. 2 a lift consisting of a series of linked doorless compartments moving continuously on a circular belt. [OE f. L pater noster our father] pathn. (pl. paths) 1 a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading. 2 the line along which a person or thing moves (flight path). 3 a course of action or conduct. 4 a sequence of movements or operations taken by a system. pathless adj. [OE p‘th f. WG] -pathcomb. form forming nouns denoting: 1 a practitioner of curative treatment (homoeopath; osteopath). 2 a person who suffers from a disease (psychopath). [back-form. f. -PATHY, or f. Gk -pathes -sufferer (as PATHOS)] Pathann. a member of a Pashto-speaking people inhabiting NW Pakistan and SE Afghanistan. [Hindi] patheticadj. 1 arousing pity or sadness or contempt. 2 Brit. colloq. miserably inadequate. 3 archaic of the emotions. pathetic fallacy the attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things, esp. in art and literature. pathetically adv. [F path‚tique f. LL patheticus f. Gk pathetikos (as PATHOS)] pathfinder n. 1 a person who explores new territory, investigates a new subject, etc. 2 an aircraft or its pilot sent ahead to locate and mark the target area for bombing. patho-comb. form disease. [Gk pathos suffering: see PATHOS] pathogenn. an agent causing disease. pathogenic adj. pathogenous adj. [PATHO- + -GEN] pathogenesis n. (also pathogeny) the manner of development of a disease. pathogenetic adj. pathological adj. 1 of pathology. 2 of or caused by a physical or mental disorder (a pathological fear of spiders). pathologically adv. pathologyn. 1 the science of bodily diseases. 2 the symptoms of a disease. pathologist n. [F pathologie or mod.L pathologia (as PATHO-, -LOGY)] pathosn. a quality in speech, writing, events, etc., that excites pity or sadness. [Gk pathos suffering, rel. to paskho suffer, penthos grief] pathwayn. 1 a path or its course. 2 Biochem. etc. a sequence of reactions undergone in a living organism. -pathycomb. form forming nouns denoting: 1 curative treatment (allopathy; homoeopathy). 2 feeling (telepathy). [Gk patheia suffering] patiencen. 1 calm endurance of hardship, provocation, pain, delay, etc. 2 tolerant perseverance or forbearance. 3 the capacity for calm self-possessed waiting. 4 esp. Brit. a game for one player in which cards taken in random order have to be arranged in certain groups or sequences. have no patience with 1 be unable to tolerate. 2 be irritated by. [ME f. OF f. L patientia (as PATIENT)] patientadj. & n. --adj. having or showing patience. --n. a person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment. patiently adv. [ME f. OF f. L patiens -entis pres. part. of pati suffer] patinan. (pl. patinas) 1 a film, usu. green, formed on the surface of old bronze. 2 a similar film on other surfaces. 3 a gloss produced by age on woodwork. patinated adj. patination n. [It. f. L patina dish] pation. (pl. -os) 1 a paved usu. roofless area adjoining and belonging to a house. 2 an inner court open to the sky in a Spanish or Spanish-American house. [Sp.] patisserie n. 1 a shop where pastries are made and sold. 2 pastries collectively. [F pƒtisserie f. med.L pasticium pastry f. pasta PASTE] Patna rice n. a variety of rice with long firm grains. [Patna in India, where it was orig. grown] patoisn. (pl. same) the dialect of the common people in a region, differing fundamentally from the literary language. [F, = rough speech, perh. f. OF patoier treat roughly f. patte paw] patrialadj. & n. Brit. hist. --adj. having the right to live in the UK through the British birth of a parent or a grandparent. --n. a person with this right. patriality n. [obs. F patrial or med.L patrialis f. L patria fatherland f. pater father] patriarchn. 1 the male head of a family or tribe. 2 (often in pl.) Bibl. any of those regarded as fathers of the human race, esp. the sons of Jacob, or Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their forefathers. 3 Eccl. a the title of a chief bishop, esp. those presiding over the Churches of Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, and (formerly) Rome; now also the title of the heads of certain autocephalous Orthodox Churches. b (in the Roman Catholic Church) a bishop ranking next above primates and metropolitans, and immediately below the pope. c the head of a Uniate community. 4 a the founder of an order, science, etc. b a venerable old man. c the oldest member of a group. patriarchal adj. patriarchally adv. [ME f. OF patriarche f. eccl.L patriarcha f. Gk patriarkhes f. patria family f. pater father + -arkhes -ruler] patriarchate n. 1 the office, see, or residence of an ecclesiastical patriarch. 2 the rank of a tribal patriarch. [med.L patriarchatus (as PATRIARCH)] patriarchy n. (pl. -ies) a system of society, government, etc., ruled by a man and with descent through the male line. patriarchism n. [med.L patriarchia f. Gk patriarkhia (as PATRIARCH)] patriciann. & adj. --n. 1 hist. a member of the ancient Roman nobility (cf. PLEBEIAN). 2 hist. a nobleman in some Italian republics. 3 an aristocrat. --adj. 1 noble, aristocratic. 2 hist. of the ancient Roman nobility. [ME f. OF patricien f. L patricius having a noble father f. pater patris father] patriciate n. 1 a patrician order; an aristocracy. 2 the rank of patrician. [L patriciatus (as PATRICIAN)] patriciden. = PARRICIDE (esp. with reference to the killing of one's father). patricidal adj. [LL patricida, patricidium, alt. of L parricida, parricidium (see PARRICIDE) after pater father] patrilineal adj. of or relating to, or based on kinship with, the father or descent through the male line. [L pater patris father + LINEAL] patrimonyn. (pl. -ies) 1 property inherited from one's father or ancestor. 2 a heritage. 3 the endowment of a church etc. patrimonial adj. [ME patrimoigne f. OF patrimoine f. L patrimonium f. pater patris father] patriotn. a person who is devoted to and ready to support or defend his or her country. patriotic adj. patriotically adv. patriotism n. [F patriote f. LL patriota f. Gk patriotes f. patrios of one's fathers f. pater patros father] patristicadj. of the early Christian writers or their work. patristics n.pl. (usu. treated as sing.). [G patristisch f. L pater patris father] patroln. & v. --n. 1 the act of walking or travelling around an area, esp. at regular intervals, in order to protect or supervise it. 2 one or more persons or vehicles assigned or sent out on patrol, esp. a detachment of guards, police, etc. 3 a a detachment of troops sent out to reconnoitre. b such reconnaissance. 4 a routine operational voyage of a ship or aircraft. 5 a routine monitoring of astronomical or other phenomena. 6 Brit. an official controlling traffic where children cross the road. 7 a unit of six to eight Scouts or Guides. --v. (patrolled, patrolling) 1 tr. carry out a patrol of. 2 intr. act as a patrol. patrol car a police car used in patrolling roads and streets. patrol wagon esp. US a police van for transporting prisoners. patroller n. [F patrouiller paddle in mud f. patte paw: (n.) f. G Patrolle f. F patrouille] patrolmann. (pl. -men) US a policeman of the lowest rank. patrologyn. (pl. -ies) 1 the study of the writings of the Fathers of the Church. 2 a collection of such writings. patrological adj. patrologist n. [Gk pater patros father] patronn. (fem. patroness) 1 a person who gives financial or other support to a person, cause, work of art, etc., esp. one who buys works of art. 2 a usu. regular customer of a shop etc. 3 Rom. Antiq. a the former owner of a freed slave. b the protector of a client. 4 Brit. a person who has the right of presenting a member of the clergy to a benefice. patron saint the protecting or guiding saint of a person, place, etc. [ME f. OF f. L patronus protector of clients, defender f. pater patris father] patronagen. 1 the support, promotion, or encouragement given by a patron. 2 a patronizing or condescending manner. 3 Rom. Antiq. the rights and duties or position of a patron. 4 Brit. the right of presenting a member of the clergy to a benefice etc. 5 a customer's support for a shop etc. [ME f. OF (as PATRON)] patronaladj. of or relating to a patron saint (the patronal festival). [F patronal or LL patronalis (as PATRON)] patronizev.tr. (also -ise) 1 treat condescendingly. 2 act as a patron towards (a person, cause, artist, etc.); support; encourage. 3 frequent (a shop etc.) as a customer. patronization n. patronizer n. patronizing adj. patronizingly adv. [obs. F patroniser or med.L patronizare (as PATRON)] patronymic n. & adj. --n. a name derived from the name of a father or ancestor, e.g. Johnson, O'Brien, Ivanovich. --adj. (of a name) so derived. [LL patronymicus f. Gk patronumikos f. patronumos f. pater patros father + onuma, onoma name] patroonn. US hist. a landowner with manorial privileges under the Dutch governments of New York and New Jersey. [Du., = PATRON] patsyn. (pl. -ies) esp. US sl. a person who is deceived, ridiculed, tricked, etc. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] patt‚eadj. (of a cross) having almost triangular arms becoming very broad at the ends so as to form a square. [F f. patte paw] pattenn. hist. a shoe or clog with a raised sole or set on an iron ring, for walking in mud etc. [ME f. OF patin f. patte paw] patterv. & n. --v. 1 intr. make a rapid succession of taps, as of rain on a window-pane. 2 intr. run with quick short steps. 3 tr. cause (water etc.) to patter. --n. a rapid succession of taps, short light steps, etc. [PAT] n. & v. --n. 1 a the rapid speech used by a comedian or introduced into a song. b the words of a comic song. 2 the words used by a person selling or promoting a product; a sales pitch. 3 the special language or jargon of a profession, class, etc. --v. 1 tr. repeat (prayers etc.) in a rapid mechanical way. 2 intr. talk glibly or mechanically. [ME f. pater = PATERNOSTER] patternn. & v. --n. 1 a repeated decorative design on wallpaper, cloth, a carpet, etc. 2 a regular or logical form, order, or arrangement of parts (behaviour pattern; the pattern of one's daily life). 3 a model or design, e.g. of a garment, from which copies can be made. 4 an example of excellence; an ideal; a model (a pattern of elegance). 5 a wooden or metal figure from which a mould is made for a casting. 6 a sample (of cloth, wallpaper, etc.). 7 the marks made by shots, bombs, etc. on a target or target area. 8 a random combination of shapes or colours. --v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by after, on) model (a thing) on a design etc. 2 decorate with a pattern. pattern bombing bombing over a large area, not on a single target. [ME patron (see PATRON): differentiated in sense and spelling since the 16th-17th c.] pattyn. (pl. -ies) 1 a little pie or pastry. 2 US a small flat cake of minced meat etc. [F pƒt‚ PASTY] pattypann. a pan for baking a patty. patulousadj. 1 (of branches etc.) spreading. 2 formal open; expanded. patulously adj. patulousness n. [L patulus f. patere be open] pauan. 1 a large edible New Zealand shellfish of the genus Haliotis. 2 its ornamental shell. 3 a fish-hook made from this. [Maori] paucityn. smallness of number or quantity. [ME f. OF paucit‚ or f. L paucitas f. paucus few] Pauli exclusion principle n. Physics the assertion that no two fermions can have the same quantum number. [W. Pauli, Austrian physicist d. 1958] Paulineadj. of or relating to St Paul (the Pauline epistles). [ME f. med.L Paulinus f. L Paulus Paul] Paul Jones n. a ballroom dance in which partners are exchanged according to a pattern. [the name of an Amer. naval officer d. 1792] paulownian. any Chinese tree of the genus Paulownia, with fragrant purple flowers. [Anna Paulovna, Russian princess d. 1865] paunchn. & v. --n. 1 the belly or stomach, esp. when protruding. 2 a ruminant's first stomach; the rumen. 3 Naut. a thick strong mat. --v.tr. disembowel (an animal). paunchy adj. (paunchier, paunchiest). paunchiness n. [ME f. AF pa(u)nche, ONF panche ult. f. L pantex panticis bowels] paupern. 1 a person without means; a beggar. 2 hist. a recipient of poor-law relief. 3 Law a person who may sue in forma pauperis. pauperdom n. pauperism n. pauperize v.tr. (also -ise). pauperization n. [L, = poor] pausen. & v. --n. 1 an interval of inaction, esp. when due to hesitation; a temporary stop. 2 a break in speaking or reading; a silence. 3 Mus. a mark (3! 3!) over a note or rest that is to be lengthened by an unspecified amount. --v.intr. 1 make a pause; wait. 2 (usu. foll. by upon) linger over (a word etc.). give pause to cause (a person) to hesitate. [ME f. OF pause or L pausa f. Gk pausis f. pauo stop] pavagen. 1 paving. 2 a tax or toll towards the paving of streets. [ME f. OF f. paver PAVE] pavanen. (also pavan) hist. 1 a stately dance in elaborate clothing. 2 the music for this. [F pavane f. Sp. pavana, perh. f. pavon peacock] pavev.tr. 1 a cover (a street, floor, etc.) with paving etc. b cover or strew (a floor etc.) with anything (paved with flowers). 2 prepare (paved the way for her arrival). paving-stone a large flat usu. rectangular piece of stone etc. for paving. paver n. paving n. pavior n. (also paviour). [ME f. OF paver, back-form. (as PAVEMENT)] pav‚n. 1 a paved street, road, or path. 2 a setting of jewels placed closely together. [F, past part. of paver: see PAVE] pavementn. 1 Brit. a paved path for pedestrians at the side of and a little higher than a road. 2 the covering of a street, floor, etc., made of tiles, wooden blocks, asphalt, and esp. of rectangular stones. 3 US a roadway. 4 Zool. a pavement-like formation of close-set teeth, scales, etc. pavement artist 1 Brit. an artist who draws on paving-stones with coloured chalks, hoping to be given money by passers-by. 2 US an artist who displays paintings for sale on a pavement. [ME f. OF f. L pavimentum f. pavire beat, ram] pavilionn. & v. --n. 1 Brit. a building at a cricket or other sports ground used for changing, refreshments, etc. 2 a summerhouse or other decorative building in a garden. 3 a tent, esp. a large one with crenellated decorations at a show, fair, etc. 4 a building used for entertainments. 5 a temporary stand at an exhibition. 6 a detached building at a hospital. 7 a usu. highly decorated subdivision of a building. 8 the part of a cut gemstone below the girdle. --v.tr. enclose in or provide with a pavilion. [ME f. OF pavillon f. L papilio -onis butterfly, tent] pavior, paviour see PAVE. pavlovan. a meringue cake with cream and fruit. [A. Pavlova, Russ. ballerina d. 1931] Pavlovianadj. of or relating to I. P. Pavlov, Russian physiologist d. 1936, or his work, esp. on conditioned reflexes. pavonineadj. of or like a peacock. [L pavoninus f. pavo -onis peacock] pawn. & v. --n. 1 a foot of an animal having claws or nails. 2 colloq. a person's hand. --v. 1 tr. strike or scrape with a paw or foot. 2 intr. scrape the ground with a paw or hoof. 3 tr. colloq. fondle awkwardly or indecently. [ME pawe, powe f. OF poue etc. ult. f. Frank.] pawkyadj. (pawkier, pawkiest) Sc. & dial. 1 drily humorous. 2 shrewd. pawkily adv. pawkiness n. [Sc. & N.Engl. dial. pawk trick, of unkn. orig.] pawln. & v. --n. 1 a lever with a catch for the teeth of a wheel or bar. 2 Naut. a short bar used to lock a capstan, windlass, etc., to prevent it from recoiling. --v.tr. secure (a capstan etc.) with a pawl. [perh. f. LG & Du. pal, rel. to pal fixed] pawnn. 1 Chess a piece of the smallest size and value. 2 a person used by others for their own purposes. [ME f. AF poun, OF peon f. med.L pedo -onis foot-soldier f. L pes pedis foot: cf. PEON] v. & n. --v.tr. 1 deposit an object, esp. with a pawnbroker, as security for money lent. 2 pledge or wager (one's life, honour, word, etc.). --n. 1 an object left as security for money etc. lent. 2 anything or any person left with another as security etc. in (or at) pawn (of an object etc.) held as security. [ME f. OF pan, pand, pant, pledge, security f. WG] pawnbroker n. a person who lends money at interest on the security of personal property pawned. pawnbroking n. pawnshopn. a shop where pawnbroking is conducted. pawpawn. (also papaw, papaya) 1 a an elongated melon-shaped fruit with edible orange flesh and small black seeds. b a tropical tree, Carica papaya, bearing this and producing a milky sap from which papain is obtained. 2 US a N. American tree, Asimina triloba, with purple flowers and edible fruit. [earlier papay(a) f. Sp. & Port. papaya, of Carib orig.] PAXabbr. private automatic (telephone) exchange. paxn. 1 the kiss of peace. 2 (as int.) Brit. sl. a call for a truce (used esp. by schoolchildren). [ME f. L, = peace] payv. & n. --v.tr. (past and past part. paid) 1 (also absol.) give (a person etc.) what is due for services done, goods received, debts incurred, etc. (paid him in full; I assure you I have paid). 2 a give (a usu. specified amount) for work done, a debt, a ransom, etc. (they pay œ6 an hour). b (foll. by to) hand over the amount of (a debt, wages, recompense, etc.) to (paid the money to the assistant). 3 a give, bestow, or express (attention, respect, a compliment, etc.) (paid them no heed). b make (a visit, a call, etc.) (paid a visit to their uncle). 4 (also absol.) (of a business, undertaking, attitude, etc.) be profitable or advantageous to (a person etc.). 5 reward or punish (can never pay you for what you have done for us; I shall pay you for that). 6 (usu. as paid adj.) recompense (work, time, etc.) (paid holiday). 7 (usu. foll. by out, away) let out (a rope) by slackening it. --n. wages; payment. in the pay of employed by. paid holidays an agreed holiday period for which wages are paid as normal. paid-up member (esp. of a trade-union member) a person who has paid the subscriptions in full. pay-as-you-earn Brit. the deduction of income tax from wages at source. pay-bed a hospital bed for private patients. pay-claim a demand for an increase in pay, esp. by a trade union. pay-day a day on which payment, esp. of wages, is made or expected to be made. pay dearly (usu. foll. by for) 1 obtain at a high cost, great effort, etc. 2 suffer for a wrongdoing etc. pay dirt (or gravel) US 1 Mineral. ground worth working for ore. 2 a financially promising situation. pay envelope US = pay-packet. pay for 1 hand over the price of. 2 bear the cost of. 3 suffer or be punished for (a fault etc.). pay in pay (money) into a bank account. paying guest a boarder. pay its (or one's) way cover costs; not be indebted. pay one's last respects show respect towards a dead person by attending the funeral. pay off 1 dismiss (workers) with a final payment. 2 colloq. yield good results; succeed. 3 pay (a debt) in full. 4 (of a ship) turn to leeward through the movement of the helm. pay-off n. sl. 1 an act of payment. 2 a climax. 3 a final reckoning. pay out (or back) punish or be revenged on. pay-packet Brit. a packet or envelope containing an employee's wages. pay phone a coin-box telephone. pay the piper and call the tune pay for, and therefore have control over, a proceeding. pay one's respects make a polite visit. pay station US = pay phone. pay through the nose colloq. pay much more than a fair price. pay up pay the full amount, or the full amount of. put paid to colloq. 1 deal effectively with (a person). 2 terminate (hopes etc.). payee n. payer n. [ME f. OF paie, payer f. L pacare appease f. pax pacis peace] v.tr. (past and past part. payed) Naut. smear (a ship) with pitch, tar, etc. as a defence against wet. [OF peier f. L picare f. pix picis PITCH] payableadj. 1 that must be paid; due (payable in April). 2 that may be paid. 3 (of a mine etc.) profitable. paybackn. 1 a financial return; a reward. 2 the profit from an investment etc., esp. one equal to the initial outlay. payback period the length of time required for an investment to pay for itself in terms of profits or savings. PAYEabbr. Brit. pay-as-you-earn. payloadn. 1 the part of an aircraft's load from which revenue is derived. 2 a the explosive warhead carried by an aircraft or rocket. b the instruments etc. carried by a spaceship. paymastern. 1 an official who pays troops, workmen, etc. 2 a person, organization, etc., to whom another owes duty or loyalty because of payment given. 3 (in full Paymaster General) Brit. the minister at the head of the Treasury department responsible for payments. paymentn. 1 the act or an instance of paying. 2 an amount paid. 3 reward, recompense. [ME f. OF paiement (as PAY)] paynimn. archaic 1 a pagan. 2 a non-Christian, esp. a Muslim. [ME f. OF pai(e)nime f. eccl.L paganismus heathenism (as PAGAN)] payolan. esp. US 1 a bribe offered in return for unofficial promotion of a product etc. in the media. 2 the practice of such bribery. [PAY + -ola as in Victrola, make of gramophone] payrolln. a list of employees receiving regular pay. paysagen. 1 a rural scene; a landscape. 2 landscape painting. paysagist n. [F f. pays country: see PEASANT] Pbsymb. Chem. the element lead. [L plumbum] PBXabbr. private branch exchange (private telephone switchboard). PCabbr. 1 (in the UK) police constable. 2 (in the UK) Privy Counsellor. 3 personal computer. p.c.abbr. 1 per cent. 2 postcard. PCBabbr. 1 Computing printed circuit board. 2 Chem. polychlorinated biphenyl, any of several toxic aromatic compounds containing two benzene molecules in which hydrogens have been replaced by chlorine atoms, formed as waste in industrial processes. PCMabbr. pulse code modulation. pct.abbr. US per cent. PDabbr. US Police Department. Pdsymb. Chem. the element palladium. pd.abbr. paid. p.d.q.abbr. colloq. pretty damn quick. PDTabbr. US Pacific Daylight Time. PEabbr. physical education. p/eabbr. price/earnings (ratio). pean. 1 a a hardy climbing plant, Pisum sativum, with seeds growing in pods and used for food. b its seed. 2 any of several similar plants (sweet pea; chick-pea). pea-brain colloq. a stupid or dim-witted person. pea-green bright green. pea-souper Brit. colloq. a thick yellowish fog. [back-form. f. PEASE (taken as pl.: cf. CHERRY)] peacen. 1 a quiet; tranquillity (needs peace to work well). b mental calm; serenity (peace of mind). 2 a (often attrib.) freedom from or the cessation of war (peace talks). b (esp. Peace) a treaty of peace between two States etc. at war. 3 freedom from civil disorder. 4 Eccl. a ritual liturgical greeting. at peace 1 in a state of friendliness. 2 serene. 3 euphem. dead. hold one's peace keep silence. keep the peace prevent, or refrain from, strife. make one's peace (often foll. by with) re-establish friendly relations. make peace bring about peace; reconcile. the peace (or the queen's peace) peace existing within a realm; civil order. Peace Corps US an organization sending young people to work as volunteers in developing countries. peace-offering 1 a propitiatory or conciliatory gift. 2 Bibl. an offering presented as a thanksgiving to God. peace-pipe a tobacco-pipe as a token of peace among US Indians. [ME f. AF pes, OF pais f. L pax pacis] peaceableadj. 1 disposed to peace; unwarlike. 2 free from disturbance; peaceful. peaceableness n. peaceably adv. [ME f. OF peisible, plaisible f. LL placibilis pleasing f. L placere please] peacefuladj. 1 characterized by peace; tranquil. 2 not violating or infringing peace (peaceful coexistence). 3 belonging to a state of peace. peacefully adv. peacefulness n. peacemaker n. a person who brings about peace. peacemaking n. & adj. peacetimen. a period when a country is not at war. peachn. 1 a a round juicy stone-fruit with downy cream or yellow skin flushed with red. b the tree, Prunus persica, bearing it. 2 the yellowish-pink colour of a peach. 3 colloq. a a person or thing of superlative quality. b an attractive young woman. peach-bloom an oriental porcelain-glaze of reddish pink, usu. with green markings. peach-blow 1 a delicate purplish-pink colour. 2 = peach-bloom. peaches and cream (of a complexion) creamy skin with downy pink cheeks. peach Melba see MELBA. peachy adj. (peachier, peachiest). peachiness n. [ME f. OF peche, pesche, f. med.L persica f. L persicum (malum), lit. Persian apple] v. 1 intr. (usu. foll. by against, on) colloq. turn informer; inform. 2 tr. archaic inform against. [ME f. appeach f. AF enpecher, OF empechier IMPEACH] pea-chickn. a young peafowl. [formed as PEACOCK + CHICK] peacockn. 1 a male peafowl, having brilliant plumage and a tail (with eyelike markings) that can be expanded erect in display like a fan. 2 this type of ostentatious display. peacock blue the lustrous greenish blue of a peacock's neck. peacock butterfly a butterfly, Inachis io, with eyelike markings on its wings. [ME pecock f. OE pea f. L pavo + COCK] peafowln. 1 a peacock or peahen. 2 a pheasant of the genus Pavo. peahenn. a female peafowl. pea-jacket n. a sailor's short double-breasted overcoat of coarse woollen cloth. [prob. f. Du. pijjakker f. pij coat of coarse cloth + jekker jacket: assim. to JACKET] peakn. & v. --n. 1 a projecting usu. pointed part, esp.: a the pointed top of a mountain. b a mountain with a peak. c a stiff brim at the front of a cap. d a pointed beard. e the narrow part of a ship's hold at the bow or stern (forepeak; after-peak). f Naut. the upper outer corner of a sail extended by a gaff. 2 a the highest point in a curve (on the peak of the wave). b the time of greatest success (in a career etc.). c the highest point on a graph etc. --v.intr. reach the highest value, quality, etc. (output peaked in September). peak hour the time of the most intense traffic etc. peak-load the maximum of electric power demand etc. peaked adj. peaky adj. peakiness n. [prob. back-form. f. peaked var. of dial. picked pointed (PICK)] v.intr. 1 waste away. 2 (as peaked adj.) sharp-featured; pinched. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] peakyadj. (peakier, peakiest) 1 sickly; puny. 2 white-faced. pealn. & v. --n. 1 a the loud ringing of a bell or bells, esp. a series of changes. b a set of bells. 2 a loud repeated sound, esp. of thunder, laughter, etc. --v. 1 intr. sound forth in a peal. 2 tr. utter sonorously. 3 tr. ring (bells) in peals. [ME pele f. apele APPEAL] n. a salmon grilse. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] peann. Heraldry fur represented as sable spotted with or. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] US var. of PAEAN. peanutn. 1 a leguminous plant, Arachis hypogaea, bearing pods that ripen underground and contain seeds used as food and yielding oil. 2 the seed of this plant. 3 (in pl.) colloq. a paltry or trivial thing or amount, esp. of money. peanut butter a paste of ground roasted peanuts. pearn. 1 a yellowish or brownish-green fleshy fruit, tapering towards the stalk. 2 any of various trees of the genus Pyrus bearing it, esp. P. communis. pear-drop a small sweet with the shape of a pear. [OE pere, peru ult. f. L pirum] pearln. & v. --n. 1 a (often attrib.) a usu. white or bluish-grey hard mass formed within the shell of a pearl-oyster or other bivalve mollusc, highly prized as a gem for its lustre (pearl necklace). b an imitation of this. c (in pl.) a necklace of pearls. d = mother-of-pearl (cf. seed-pearl). 2 a precious thing; the finest example. 3 anything resembling a pearl, e.g. a dewdrop, tear, etc. --v. 1 tr. poet. a sprinkle with pearly drops. b make pearly in colour etc. 2 tr. reduce (barley etc.) to small rounded grains. 3 intr. fish for pearl-oysters. 4 intr. poet. form pearl-like drops. cast pearls before swine offer a treasure to a person unable to appreciate it. pearl ash commercial potassium carbonate. pearl barley barley reduced to small round grains by grinding. pearl bulb a translucent electric light bulb. pearl button a button made of mother-of-pearl or an imitation of it. pearl-diver a person who dives for pearl-oysters. pearl millet a tall cereal, Pennisetum typhoides. pearl onion a very small onion used in pickles. pearl-oyster any of various marine bivalve molluscs of the genus Pinctada, bearing pearls. pearler n. [ME f. OF perle prob. f. L perna leg (applied to leg-of-mutton-shaped bivalve)] n. Brit. = PICOT. [var. of PURL] pearledadj. 1 adorned with pearls. 2 formed into pearl-like drops or grains. 3 pearl-coloured. pearlescent adj. having or producing the appearance of mother-of-pearl. pearlitevar. of PERLITE. pearlizedadj. treated so as to resemble mother-of-pearl. pearlwaren. a fine white glazed earthenware. pearlwortn. Bot. any small herbaceous plant of the genus Sagina, inhabiting rocky and sandy areas. pearlyadj. & n. --adj. (pearlier, pearliest) 1 resembling a pearl; lustrous. 2 containing pearls or mother-of-pearl. 3 adorned with pearls. --n. (pl. -ies) (in pl.) Brit. 1 pearly kings and queens. 2 a pearly king's or queen's clothes or pearl buttons. Pearly Gates colloq. the gates of Heaven. pearly king (or queen) Brit. a London costermonger (or his wife) wearing clothes covered with pearl buttons. pearly nautilus see NAUTILUS. pearliness n. pearmainn. a variety of apple with firm white flesh. [ME, = warden pear, f. OF parmain, permain, prob. ult. f. L parmensis of Parma in Italy] peartadj. US lively; cheerful. [var. of PERT] peasantn. 1 esp. colloq. a countryman or countrywoman; a rustic. 2 a a worker on the land, esp. a labourer or smallholder. b hist. a member of an agricultural class dependent on subsistence farming. 3 derog. a lout; a boorish person. peasantry n. (pl. -ies). peasanty adj. [ME f. AF paisant, OF pa‹sent, earlier pa‹sence f. pa‹s country ult. f. L pagus canton] peasen.pl. archaic peas. pease-pudding boiled split peas (served esp. with boiled ham). [OE pise pea, pl. pisan, f. LL pisa f. L pisum f. Gk pison: cf. PEA] peashooter n. a small tube for blowing dried peas through as a toy. peatn. 1 vegetable matter decomposed in water and partly carbonized, used for fuel, in horticulture, etc. 2 a cut piece of this. peaty adj. [ME f. AL peta, perh. f. Celt.: cf. PIECE] peatbogn. a bog composed of peat. peatmossn. 1 a peatbog. 2 any of various mosses of the genus Sphagnum, which grow in damp conditions and form peat as they decay. peau-de-soie n. a smooth finely-ribbed satiny fabric of silk or rayon. [F, = skin of silk] pebblen. 1 a small smooth stone worn by the action of water. 2 a a type of colourless transparent rock-crystal used for spectacles. b a lens of this. c (attrib.) colloq. (of a spectacle-lens) very thick and convex. 3 an agate or other gem, esp. when found as a pebble in a stream etc. not the only pebble on the beach (esp. of a person) easily replaced. pebble-dash mortar with pebbles in it used as a coating for external walls. pebbly adj. [OE papel-stan pebble-stone, pyppelripig pebble-stream, of unkn. orig.] p.e.c.abbr. photoelectric cell. pecann. 1 a pinkish-brown smooth nut with an edible kernel. 2 a hickory, Carya illinoensis, of the southern US, producing this. [earlier paccan, of Algonquian orig.] peccableadj. formal liable to sin. peccability n. [F, f. med.L peccabilis f. peccare sin] peccadillo n. (pl. -oes or -os) a trifling offence; a venial sin. [Sp. pecadillo, dimin. of pecado sin f. L (as PECCANT)] peccantadj. formal 1 sinning. 2 inducing disease; morbid. peccancy n. [F peccant or L peccare sin] peccaryn. (pl. -ies) any American wild pig of the family Tayassuidae, esp. Tayassu tajacu and T. pecari. [Carib pakira] peccaviint. & n. --int. expressing guilt. --n. (pl. peccavis) a confession of guilt. [L, = I have sinned] pˆche Melba n. = peach Melba (see MELBA). [F] peckv. & n. --v.tr. 1 strike or bite (something) with a beak. 2 kiss (esp. a person's cheek) hastily or perfunctorily. 3 a make (a hole) by pecking. b (foll. by out, off) remove or pluck out by pecking. 4 colloq. (also absol.) eat (food) listlessly; nibble at. 5 mark with short strokes. 6 (usu. foll. by up, down) break with a pick etc. --n. 1 a a stroke or bite with a beak. b a mark made by this. 2 a hasty or perfunctory kiss. 3 sl. food. peck at 1 eat (food) listlessly; nibble. 2 carp at; nag. 3 strike (a thing) repeatedly with a beak. pecking (or peck) order a social hierarchy, orig. as observed among hens. [ME prob. f. MLG pekken, of unkn. orig.] n. 1 a measure of capacity for dry goods, equal to 2 gallons or 8 quarts. 2 a vessel used to contain this amount. a peck of a large number or amount of (troubles, dirt, etc.). [ME f. AF pek, of unkn. orig.] peckern. 1 a bird that pecks (woodpecker). 2 US coarse sl. the penis. keep your pecker up Brit. colloq. remain cheerful. peckishadj. colloq. 1 hungry. 2 US irritable. pecorinon. (pl. -os) an Italian cheese made from ewes' milk. [It. f. pecorino (adj.) of ewes f. pecora sheep] pectenn. (pl. pectens or pectines) Zool. 1 a comblike structure of various kinds in animal bodies. 2 any bivalve mollusc of the genus Pecten. Also called SCALLOP. pectinate adj. pectinated adj. pectination n. (all in sense 1). [L pecten pectinis comb] pectinn. Biochem. any of various soluble gelatinous polysaccharides found in ripe fruits etc. and used as a setting agent in jams and jellies. pectic adj. [Gk pektos congealed f. pegnumi make solid] pectoraladj. & n. --adj. 1 of or relating to the breast or chest; thoracic (pectoral fin; pectoral muscle). 2 worn on the chest (pectoral cross). --n. 1 (esp. in pl.) a pectoral muscle. 2 a pectoral fin. 3 an ornamental breastplate esp. of a Jewish high priest. [ME f. OF f. L pectorale (n.), pectoralis (adj.) f. pectus pectoris breast, chest] pectosen. Biochem. an insoluble polysaccharide derivative found in unripe fruits and converted into pectin by ripening, heating, etc. [pectic (see PECTIN) + -OSE] peculatev.tr. & intr. embezzle (money). peculation n. peculator n. [L peculari rel. to peculium: see PECULIAR] peculiaradj. & n. --adj. 1 strange; odd; unusual (a peculiar flavour; is a little peculiar). 2 a (usu. foll. by to) belonging exclusively (a fashion peculiar to the time). b belonging to the individual (in their own peculiar way). 3 particular; special (a point of peculiar interest). --n. 1 a peculiar property, privilege, etc. 2 a parish or church exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocese in which it lies. [ME f. L peculiaris of private property f. peculium f. pecu cattle] peculiarity n. (pl. -ies) 1 a idiosyncrasy; unusualness; oddity. b an instance of this. 2 a characteristic or habit (meanness is his peculiarity). 3 the state of being peculiar. peculiarly adv. 1 more than usually; especially (peculiarly annoying). 2 oddly. 3 as regards oneself alone; individually (does not affect him peculiarly). pecuniaryadj. 1 of, concerning, or consisting of, money (pecuniary aid; pecuniary considerations). 2 (of an offence) entailing a money penalty or fine. pecuniarily adv. [L pecuniarius f. pecunia money f. pecu cattle] pedagoguen. archaic or derog. a schoolmaster; a teacher. pedagogic adj. pedagogical adj. pedagogically adv. pedagogism n. (also pedagoguism). [ME f. L paedagogus f. Gk paidagogos f. pais paidos boy + agogos guide] pedagogyn. the science of teaching. pedagogics n. [F p‚dagogie f. Gk paidagogia (as PEDAGOGUE)] pedaln. & v. --n. 1 any of several types of foot-operated levers or controls for mechanisms, esp.: a either of a pair of levers for transmitting power to a bicycle or tricycle wheel etc. b any of the foot-operated controls in a motor vehicle. c any of the foot-operated keys of an organ used for playing notes, or for drawing out several stops at once etc. d each of the foot-levers on a piano etc. for making the tone fuller or softer. e each of the foot-levers on a harp for altering the pitch of the strings. 2 a note sustained in one part, usu. the bass, through successive harmonies, some of which are independent of it. --v. (pedalled, pedalling; US pedaled, pedaling) 1 intr. operate a cycle, organ, etc. by using the pedals. 2 tr. work (a bicycle etc.) with the pedals. pedal cycle a bicycle. [F p‚dale f. It. pedale f. L (as PEDAL)] adj. Zool. of the foot or feet (esp. of a mollusc). [L pedalis f. pes pedis foot] pedalon. (pl. -os) a pedal-operated pleasure-boat. pedantn. 1 a person who insists on strict adherence to formal rules or literal meaning at the expense of a wider view. 2 a person who rates academic learning or technical knowledge above everything. 3 a person who is obsessed by a theory; a doctrinaire. pedantic adj. pedantically adv. pedantize v.intr. & tr. (also -ise). pedantry n. (pl. -ies). [F p‚dant f. It. pedante: app. formed as PEDAGOGUE] pedateadj. 1 Zool. having feet. 2 Bot. (of a leaf) having divisions like toes or a bird's claws. [L pedatus f. pes pedis foot] peddlev. 1 tr. a sell (goods), esp. in small quantities, as a pedlar. b advocate or promote (ideas, a philosophy, a way of life, etc.). 2 tr. sell (drugs) illegally. 3 intr. engage in selling, esp. as a pedlar. [back-form. f. PEDLAR] peddlern. 1 a person who sells drugs illegally. 2 US var. of PEDLAR. pederastn. (also paederast) a man who performs pederasty. pederastyn. (also paederasty) anal intercourse between a man and a boy. [mod.L paederastia f. Gk paiderastia f. pais paidos boy + erastes lover] pedestaln. & v. --n. 1 a base supporting a column or pillar. 2 the stone etc. base of a statue etc. 3 either of the two supports of a knee-hole desk or table, usu. containing drawers. --v.tr. (pedestalled, pedestalling; US pedestaled, pedestaling) set or support on a pedestal. pedestal table a table with a single central support. put (or set) on a pedestal regard as highly admirable, important, etc.; venerate. [F pi‚destal f. It. piedestallo f. piŠ foot f. L pes pedis + di of + stallo STALL] pedestrian n. & adj. --n. 1 (often attrib.) a person who is walking, esp. in a town (pedestrian crossing). 2 a person who walks competitively. --adj. prosaic; dull; uninspired. pedestrian crossing Brit. a specified part of a road where pedestrians have right of way to cross. pedestrian precinct an area of a town restricted to pedestrians. pedestrianism n. pedestrianize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). pedestrianization n. [F p‚destre or L pedester -tris] pediatrics US var. of PAEDIATRICS. pedicabn. a pedal-operated rickshaw. pediceln. (also pedicle) 1 a small (esp. subordinate) stalklike structure in a plant or animal (cf. PEDUNCLE). 2 Surgery part of a graft left temporarily attached to its original site. pedicellate adj. pediculate adj. [mod.L pedicellus & L pediculus dimin. of pes pedis foot] pedicularadj. (also pediculous) infested with lice. pediculosis n. [L pedicularis, -losus f. pediculus louse] pedicuren. & v. --n. 1 the care or treatment of the feet, esp. of the toenails. 2 a person practising this, esp. professionally. --v.tr. treat (the feet) by removing corns etc. [F p‚dicure f. L pes pedis foot + curare: see CURE] pedigreen. 1 (often attrib.) a recorded line of descent of a person or esp. a pure-bred domestic or pet animal. 2 the derivation of a word. 3 a genealogical table. 4 colloq. the 'life history' of a person, thing, idea, etc. pedigreed adj. [ME pedegru etc. f. AF f. OF pie de grue (unrecorded) crane's foot, a mark denoting succession in pedigrees] pedimentn. 1 a the triangular front part of a building in Grecian style, surmounting esp. a portico of columns. b a similar part of a building in Roman or Renaissance style. 2 Geol. a broad flattish rock surface at the foot of a mountain slope. pedimental adj. pedimented adj. [earlier pedament, periment, perh. corrupt. of PYRAMID] pedlarn. (US peddler) 1 a travelling seller of small items esp. carried in a pack etc. 2 (usu. foll. by of) a retailer of gossip etc. pedlary n. [ME pedlere alt. of pedder f. ped pannier, of unkn. orig.] pedo-comb. form US var. of PAEDO-. pedologyn. the scientific study of soil, esp. its formation, nature, and classification. pedological adj. pedologist n. [Russ. pedologiya f. Gk pedon ground] pedometern. an instrument for estimating the distance travelled on foot by recording the number of steps taken. [F p‚domŠtre f. L pes pedis foot] pedunclen. 1 Bot. the stalk of a flower, fruit, or cluster, esp. a main stalk bearing a solitary flower or subordinate stalks (cf. PEDICEL). 2 Zool. a stalklike projection in an animal body. peduncular adj. pedunculate adj. [mod.L pedunculus f. L pes pedis foot: see -UNCLE] peev. & n. colloq. --v. (pees, peed) 1 intr. urinate. 2 tr. pass (urine, blood, etc.) from the bladder. --n. 1 urination. 2 urine. [initial letter of PISS] peekv. & n. --v.intr. (usu. foll. by in, out, at) look quickly or slyly; peep. --n. a quick or sly look. [ME pike, pyke, of unkn. orig.] peekabooadj. & n. --adj. 1 (of a garment etc.) transparent or having a pattern of small holes. 2 (of a hairstyle) concealing one eye with a fringe or wave. --n. US = BO-PEEP. [PEEK + BOO] peelv. & n. --v. 1 tr. a strip the skin, rind, bark, wrapping, etc. from (a fruit, vegetable, tree, etc.). b (usu. foll. by off) strip (skin, peel, wrapping, etc.) from a fruit etc. 2 intr. a (of a tree, an animal's or person's body, a painted surface, etc.) become bare of bark, skin, paint, etc. b (often foll. by off) (of bark, a person's skin, paint, etc.) flake off. 3 intr. (often foll. by off) colloq. (of a person) strip for exercise etc. 4 tr. Croquet send (another player's ball) through the hoops. --n. the outer covering of a fruit, vegetable, prawn, etc.; rind. peel off 1 veer away and detach oneself from a group of marchers, a formation of aircraft, etc. 2 colloq. strip off one's clothes. peeler n. (in sense 1 of v.). [earlier pill, pele (orig. = plunder) f. ME pilien etc. f. OE pilian (unrecorded) f. L pilare f. pilus hair] n. a shovel, esp. a baker's shovel for bringing loaves etc. into or out of an oven. [ME & OF pele f. L pala, rel. to pangere fix] n. (also pele) hist. a small square tower built in the 16th c. in the border counties of England and Scotland for defence against raids. [ME pel stake, palisade, f. AF & OF pel f. L palus stake: cf. PALE] peelern. Brit. archaic sl. or dial. a policeman. [Sir Robert Peel, Engl. statesman d. 1850] peelingn. a strip of the outer skin of a vegetable, fruit, etc. (potato peelings). peenn. & v. --n. the wedge-shaped or thin or curved end of a hammer-head (opp. FACE n. 5a). --v.tr. 1 hammer with a peen. 2 treat (sheet metal) with a stream of metal shot in order to shape it. [17th c.: also pane, app. f. F panne f. Du. pen f. L pinna point] peepv. & n. --v.intr. 1 (usu. foll. by at, in, out, into) look through a narrow opening; look furtively. 2 (usu. foll. by out) a (of daylight, a flower beginning to bloom, etc.) come slowly into view; emerge. b (of a quality etc.) show itself unconsciously. --n. 1 a furtive or peering glance. 2 the first appearance (at peep of day). peep-bo = BO-PEEP. peep-hole a small hole that may be looked through. peeping Tom a furtive voyeur. peep-show a small exhibition of pictures etc. viewed through a lens or hole set into a box etc. peep-sight the aperture backsight of some rifles. peep-toe (or -toed) (of a shoe) leaving the toes partly bare. [ME: cf. PEEK, PEER] v. & n. --v.intr. make a shrill feeble sound as of young birds, mice, etc.; squeak; chirp. --n. such a sound. [imit.: cf. CHEEP] peepern. 1 a person who peeps. 2 colloq. an eye. 3 US sl. a private detective. peepuln. (also pipal) = BO-TREE. [Hindi pipal f. Skr. pippala] peerv.intr. 1 (usu. foll. by into, at, etc.) look keenly or with difficulty (peered into the fog). 2 appear; peep out. 3 archaic come into view. [var. of pire, LG piren; perh. partly f. APPEAR] n. & v. --n. 1 a (fem. peeress) a member of one of the degrees of the nobility in Britain, i.e. a duke, marquis, earl, viscount, or baron. b a noble of any country. 2 a person who is equal in ability, standing, rank, or value; a contemporary (tried by a jury of his peers). --v.intr. & tr. (usu. foll. by with) rank or cause to rank equally. peer group a group of people of the same age, status, interests, etc. peer of the realm (or the United Kingdom) any of the class of peers whose adult members may all sit in the House of Lords. peerless adj. [ME f. AF & OF pe(e)r, perer f. LL pariare f. L par equal] peeragen. 1 peers as a class; the nobility. 2 the rank of peer or peeress (was given a life peerage). 3 a book containing a list of peers with their genealogy etc. peevev. & n. colloq. --v.tr. (usu. as peeved adj.) annoy; vex; irritate. --n. 1 a cause of annoyance. 2 vexation. [back-form. f. PEEVISH] peevishadj. querulous; irritable. peevishly adv. peevishness n. [ME, = foolish, mad, spiteful, etc., of unkn. orig.] peewitn. (also pewit) 1 a lapwing. 2 its cry. [imit.] pegn. & v. --n. 1 a a usu. cylindrical pin or bolt of wood or metal, often tapered at one end, and used for holding esp. two things together. b such a peg attached to a wall etc. and used for hanging garments etc. on. c a peg driven into the ground and attached to a rope for holding up a tent. d a bung for stoppering a cask etc. e each of several pegs used to tighten or loosen the strings of a violin etc. f a small peg, matchstick, etc. stuck into holes in a board for calculating the scores at cribbage. 2 Brit. = clothes-peg. 3 Brit. a measure of spirits or wine. --v.tr. (pegged, pegging) 1 (usu. foll. by down, in, out, etc.) fix (a thing) with a peg. 2 Econ. a stabilize (prices, wages, exchange rates, etc.). b prevent the price of (stock etc.) from falling or rising by freely buying or selling at a given price. 3 mark (the score) with pegs on a cribbage-board. off the peg (of clothes) ready-made. peg away (often foll. by at) work consistently and esp. for a long period. peg down restrict (a person etc.) to rules, a commitment, etc. peg-leg 1 an artificial leg. 2 a person with an artificial leg. peg on = peg away. peg out 1 sl. die. 2 score the winning point at cribbage. 3 Croquet hit the peg with the ball as the final stroke in a game. 4 mark the boundaries of (land etc.). a peg to hang an idea etc. on a suitable occasion or pretext etc. for it. a round (or square) peg in a square (or round) hole a misfit. take a person down a peg or two humble a person. [ME, prob. of LG or Du. orig.: cf. MDu. pegge, Du. dial. peg, LG pigge] pegboardn. a board having a regular pattern of small holes for pegs, used for commercial displays, games, etc. pegmatiten. a coarsely crystalline type of granite. [Gk pegma -atos thing joined together f. pegnumi fasten] pegtopn. a pear-shaped spinning-top with a metal pin or peg forming the point, spun by the rapid uncoiling of a string wound round it. Pehlevivar. of PAHLAVI. PEIabbr. Prince Edward Island. peignoirn. a woman's loose dressing-gown. [F f. peigner to comb] pejorative adj. & n. --adj. (of a word, an expression, etc.) depreciatory. --n. a depreciatory word. pejoratively adv. [F p‚joratif -ive f. LL pejorare make worse (pejor)] pekann. a N. American flesh-eating mammal, Martes pennanti, valued for its fur. [Can.F f. Abnaki p‚kan‚] peken. colloq. a Pekingese dog. [abbr.] Pekingesen. & adj. (also Pekinese) --n. (pl. same) 1 a a lap-dog of a short-legged breed with long hair and a snub nose. b this breed. 2 a citizen of Peking (Beijing) in China. 3 the form of the Chinese language used in Beijing. --adj. of or concerning Beijing or its language or citizens. pekoen. a superior kind of black tea. [Chin. dial. pek- ho f. pek white + ho down, leaves being picked young with down on them] pelagen. the fur, hair, wool, etc. of a mammal. [F f. poil hair] Pelagianadj. & n. --adj. of or concerning the monk Pelagius (4th-5th c.) or his theory denying the doctrine of original sin. --n. a follower of Pelagius. Pelagianism n. [eccl.L Pelagianus f. Pelagius] pelagianadj. & n. --adj. inhabiting the open sea. --n. an inhabitant of the open sea. [L pelagius f. Gk pelagios of the sea (pelagos)] pelagicadj. 1 of or performed on the open sea (pelagic whaling). 2 (of marine life) belonging to the upper layers of the open sea. [L pelagicus f. Gk pelagikos (as PELAGIAN)] pelargonium n. any plant of the genus Pelargonium, with red, pink, or white flowers and fragrant leaves. Also called GERANIUM. [mod.L f. Gk pelargos stork: cf. GERANIUM] pelevar. of PEEL. pelfn. derog. or joc. money; wealth. [ME f. ONF f. OF pelfre, peufre spoils, of unkn. orig.: cf. PILFER] pelhamn. a horse's bit combining a curb and a snaffle. [the surname Pelham] pelicann. any large gregarious waterfowl of the family Pelecanidae with a large bill and a pouch in the throat for storing fish. pelican crossing (in the UK) a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights operated by pedestrians. [OE pellican & OF pelican f. LL pelicanus f. Gk pelekan prob. f. pelekus axe, with ref. to its bill] pelissen. hist. 1 a woman's cloak with armholes or sleeves, reaching to the ankles. 2 a fur-lined cloak, esp. as part of a hussar's uniform. [F f. med.L pellicia (vestis) (garment) of fur f. pellis skin] peliten. a rock composed of claylike sediment. [Gk pelos clay, mud] pellagran. a disease caused by deficiency of nicotinic acid, characterized by cracking of the skin and often resulting in insanity. pellagrous adj. [It. f. pelle skin, after PODAGRA] pelletn. & v. --n. 1 a small compressed ball of paper, bread, etc. 2 a pill. 3 a a small mass of bones, feathers, etc. regurgitated by a bird of prey. b a small hard piece of animal, usu. rodent, excreta. 4 a a piece of small shot. b an imitation bullet for a toy gun. --v.tr. (pelleted, pelleting) 1 make into a pellet or pellets. 2 hit with (esp. paper) pellets. pelletize v.tr. (also -ise). [ME f. OF pelote f. L pila ball] pelliclen. a thin skin, membrane, or film. pellicular adj. [F pellicule f. L pellicula, dimin. of pellis skin] pellitoryn. any of several wild plants, esp.: 1 (in full pellitory of Spain) a composite plant, Anacyclus pyrethrum, with a pungent-flavoured root, used as a local irritant etc. 2 (in full pellitory of the wall) a low bushy plant, Parietaria judaica, with greenish flowers growing on or at the foot of walls. [(sense 1) alt. f. ME f. OF peletre, peretre f. L pyrethrum f. Gk purethron feverfew: (sense 2) ult. f. OF paritaire f. LL parietaria f. L paries -etis wall] pell-melladv., adj., & n. --adv. 1 headlong, recklessly (rushed pell-mell out of the room). 2 in disorder or confusion (stuffed the papers together pell-mell). --adj. confused, tumultous. --n. confusion; a mixture. [F pˆle-mˆle, OF pesle mesle, mesle pesle, etc., redupl. of mesle f. mesler mix] pellucidadj. 1 (of water, light, etc.) transparent, clear. 2 (of style, speech, etc.) not confused; clear. 3 mentally clear. pellucidity n. pellucidly adv. [L pellucidus f. perlucere (as PER-, lucere shine)] Pelmanismn. 1 a system of memory-training orig. devised by the Pelman Institute. 2 a card-game based on this. Pelmanize v.tr. (also -ise). pelmetn. a narrow border of cloth, wood, etc. above esp. a window, concealing the curtain rail. [prob. f. F PALMETTE] pelorusn. a sighting device like a ship's compass for taking bearings. [perh. f. Pelorus, reputed name of Hannibal's pilot] pelotan. a Basque or Spanish game played in a walled court with a ball and basket-like rackets attached to the hand. [Sp., = ball, augment. of pella f. L pila] peltv. & n. --v. 1 tr. (usu. foll. by with) a hurl many small missiles at. b strike repeatedly with missiles. c assail (a person etc.) with insults, abuse, etc. 2 intr. (usu. foll. by down) (of rain etc.) fall quickly and torrentially. 3 intr. run fast. 4 intr. (often foll. by at) fire repeatedly. --n. the act or an instance of pelting. at full pelt as fast as possible. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] n. 1 the undressed skin of a fur-bearing mammal. 2 the skin of a sheep, goat, etc. with short wool, or stripped ready for tanning. 3 joc. the human skin. peltry n. [ME f. obs. pellet skin, dimin. of pel f. AF pell, OF pel, or back-form. f. peltry, AF pelterie, OF peleterie f. peletier furrier, ult. f. L pellis skin] peltan. (pl. peltae) 1 a small light shield used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, etc. 2 Bot. a shieldlike structure. peltate adj. [L f. Gk pelte] pelvicadj. of or relating to the pelvis. pelvic girdle the bony or cartilaginous structure in vertebrates to which the posterior limbs are attached. pelvisn. (pl. pelvises or pelves) 1 a basin-shaped cavity at the lower end of the torso of most vertebrates, formed from the innominate bone with the sacrum and other vertebrae. 2 the basin-like cavity of the kidney. [L, = basin] Pembs.abbr. Pembrokeshire (a former county in Wales). pemmicann. 1 a cake of dried pounded meat mixed with melted fat, orig. made by N. American Indians. 2 beef so treated and flavoured with currants etc. for use by Arctic travellers etc. [Cree pimecan f. pime fat] pemphigusn. Med. the formation of watery blisters or eruptions on the skin. pemphigoid adj. pemphigous adj. [mod.L f. Gk pemphix -igos bubble] PENabbr. International Association of Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists, and Novelists. Pen.abbr. Peninsula. penn. & v. --n. 1 an instrument for writing or drawing with ink, orig. consisting of a shaft with a sharpened quill or metal nib, now more widely applied. 2 a (usu. prec. by the) the occupation of writing. b a style of writing. 3 Zool. the internal feather-shaped cartilaginous shell of certain cuttlefish, esp. squid. --v.tr. (penned, penning) 1 write. 2 compose and write. pen and ink n. 1 the instruments of writing. 2 writing. pen-and-ink adj. drawn or written with ink. pen-feather a quill-feather of a bird's wing. pen-friend a friend communicated with by letter only. pen-light a small electric torch shaped like a fountain-pen. pen-name a literary pseudonym. pen-pal colloq. = pen-friend. pen-pusher colloq. derog. a clerical worker. pen-pushing colloq. derog. clerical work. put pen to paper begin writing. [ME f. OF penne f. L penna feather] n. & v. --n. 1 a small enclosure for cows, sheep, poultry, etc. 2 a place of confinement. 3 an enclosure for sheltering submarines. 4 a Jamaican farm or plantation. --v.tr. (penned, penning) (often foll. by in, up) enclose or shut in a pen. [OE penn, of unkn. orig.] n. a female swan. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] n. US sl. = PENITENTIARY n. 1. [abbr.] penaladj. 1 a of or concerning punishment or its infliction (penal laws; a penal sentence; a penal colony). b (of an offence) punishable, esp. by law. 2 extremely severe (penal taxation). penal servitude hist. imprisonment with compulsory labour. penally adv. [ME f. OF penal or L poenalis f. poena PAIN] penalizev.tr. (also -ise) 1 subject (a person) to a penalty or comparative disadvantage. 2 make or declare (an action) penal. penalization n. penaltyn. (pl. -ies) 1 a a punishment, esp. a fine, for a breach of law, contract, etc. b a fine paid. 2 a disadvantage, loss, etc., esp. as a result of one's own actions (paid the penalty for his carelessness). 3 a a disadvantage imposed on a competitor or side in a game etc. for a breach of the rules etc. b (attrib.) awarded against a side incurring a penalty (penalty kick; penalty goal). 4 Bridge etc. points gained by opponents when a contract is not fulfilled. penalty area Football the ground in front of the goal in which a foul by defenders involves the award of a penalty kick. penalty box Ice Hockey an area reserved for penalized players and some officials. the penalty of a disadvantage resulting from (a quality etc.). penalty rate Austral. an increased rate of pay for overtime. under (or on) penalty of under the threat of (dismissal etc.). [AF penalte (unrecorded), F p‚nalit‚ f. med.L penalitas (as PENAL)] penancen. & v. --n. 1 an act of self-punishment as reparation for guilt. 2 a (in the RC and Orthodox Church) a sacrament including confession of and absolution for a sin. b a penalty imposed esp. by a priest, or undertaken voluntarily, for a sin. --v.tr. impose a penance on. do penance perform a penance. [ME f. OF f. L paenitentia (as PENITENT)] penannular adj. almost ringlike. [L paene almost + ANNULAR] penatesn.pl. (in Roman mythology) the household gods, esp. of the storeroom (see LARES). [L f. penus provision of food] pencepl. of PENNY. penchantn. an inclination or liking (has a penchant for old films). [F, pres. part. of pencher incline] penciln. & v. --n. 1 (often attrib.) a an instrument for writing or drawing, usu. consisting of a thin rod of graphite etc. enclosed in a wooden cylinder (a pencil sketch). b a similar instrument with a metal or plastic cover and retractable lead. c a cosmetic in pencil form. 2 (attrib.) resembling a pencil in shape (pencil skirt). 3 Optics a set of rays meeting at a point. 4 Geom. a figure formed by a set of straight lines meeting at a point. 5 a draughtsman's art or style. --v.tr. (pencilled, pencilling; US penciled, penciling) 1 tint or mark with or as if with a pencil. 2 (usu. foll. by in) a write, esp. tentatively or provisionally (have pencilled in the 29th for our meeting). b (esp. as pencilled adj.) fill (an area) with soft pencil strokes (pencilled in her eyebrows). pencil-case a container for pencils etc. pencil-sharpener a device for sharpening a pencil by rotating it against a cutting edge. penciller n. [ME f. OF pincel ult. f. L penicillum paintbrush, dimin. of peniculus brush, dimin. of penis tail] pendantn. (also pendent) 1 a hanging jewel etc., esp. one attached to a necklace, bracelet, etc. 2 a light fitting, ornament, etc., hanging from a ceiling. 3 Naut. a a short rope hanging from the head of a mast etc., used for attaching tackles. b = PENNANT 1. 4 the shank and ring of a pocket-watch by which it is suspended. 5 (usu. foll. by to) a match, companion, parallel, complement, etc. [ME f. OF f. pendre hang f. L pendere] pendentadj. (also pendant) 1 a hanging. b overhanging. 2 undecided; pending. 3 Gram. (esp. of a sentence) incomplete; not having a finite verb (pendent nominative). pendency n. [ME (as PENDANT)] pendente lite adv. Law during the progress of a suit. [L] pendentive n. Archit. a curved triangle of vaulting formed by the intersection of a dome with its supporting arches. [F pendentif -ive (adj.) (as PENDANT)] pendingadj. & prep. --predic.adj. 1 awaiting decision or settlement, undecided (a settlement was pending). 2 about to come into existence (patent pending). --prep. 1 during (pending these negotiations). 2 until (pending his return). pending-tray a tray for documents, letters, etc., awaiting attention. [after F pendant (see PENDENT)] pendragonn. hist. an ancient British or Welsh prince (often as a title). [Welsh, = chief war-leader, f. pen head + dragon standard] pendulineadj. 1 (of a nest) suspended. 2 (of a bird) of a kind that builds such a nest. [F (as PENDULOUS)] pendulousadj. 1 (of ears, breasts, flowers, bird's nests, etc.) hanging down; drooping and esp. swinging. 2 oscillating. pendulously adv. [L pendulus f. pendere hang] pendulumn. a weight suspended so as to swing freely, esp. a rod with a weighted end regulating the movement of a clock's works. swing of the pendulum the tendency of public opinion to oscillate between extremes, esp. between political parties. [L neut. adj. (as PENDULOUS)] peneplainn. Geol. a fairly flat area of land produced by erosion. [L paene almost + PLAIN] penetralia n.pl. 1 innermost shrines or recesses. 2 secret or hidden parts; mysteries. [L, neut. pl. of penetralis interior (as PENETRATE)] penetratev. 1 tr. a find access into or through, esp. forcibly. b (usu. foll. by with) imbue (a person or thing) with; permeate. 2 tr. see into, find out, or discern (a person's mind, the truth, a meaning, etc.). 3 tr. see through (darkness, fog, etc.) (could not penetrate the gloom). 4 intr. be absorbed by the mind (my hint did not penetrate). 5 tr. (as penetrating adj.) a having or suggesting sensitivity or insight (a penetrating remark). b (of a voice etc.) easily heard through or above other sounds; piercing. 6 tr. (of a man) put the penis into the vagina of (a woman). 7 intr. (usu. foll. by into, through, to) make a way. penetrable adj. penetrability n. penetrant adj. & n. penetratingly adv. penetration n. penetrative adj. penetrator n. [L penetrare place or enter within f. penitus interior] penguinn. any flightless sea bird of the family Spheniscidae of the southern hemisphere, with black upper-parts and white under-parts, and wings developed into scaly flippers for swimming underwater. [16th c., orig. = great auk: orig. unkn.] penholdern. the esp. wooden shaft of a pen with a metal nib. penicillate adj. Biol. 1 having or forming a small tuft or tufts. 2 marked with streaks as of a pencil or brush. [L penicillum: see PENCIL] penicillin n. any of various antibiotics produced naturally by moulds of the genus Penicillium, or synthetically, and able to prevent the growth of certain disease-causing bacteria. [mod.L Penicillium genus name f. L penicillum: see PENCIL] penileadj. of or concerning the penis. [mod.L penilis] penillionpl. of PENNILL. peninsulan. a piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting far into a sea or lake etc. peninsular adj. [L paeninsula f. paene almost + insula island] penisn. (pl. penises or penes) 1 the male organ of copulation and (in mammals) urination. 2 the male copulatory organ in lower vertebrates. [L, = tail, penis] penitentadj. & n. --adj. regretting and wishing to atone for sins etc.; repentant. --n. 1 a repentant sinner. 2 a person doing penance under the direction of a confessor. 3 (in pl.) various RC orders associated for mutual discipline etc. penitence n. penitently adv. [ME f. OF f. L paenitens f. paenitere repent] penitential adj. of or concerning penitence or penance. penitential psalms seven psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143) expressing penitence. penitentially adv. [OF penitencial f. LL paenitentialis f. paenitentia penitence (as PENITENT)] penitentiary n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 US a reformatory prison. 2 an office in the papal court deciding questions of penance, dispensations, etc. --adj. 1 of or concerning penance. 2 of or concerning reformatory treatment. 3 US (of an offence) making a culprit liable to a prison sentence. Grand Penitentiary a cardinal presiding over the penitentiary. [ME f. med.L paenitentiarius (adj. & n.) (as PENITENT)] penknifen. a small folding knife, esp. for carrying in a pocket. penmann. (pl. -men) 1 a person who writes by hand with a specified skill (a good penman). 2 an author. penmanship n. Penn.abbr. (also Penna.) Pennsylvania. pennantn. 1 Naut. a tapering flag, esp. that flown at the masthead of a vessel in commission. 2 = PENDANT 3a. 3 = PENNON. 4 US a flag denoting a sports championship etc. [blend of PENDANT and PENNON] pennilessadj. having no money; destitute. pennilessly adv. pennilessness n. pennilln. (pl. penillion) (usu. in pl.) an improvised stanza sung to a harp accompaniment at an eisteddfod etc. [Welsh f. penn head] pennonn. 1 a long narrow flag, triangular or swallow-tailed, esp. as the military ensign of lancer regiments. 2 Naut. a long pointed streamer on a ship. 3 a flag. pennoned adj. [ME f. OF f. L penna feather] penn'orthvar. of PENNYWORTH. Pennsylvania Dutch n. 1 a dialect of High German spoken by descendants of 17th-18th-c. German and Swiss immigrants to Pennsylvania etc. 2 (as pl.) these settlers or their descendants. Pennsylvanian n. & adj. --n. 1 a native or inhabitant of Pennsylvania, a State of the US. 2 (prec. by the) esp. US Geol. the upper Carboniferous period or system. --adj. 1 of or relating to Pennsylvania. 2 esp. US Geol. of or relating to the upper Carboniferous period or system. pennyn. (pl. for separate coins -ies, for a sum of money pence) 1 a British coin and monetary unit equal to one-hundredth of a pound. °Abbr.: p. 2 hist. a former British bronze coin and monetary unit equal to one-two-hundred-and-fortieth of a pound. °Abbr.: d. 3 US colloq. a one-cent coin. 4 Bibl. a denarius. in for a penny, in for a pound an exhortation to total commitment to an undertaking. like a bad penny continually returning when unwanted. pennies from heaven unexpected benefits. penny black the first adhesive postage stamp (1840, value one penny). penny cress Bot. a plant, Thlaspi arvense, with flat round pods. penny dreadful Brit. a cheap sensational comic or story-book. the penny drops colloq. one begins to understand at last. penny farthing Brit. an early type of bicycle with one large and one small wheel. a penny for your thoughts a request to a thoughtful person to confide in the speaker. penny-in-the-slot (of a machine) activated by a coin pushed into a slot. penny-pincher a niggardly person. penny-pinching n. meanness. --adj. mean. penny post Brit. hist. the system of carrying letters etc. at a standard charge of 1d. regardless of distance. penny whistle a tin pipe with six holes giving different notes. penny wise too careful in saving small amounts. penny wise and pound foolish mean in small expenditures but wasteful of large amounts. a pretty penny a large sum of money. two a penny almost worthless though easily obtained. [OE penig, penning f. Gmc, perh. rel. to PAWN] -pennycomb. form Brit. forming attributive adjectives meaning 'costing ... pence' (esp. in pre-decimal currency) (fivepenny). pennyroyal n. 1 a creeping mint, Mentha pulegium, cultivated for its supposed medicinal properties. 2 US an aromatic plant, Hedeoma pulegioides. [app. f. earlier puliol(e) ryall f. AF puliol, OF pouliol ult. f. L pulegium + real ROYAL] pennyweight n. a unit of weight, 24 grains or one-twentieth of an ounce troy. pennywortn. any of several wild plants with rounded leaves, esp.: 1 (wall pennywort) Umbilicus rupestris, growing in crevices. 2 (marsh or water pennywort) Hydrocotyle vulgaris, growing in marshy places. [ME, f. PENNY + WORT] pennyworth n. (also penn'orth) 1 as much as can be bought for a penny. 2 a bargain of a specified kind (a bad pennyworth). not a pennyworth not the least bit. penologyn. the study of the punishment of crime and of prison management. penological adj. penologist n. [L poena penalty + -LOGY] pens‚en. a thought or reflection put into literary form; an aphorism. [F] pensileadj. 1 hanging down; pendulous. 2 (of a bird etc.) building a pensile nest. [L pensilis f. pendere pens- hang] pensionn. & v. --n. 1 a a regular payment made by a government to people above a specified age, to widows, or to the disabled. b similar payments made by an employer etc. on the retirement of an employee. 2 a a pension paid to a scientist, artist, etc. for services to the state, or to fund work. b any pension paid esp. by a government on charitable grounds. --v.tr. 1 grant a pension to. 2 bribe with a pension. pension off 1 dismiss with a pension. 2 cease to employ or use. pensionless adj. [ME f. OF f. L pensio -onis payment f. pendere pens- pay] n. a European, esp. French, boarding-house providing full or half board at a fixed rate. en pension as a boarder. [F: see PENSION] pensionable adj. 1 entitled to a pension. 2 (of a service, job, etc.) entitling an employee to a pension. pensionability n. pensionary adj. & n. --adj. of or concerning a pension. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a pensioner. 2 a creature; a hireling. Grand Pensionary hist. the first minister of Holland and Zealand (1619-1794). [med.L pensionarius (as PENSION)] pensionern. a recipient of a pension, esp. the retirement pension. [ME f. AF pensionner, OF pensionnier (as PENSION)] pensiveadj. 1 deep in thought. 2 sorrowfully thoughtful. pensively adv. pensiveness n. [ME f. OF pensif, -ive f. penser think f. L pensare frequent. of pendere pens- weigh] penstemonvar. of PENTSTEMON. penstockn. 1 a sluice; a floodgate. 2 US a channel for conveying water to a water-wheel. [PEN in sense 'mill-dam' + STOCK] pentadj. (often foll. by in, up) closely confined; shut in (pent up feelings). [past part. of pend var. of PEN v.] penta-comb. form 1 five. 2 Chem. (forming the names of compounds) containing five atoms or groups of a specified kind (pentachloride; pentoxide). [Gk f. pente five] pentachord n. 1 a musical instrument with five strings. 2 a series of five musical notes. pentaclen. a figure used as a symbol, esp. in magic, e.g. a pentagram. [med.L pentaculum (as PENTA-)] pentadn. 1 the number five. 2 a group of five. [Gk pentas -ados f. pente five] pentadactyl adj. Zool. having five toes or fingers. pentagonn. 1 a plane figure with five sides and angles. 2 (the Pentagon) a the pentagonal Washington headquarters of the US defence forces. b the leaders of the US defence forces. pentagonal adj. [F pentagone or f. LL pentagonus f. Gk pentagonon (as PENTA-, -GON)] pentagramn. a five-pointed star formed by extending the sides of a pentagon both ways until they intersect, formerly used as a mystic symbol. [Gk pentagrammon (as PENTA-, -GRAM)] pentagynous adj. Bot. having five pistils. pentahedron n. a solid figure with five faces. pentahedral adj. pentamerous adj. 1 Bot. having five parts in a flower-whorl. 2 Zool. having five joints or parts. pentameter n. 1 a verse of five feet, e.g. English iambic verse of ten syllables. 2 a form of Gk or Latin dactylic verse composed of two halves each of two feet and a long syllable, used in elegiac verse. [L f. Gk pentametros (as PENTA-, -METER)] pentandrous adj. Bot. having five stamens. pentanen. Chem. a hydrocarbon of the alkane series. °Chem. formula: C[5]H[12]. [Gk pente five + ALKANE] pentanglen. = PENTAGRAM. [ME perh. f. med.L pentaculum PENTACLE, assim. to L angulus ANGLE] pentanoicacid n. Chem. a colourless liquid carboxylic acid used in making perfumes. [PENTANE] pentaprism n. a five-sided prism with two silvered surfaces used in a viewfinder to obtain a constant deviation of all rays of light through 90ø. Pentateuch n. the first five books of the Old Testament, traditionally ascribed to Moses. pentateuchal adj. [eccl.L pentateuchus f. eccl.Gk pentateukhos (as PENTA-, teukhos implement, book)] pentathlon n. an athletic event comprising five different events for each competitor. pentathlete n. [Gk f. pente five + athlon contest] pentatonic adj. Mus. 1 consisting of five notes. 2 relating to such a scale. pentavalent adj. Chem. having a valency of five; quinquevalent. Pentecostn. 1 a Whit Sunday. b a festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on Whit Sunday. 2 a the Jewish harvest festival, on the fiftieth day after the second day of Passover (Lev. 23:15-16). b a synagogue ceremony on the anniversary of the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. [OE pentecosten & OF pentecoste, f. eccl.L pentecoste f. Gk pentekoste (hemera) fiftieth (day)] Pentecostal adj. & n. --adj. (also pentecostal) 1 of or relating to Pentecost. 2 of or designating Christian sects and individuals who emphasize the gifts of the Holy Spirit, are often fundamentalist in outlook, and express religious feelings by clapping, shouting, dancing, etc. --n. a Pentecostalist. Pentecostalism n. Pentecostalist adj. & n. penthousen. 1 a house or flat on the roof or the top floor of a tall building. 2 a sloping roof, esp. of an outhouse built on to another building. 3 an awning, a canopy. [ME pentis f. OF apentis, -dis, f. med.L appendicium, in LL = appendage, f. L (as APPEND): infl. by HOUSE] pentimento n. (pl. pentimenti) the phenomenon of earlier painting showing through a layer or layers of paint on a canvas. [It., = repentance] pentobarbitone n. (US pentobarbital) a narcotic and sedative barbiturate drug formerly used to relieve insomnia. [PENTA-, BARBITONE, BARBITAL] pentoden. a thermionic valve having five electrodes. [Gk pente five + hodos way] pentosen. Biochem. any monosaccharide containing five carbon atoms, including ribose. [PENTA- + -OSE] pent-roofn. a roof sloping in one direction only. [PENTHOUSE + ROOF] pentstemon n. (also penstemon) any American herbaceous plant of the genus Penstemon, with showy flowers and five stamens, one of which is sterile. [mod.L, irreg. f. PENTA- + Gk stemon warp, used for 'stamen'] pentyln. = AMYL. [PENTANE + -YL] penultn. & adj. --n. the last but one (esp. syllable). --adj. last but one. [abbr. of L paenultimus (see PENULTIMATE) or of PENULTIMATE] penultimate adj. & n. --adj. last but one. --n. 1 the last but one. 2 the last syllable but one. [L paenultimus f. paene almost + ultimus last, after ultimate] penumbran. (pl. penumbrae or penumbras) 1 a the partly shaded region around the shadow of an opaque body, esp. that around the total shadow of the moon or earth in an eclipse. b the less dark outer part of a sunspot. 2 a partial shadow. penumbral adj. [mod.L f. L paene almost + UMBRA shadow] penuriousadj. 1 poor; destitute. 2 stingy; grudging. 3 scanty. penuriously adv. penuriousness n. [med.L penuriosus (as PENURY)] penuryn. (pl. -ies) 1 destitution; poverty. 2 a lack; scarcity. [ME f. L penuria, perh. rel. to paene almost] peonn. 1 a a Spanish American day labourer or farm-worker. b a poor or destitute South American. 2 an Indian office messenger, attendant, or orderly. 3 a bullfighter's assistant. 4 hist. a worker held in servitude in the southern US. peonage n. [Port. peao & Sp. peon f. med.L pedo -onis walker f. L pes pedis foot: cf. PAWN] peonyn. (also paeony) (pl. -ies) any herbaceous plant of the genus Paeonia, with large globular red, pink, or white flowers, often double in cultivated varieties. [OE peonie f. L peonia f. Gk paionia f. Paion, physician of the gods] peoplen. & v. --n. 1 (usu. as pl.) a persons composing a community, tribe, race, nation, etc. (the English people; a warlike people; the peoples of the Commonwealth). b a group of persons of a usu. specified kind (the chosen people; these people here; right-thinking people). 2 (prec. by the; treated as pl.) a the mass of people in a country etc. not having special rank or position. b these considered as an electorate (the people will reject it). 3 parents or other relatives (my people are French). 4 a subjects, armed followers, a retinue, etc. b a congregation of a parish priest etc. 5 persons in general (people do not like rudeness). --v.tr. (usu. foll. by with) 1 fill with people, animals, etc.; populate. 2 (esp. as peopled adj.) inhabit; occupy; fill (thickly peopled). people's democracy a political system, esp. in E. Europe, with power regarded as invested in the people. [ME f. AF poeple, people, OF pople, peuple, f. L populus] PEPabbr. Brit. 1 Political and Economic Planning. 2 Personal Equity Plan. pepn. & v. colloq. --n. vigour; go; spirit. --v.tr. (pepped, pepping) (usu. foll. by up) fill with vigour. pep pill a pill containing a stimulant drug. pep talk a usu. short talk intended to enthuse, encourage, etc. [abbr. of PEPPER] peperinon. a light porous (esp. brown) volcanic rock formed of small grains of sand, cinders, etc. [It. f. pepere pepper] peperonivar. of PEPPERONI. peplumn. 1 a short flounce etc. at waist level, esp. of a blouse or jacket over a skirt. 2 Gk Antiq. a woman's outer garment. [L f. Gk peplos] pepon. (pl. -os) any fleshy fruit of the melon or cucumber type, with numerous seeds and surrounded by a hard skin. [L, = pumpkin, f. Gk pepon abbr. of pepon sikuos ripe gourd] peppern. & v. --n. 1 a a hot aromatic condiment from the dried berries of certain plants used whole or ground. b any climbing vine of the genus Piper, esp. P. nigrum, yielding these berries. 2 anything hot or pungent. 3 a any plant of the genus Capsicum, esp. C. annuum. b the fruit of this used esp. as a vegetable or salad ingredient. 4 = CAYENNE. --v.tr. 1 sprinkle or treat with or as if with pepper. 2 a pelt with missiles. b hurl abuse etc. at. 3 punish severely. black pepper the unripe ground or whole berries of Piper nigrum as a condiment. green pepper the unripe fruit of Capsicum annuum. pepper-mill a device for grinding pepper by hand. pepper-pot 1 a small container with a perforated lid for sprinkling pepper. 2 a W. Indian dish of meat etc. stewed with cayenne pepper. 3 colloq. a Jamaican. red (or yellow) pepper the ripe fruit of Capsicum annuum. sweet pepper a pepper with a relatively mild taste. white pepper the ripe or husked ground or whole berries of Piper nigrum as a condiment. [OE piper, pipor f. L piper f. Gk peperi f. Skr. pippali- berry, peppercorn] pepperboxn. = pepper-pot. peppercorn n. 1 the dried berry of Piper nigrum as a condiment. 2 (in full peppercorn rent) a nominal rent. peppermint n. 1 a a mint plant, Mentha piperita, grown for the strong-flavoured oil obtained from its leaves. b the oil from this. 2 a sweet flavoured with peppermint. 3 Austral. any of various eucalyptuses yielding oil with a similar flavour. pepperminty adj. pepperonin. (also peperoni) beef and pork sausage seasoned with pepper. [It. peperone chilli] pepperwort n. any cruciferous plant of the genus Lepidium, esp. garden cress. pepperyadj. 1 of, like, or containing much, pepper. 2 hot-tempered. 3 pungent; stinging. pepperiness n. peppyadj. (peppier, peppiest) colloq. vigorous, energetic, bouncy. peppily adv. peppiness n. pepsinn. an enzyme contained in the gastric juice, which hydrolyses proteins. [G f. Gk pepsis digestion] pepticadj. concerning or promoting digestion. peptic glands glands secreting gastric juice. peptic ulcer an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum. [Gk peptikos able to digest (as PEPTONE)] peptiden. Biochem. any of a group of organic compounds consisting of two or more amino acids bonded in sequence. [G Peptid, back-form. (as POLYPEPTIDE)] peptonen. a protein fragment formed by hydrolysis in the process of digestion. peptonize v.tr. (also -ise). [G Pepton f. Gk peptos, neut. pepton cooked] perprep. 1 for each; for every (two sweets per child; five miles per hour). 2 by means of; by; through (per post; per rail). 3 (in full as per) in accordance with (as per instructions). 4 Heraldry in the direction of. as per usual colloq. as usual. [L] per-prefix 1 forming verbs, nouns, and adjectives meaning: a through; all over (perforate; perforation; pervade). b completely; very (perfervid; perturb). c to destruction; to the bad (pervert; perdition). 2 Chem. having the maximum of some element in combination, esp.: a in the names of binary compounds in -ide (peroxide). b in the names of oxides, acids, etc. in -ic (perchloric; permanganic). c in the names of salts of these acids (perchlorate; permanganate). [L per- (as PER)] peradventure adv. & n. archaic or joc. --adv. perhaps. --n. uncertainty; chance; conjecture; doubt (esp. beyond or without peradventure). [ME f. OF per or par auenture by chance (as PER, ADVENTURE)] perambulate v. 1 tr. walk through, over, or about (streets, the country, etc.). 2 intr. walk from place to place. 3 tr. a travel through and inspect (territory). b formally establish the boundaries of (a parish etc.) by walking round them. perambulation n. perambulatory adj. [L perambulare perambulat- (as PER-, ambulare walk)] perambulator n. Brit. formal = PRAM. [PERAMBULATE] per annumadv. for each year. [L] percalen. a closely woven cotton fabric like calico. [F, of uncert. orig.] per capita adv. & adj. (also per caput) for each person. [L, = by heads] perceivev.tr. 1 apprehend, esp. through the sight; observe. 2 (usu. foll. by that, how, etc. + clause) apprehend with the mind; understand. 3 regard mentally in a specified manner (perceives the universe as infinite). perceivable adj. perceiver n. [ME f. OF per‡oivre, f. L percipere (as PER-, capere take)] per centadv. & n. (US percent) --adv. in every hundred. --n. 1 percentage. 2 one part in every hundred (half a per cent). 3 (in pl.) Brit. public securities yielding interest of so much per cent (three per cents). percentage n. 1 a rate or proportion per cent. 2 a proportion. 3 colloq. personal benefit or advantage. percentile n. Statistics one of 99 values of a variable dividing a population into 100 equal groups as regards the value of that variable. perceptn. Philos. 1 an object of perception. 2 a mental concept resulting from perceiving, esp. by sight. [L perceptum perceived (thing), neut. past part. of percipere PERCEIVE, after concept] perceptible adj. capable of being perceived by the senses or intellect. perceptibility n. perceptibly adv. [OF perceptible or LL perceptibilis f. L (as PERCEIVE)] perception n. 1 a the faculty of perceiving. b an instance of this. 2 (often foll. by of) a the intuitive recognition of a truth, aesthetic quality, etc. b an instance of this (a sudden perception of the true position). 3 Philos. the ability of the mind to refer sensory information to an external object as its cause. perceptional adj. perceptual adj. perceptually adv. [ME f. L perceptio (as PERCEIVE)] perceptive adj. 1 capable of perceiving. 2 sensitive; discerning; observant (a perceptive remark). perceptively adv. perceptiveness n. perceptivity n. [med.L perceptivus (as PERCEIVE)] perchn. & v. --n. 1 a usu. horizontal bar, branch, etc. used by a bird to rest on. 2 a usu. high or precarious place for a person or thing to rest on. 3 a measure of length, esp. for land, of 5« yards (see also ROD, POLE). --v.intr. & tr. (usu. foll. by on) settle or rest, or cause to settle or rest on or as if on a perch etc. (the bird perched on a branch; a town perched on a hill). knock a person off his perch 1 vanquish, destroy. 2 make less confident or secure. square perch 30¬ sq. yards. [ME f. OF perche, percher f. L pertica pole] n. (pl. same or perches) any spiny-finned freshwater edible fish of the genus Perca, esp. P. fluviatilis of Europe. [ME f. OF perche f. L perca f. Gk perke] perchanceadv. archaic or poet. 1 by chance. 2 possibly; maybe. [ME f. AF par chance f. par by, CHANCE] perchern. any bird with feet adapted for perching; a passerine. percheronn. a powerful breed of cart-horse. [F, orig. bred in le Perche, a district of N. France] perchlorate n. Chem. a salt or ester of perchloric acid. perchloric acid n. Chem. a strong liquid acid containing heptavalent chlorine. [PER- + CHLORINE] percipient adj. & n. --adj. 1 able to perceive; conscious. 2 discerning; observant. --n. a person who perceives, esp. something outside the range of the senses. percipience n. percipiently adv. [L (as PERCEIVE)] percolatev. 1 intr. (often foll. by through) a (of liquid etc.) filter or ooze gradually (esp. through a porous surface). b (of an idea etc.) permeate gradually. 2 tr. prepare (coffee) by repeatedly passing boiling water through ground beans. 3 tr. ooze through; permeate. 4 tr. strain (a liquid, powder, etc.) through a fine mesh etc. percolation n. [L percolare (as PER-, colare strain f. colum strainer)] percolator n. a machine for making coffee by circulating boiling water through ground beans. per contra adv. on the opposite side (of an account, assessment, etc.); on the contrary. [It.] percussv.tr. Med. tap (a part of the body) gently with a finger or an instrument as part of a diagnosis. [L percutere percuss- strike (as PER-, cutere = quatere shake)] percussion n. 1 Mus. a (often attrib.) the playing of music by striking instruments with sticks etc. (a percussion band). b the section of such instruments in an orchestra (asked the percussion to stay behind). 2 Med. the act or an instance of percussing. 3 the forcible striking of one esp. solid body against another. percussion cap a small amount of explosive powder contained in metal or paper and exploded by striking, used esp. in toy guns and formerly in some firearms. percussionist n. percussive adj. percussively adv. percussiveness n. [F percussion or L percussio (as PERCUSS)] percutaneous adj. esp. Med. made or done through the skin. [L per cutem through the skin] per diemadv., adj. & n. --adv. & adj. for each day. --n. an allowance or payment for each day. [L] perditionn. eternal death; damnation. [ME f. OF perdiciun or eccl.L perditio f. L perdere destroy (as PER-, dere dit- = dare give)] perdurable adj. formal permanent; eternal; durable. perdurability n. perdurably adv. [ME f. OF f. LL perdurabilis (as PER-, DURABLE)] pŠren. (added to a surname to distinguish a father from a son) the father, senior (cf. FILS). [F, = father] PŠre David's deer n. a large slender-antlered deer, Elaphurus davidianus. [after Father A. David, Fr. missionary d. 1900] peregrinate v.intr. archaic or joc. travel; journey, esp. extensively or at leisure. peregrination n. peregrinator n. [L peregrinari (as PEREGRINE)] peregrinen. & adj. --n. (in full peregrine falcon) a kind of falcon much used for hawking. --adj. archaic imported from abroad; foreign; outlandish. [L peregrinus f. peregre abroad f. per through + ager field] peremptory adj. 1 (of a statement or command) admitting no denial or refusal. 2 (of a person, a person's manner, etc.) dogmatic; imperious; dictatorial. 3 Law not open to appeal or challenge; final. 4 absolutely fixed; essential. peremptory challenge Law a defendant's objection to a proposed juror, made without needing to give a reason. peremptorily adv. peremptoriness n. [AF peremptorie, OF peremptoire f. L peremptorius deadly, decisive, f. perimere perempt- destroy, cut off (as PER-, emere take, buy)] perennialadj. & n. --adj. 1 lasting through a year or several years. 2 (of a plant) lasting several years (cf. ANNUAL). 3 lasting a long time or for ever. 4 (of a stream) flowing through all seasons of the year. --n. a perennial plant (a herbaceous perennial). perenniality n. perennially adv. [L perennis (as PER-, annus year)] perestroika n. (in the Soviet Union) the policy or practice of restructuring or reforming the economic and political system. [Russ. perestroika = restructuring] perfectadj., v., & n. --adj. 1 complete; not deficient. 2 faultless (a perfect diamond). 3 very satisfactory (a perfect evening). 4 exact; precise (a perfect circle). 5 entire; unqualified (a perfect stranger). 6 Math. (of a number) equal to the sum of its divisors. 7 Gram. (of a tense) denoting a completed action or event in the past, formed in English with have or has and the past participle, as in they have eaten. 8 Mus. (of pitch) absolute. 9 Bot. a (of a flower) having all four types of whorl. b (of a fungus) in the stage where the sexual spores are formed. 10 (often foll. by in) thoroughly trained or skilled (is perfect in geometry). --v.tr. 1 make perfect; improve. 2 carry through; complete. 3 complete (a sheet) by printing the other side. --n. Gram. the perfect tense. perfect binding a form of bookbinding in which the leaves are attached to the spine by gluing rather than sewing. perfect interval Mus. a fourth or fifth as it would occur in a major or minor scale starting on the lower note of the interval, or octave. perfect pitch = absolute pitch 1. perfecter n. perfectible adj. perfectibility n. perfectness n. [ME and OF parfit, perfet f. L perfectus past part. of perficere complete (as PER-, facere do)] perfectan. US a form of betting in which the first two places in a race must be predicted in the correct order . [Amer. Sp. quiniela perfecta perfect quinella] perfection n. 1 the act or process of making perfect. 2 the state of being perfect; faultlessness, excellence. 3 a perfect person, thing, or example. 4 an accomplishment. 5 full development; completion. to perfection exactly; completely. [ME f. OF f. L perfectio -onis (as PERFECT)] perfectionism n. 1 the uncompromising pursuit of excellence. 2 Philos. the belief that religious or moral perfection is attainable. perfectionist n. & adj. [PERFECT] perfective adj. & n. Gram. --adj. (of an aspect of a verb etc.) expressing the completion of an action (opp. IMPERFECTIVE). --n. the perfective aspect or form of a verb. [med.L perfectivus (as PERFECT)] perfectlyadv. 1 completely; absolutely (I understand you perfectly). 2 quite, completely (is perfectly capable of doing it). 3 in a perfect way. perfecton. (pl. -os) orig. US a large thick cigar pointed at each end. [Sp., = perfect] perfervidadj. literary very fervid. perfervidly adv. perfervidness n. [mod.L perfervidus (as PER-, FERVID)] perfidyn. breach of faith; treachery. perfidious adj. perfidiously adv. [L perfidia f. perfidus treacherous (as PER-, fidus f. fides faith)] perfoliate adj. (of a plant) having the stalk apparently passing through the leaf. [mod.L perfoliatus (as PER-, FOLIATE)] perforatev. & adj. --v. 1 tr. make a hole or holes through; pierce. 2 tr. make a row of small holes in (paper etc.) so that a part may be torn off easily. 3 tr. make an opening into; pass into or extend through. 4 intr. (usu. foll. by into, through, etc.) penetrate. --adj. perforated. perforation n. perforative adj. perforator n. [L perforare (as PER-, forare pierce)] perforceadv. archaic unavoidably; necessarily. [ME f. OF par force by FORCE] performv. 1 tr. (also absol.) carry into effect; be the agent of; do (a command, promise, task, etc.). 2 tr. (also absol.) go through, execute (a public function, play, piece of music, etc.). 3 intr. act in a play; play music, sing, etc. (likes performing). 4 intr. (of a trained animal) execute tricks etc. at a public show. performable adj. performability n. performatory adj. & n. (pl. -ies). performer n. performing adj. [ME f. AF parfourmer f. OF parfournir (assim. to forme FORM) f. par PER- + fournir FURNISH] performance n. 1 (usu. foll. by of) a the act or process of performing or carrying out. b the execution or fulfilment (of a duty etc.). 2 a staging or production (of a drama, piece of music, etc.) (the afternoon performance). 3 a person's achievement under test conditions etc. (put up a good performance). 4 colloq. a fuss; a scene; a public exhibition (made such a performance about leaving). 5 a the capabilities of a machine, esp. a car or aircraft. b (attrib.) of high capability (a performance car). performative adj. & n. --adj. 1 of or relating to performance. 2 denoting an utterance that effects an action by being spoken or written (e.g. I bet, I apologize). --n. a performative utterance. performing arts n.pl. the arts, such as drama, music, and dance, that require performance for their realization. perfumen. & v. --n. 1 a sweet smell. 2 fluid containing the essence of flowers etc.; scent. --v.tr. also (usu. as perfumed adj.) impart a sweet scent to; impregnate with a sweet smell. perfumy adj. [F parfum, parfumer f. obs. It. parfumare, perfumare (as PER-, fumare smoke, FUME): orig. of smoke from a burning substance] perfumern. a maker or seller of perfumes. perfumery n. (pl. -ies). perfunctory adj. 1 done merely for the sake of getting through a duty. 2 superficial; mechanical. perfunctorily adv. perfunctoriness n. [LL perfunctorius careless f. L perfungi perfunct- (as PER-, fungi perform)] perfusev.tr. 1 (often foll. by with) a besprinkle (with water etc.). b cover or suffuse (with radiance etc.). 2 pour or diffuse (water etc.) through or over. 3 Med. cause a fluid to pass through (an organ etc.). perfusion n. perfusive adj. [L perfundere perfus- (as PER-, fundere pour)] perganavar. of PARGANA. pergolan. an arbour or covered walk, formed of growing plants trained over trellis-work. [It. f. L pergula projecting roof f. pergere proceed] pergunnahvar. of PARGANA. perhapsadv. 1 it may be; possibly (perhaps it is lost). 2 introducing a polite request (perhaps you would open the window?). [PER + HAP] perin. (pl. peris) 1 (in Persian mythology) a fairy; a good (orig. evil) genius. 2 a beautiful or graceful being. [Pers. pari] peri-prefix 1 round, about. 2 Astron. the point nearest to (perigee; perihelion). [Gk peri around, about] perianthn. the outer part of a flower. [F p‚rianthe f. mod.L perianthium (as PERI- + Gk anthos flower)] periaptn. a thing worn as a charm; an amulet. [F p‚riapte f. Gk periapton f. hapto fasten] pericardium n. (pl. pericardia) the membranous sac enclosing the heart. pericardiac adj. pericardial adj. pericarditis n. [mod.L f. Gk perikardion (as PERI- + kardia heart)] pericarpn. the part of a fruit formed from the wall of the ripened ovary. [F p‚ricarpe f. Gk perikarpion pod, shell (as PERI-, karpos fruit)] perichondrium n. the membrane enveloping cartilage tissue (except at the joints). [PERI- + Gk khondros cartilage] periclasen. a pale mineral consisting of magnesia. [mod.L periclasia, erron. f. Gk peri exceedingly + klasis breaking, from its perfect cleavage] periclinal adj. Geol. (of a mound etc.) sloping down in all directions from a central point. [Gk periklines sloping on all sides (as PERI-, CLINE)] pericopen. a short passage or paragraph, esp. a portion of Scripture read in public worship. [LL f. Gk perikope (as PERI-, kope cutting f. kopto cut)] pericranium n. the membrane enveloping the skull. [mod.L f. Gk (as PERI-, kranion skull)] peridotn. a green variety of olivine, used esp. as a semiprecious stone. [ME f. OF peritot, of unkn. orig.] perigeen. the point in a celestial body's orbit where it is nearest the earth (opp. APOGEE). perigean adj. [F p‚rig‚e f. mod.L f. Gk perigeion round the earth (as PERI-, ge earth)] periglacial adj. of or relating to a region adjoining a glacier. perigynous adj. (of stamens) situated around the pistil or ovary. [mod.L perigynus (as PERI-, -GYNOUS)] perihelion n. (pl. perihelia) the point of a planet's or comet's orbit nearest to the sun's centre. [Graecized f. mod.L perihelium (as PERI-, Gk helios sun)] periln. & v. --n. serious and immediate danger. --v.tr. (perilled, perilling; US periled, periling) threaten; endanger. at one's peril at one's own risk. in peril of with great risk to (in peril of your life). peril point US Econ. a critical threshold or limit. [ME f. OF f. L peric(u)lum] perilousadj. 1 full of risk; dangerous; hazardous. 2 exposed to imminent risk of destruction etc. perilously adv. perilousness n. [ME f. OF perillous f. L periculosus f. periculum: see PERIL] perilunen. the point in a body's lunar orbit where it is closest to the moon's centre (opp. APOLUNE). [PERI- + L luna moon, after perigee] perilymphn. the fluid in the labyrinth of the ear. perimetern. 1 a the circumference or outline of a closed figure. b the length of this. 2 a the outer boundary of an enclosed area. b a defended boundary. 3 an instrument for measuring a field of vision. perimetric adj. [F p‚rimŠtre or f. L perimetrus f. Gk perimetros (as PERI-, metros f. metron measure)] perinataladj. of or relating to the time immediately before and after birth. perineumn. the region of the body between the anus and the scrotum or vulva. perineal adj. [LL f. Gk perinaion] periodn. & adj. --n. 1 a length or portion of time (showers and bright periods). 2 a distinct portion of history, a person's life, etc. (the Georgian period; Picasso's Blue Period). 3 Geol. a time forming part of a geological era (the Quaternary period). 4 a an interval between recurrences of an astronomical or other phenomenon. b the time taken by a planet to rotate about its axis. 5 the time allowed for a lesson in school. 6 an occurrence of menstruation. 7 a a complete sentence, esp. one consisting of several clauses. b (in pl.) rhetorical language. 8 esp. US a = full stop (see FULL). b used at the end of a sentence etc. to indicate finality, absoluteness, etc. (we want the best, period). 9 a a set of figures marked off in a large number to assist in reading. b a set of figures repeated in a recurring decimal. c the smallest interval over which a function takes the same value. 10 Chem. a sequence of elements between two noble gases forming a row in the periodic table. --adj. belonging to or characteristic of some past period (period furniture). of the period of the era under discussion (the custom of the period). period piece an object or work whose main interest lies in its historical etc. associations. [ME f. OF periode f. L periodus f. Gk periodos (as PERI-, odos = hodos way)] periodaten. Chem. a salt or ester of periodic acid. periodicadj. 1 appearing or occurring at regular intervals. 2 of or concerning the period of a celestial body (periodic motion). 3 (of diction etc.) expressed in periods (see PERIOD n. 7a). periodic decimal Math. a set of figures repeated in a recurring decimal. periodic function Math. a function returning to the same value at regular intervals. periodic table an arrangement of elements in order of increasing atomic number and in which elements of similar chemical properties appear at regular intervals. periodicity n. [F p‚riodique or L periodicus f. Gk periodikos (as PERIOD)] periodic acid n. Chem. a hygroscopic solid acid containing heptavalent iodine. [PER- + IODINE] periodical n. & adj. --n. a newspaper, magazine, etc. issued at regular intervals, usu. monthly or weekly. --adj. 1 published at regular intervals. 2 periodic, occasional. periodically adv. periodization n. the division of history into periods. periodontics n.pl. (treated as sing.) the branch of dentistry concerned with the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth. periodontal adj. periodontist n. [PERI- + Gk odous odont- tooth] periodontology n. = PERIODONTICS. periosteum n. (pl. periostea) a membrane enveloping the bones where no cartilage is present. periosteal adj. periostitis n. [mod.L f. Gk periosteon (as PERI-, osteon bone)] peripatetic adj. & n. --adj. 1 (of a teacher) working in more than one school or college etc. 2 going from place to place; itinerant. 3 (Peripatetic) Aristotelian (from Aristotle's habit of walking in the Lyceum whilst teaching). --n. a peripatetic person, esp. a teacher. peripatetically adv. peripateticism n. [ME f. OF peripatetique or L peripateticus f. Gk peripatetikos f. peripateo (as PERI-, pateo walk)] peripeteia n. a sudden change of fortune in a drama or in life. [Gk (as PERI-, pet- f. pipto fall)] peripheral adj. & n. --adj. 1 of minor importance; marginal. 2 of the periphery; on the fringe. 3 Anat. near the surface of the body, with special reference to the circulation and nervous system. 4 (of equipment) used with a computer etc. but not an integral part of it. --n. a peripheral device or piece of equipment. peripheral nervous system Anat. the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. peripherally adv. peripheryn. (pl. -ies) 1 the boundary of an area or surface. 2 an outer or surrounding region (built on the periphery of the old town). [LL peripheria f. Gk periphereia circumference (as PERI-, phereia f. phero bear)] periphrasis n. (pl. periphrases) 1 a roundabout way of speaking; circumlocution. 2 a roundabout phrase. [L f. Gk f. periphrazo (as PERI-, phrazo declare)] periphrastic adj. Gram. 1 of or involving periphrasis. 2 (of a case, tense, etc.) formed by combination of words rather than by inflection (e.g. did go, of the people rather than went, the people' s). periphrastically adv. [Gk periphrastikos (as PERIPHRASIS)] peripteral adj. (of a temple) surrounded by a single row of columns. [Gk peripteron (as PERI-, Gk pteron wing)] periscopen. an apparatus with a tube and mirrors or prisms, by which an observer in a trench, submerged submarine, or at the rear of a crowd etc., can see things otherwise out of sight. periscopic adj. of a periscope. periscopic lens a lens allowing distinct vision over a wide angle. periscopically adv. perishv. 1 intr. be destroyed; suffer death or ruin. 2 a intr. (esp. of rubber, a rubber object, etc.) lose its normal qualities; deteriorate, rot. b tr. cause to rot or deteriorate. 3 tr. (in passive) suffer from cold or exposure (we were perished standing outside). perish the thought an exclamation of horror against an unwelcome idea. perishless adj. [ME f. OF perir f. L perire pass away (as PER-, ire go)] perishable adj. & n. --adj. liable to perish; subject to decay. --n. a thing, esp. a foodstuff, subject to speedy decay. perishability n. perishableness n. perishern. Brit. sl. an annoying person. perishingadj. & adv. colloq. --adj. 1 confounded. 2 freezing cold, extremely chilly. --adv. confoundedly. perishingly adv. perispermn. a mass of nutritive material outside the embryo-sac in some seeds. [PERI- + Gk sperma seed] peristalsis n. an involuntary muscular wavelike movement by which the contents of the alimentary canal etc. are propelled along. peristaltic adj. peristaltically adv. [mod.L f. Gk peristello wrap around (as PERI-, stello place)] peristomen. 1 Bot. a fringe of small teeth around the mouth of a capsule in mosses and certain fungi. 2 Zool. the parts surrounding the mouth of various invertebrates. [mod.L peristoma f. PERI- + Gk stoma mouth] peristylen. a row of columns surrounding a temple, court, cloister, etc.; a space surrounded by columns. [F p‚ristyle f. L peristylum f. Gk peristulon (as PERI-, stulos pillar)] peritoneum n. (pl. peritoneums or peritonea) the double serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen. peritoneal adj. [LL f. Gk peritonaion (as PERI-, tonaion f. -tonos stretched)] peritonitis n. an inflammatory disease of the peritoneum. periwign. esp. hist. a wig. periwigged adj. [alt. of PERUKE, with -wi- for F -u- sound] periwinkle n. 1 any plant of the genus Vinca, esp. an evergreen trailing plant with blue or white flowers. 2 a tropical shrub, Catharanthus roseus, native to Madagascar. [ME f. AF pervenke, OF pervenche f. LL pervinca, assim. to PERIWINKLE] n. = WINKLE. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] perjurev.refl. Law 1 wilfully tell an untruth when on oath. 2 (as perjured adj.) guilty of or involving perjury. perjurer n. [ME f. OF parjurer f. L perjurare (as PER-, jurare swear)] perjuryn. (pl. -ies) Law 1 a breach of an oath, esp. the act of wilfully telling an untruth when on oath. 2 the practice of this. perjurious adj. [ME f. AF perjurie f. OF parjurie f. L perjurium (as PERJURE)] perkv. & adj. --v.tr. raise (one's head etc.) briskly. --adj. perky; pert. perk up 1 recover confidence, courage, life, or zest. 2 restore confidence or courage or liveliness in (esp. another person). 3 smarten up. [ME, perh. f. var. of PERCH] n. Brit. colloq. a perquisite. [abbr.] v. colloq. 1 intr. (of coffee) percolate, make a bubbling sound in the percolator. 2 tr. percolate (coffee). [abbr. of PERCOLATE] perkyadj. (perkier, perkiest) 1 self-assertive; saucy; pert. 2 lively; cheerful. perkily adv. perkiness n. perliten. (also pearlite) a glassy type of vermiculite, expandable to a solid form by heating, used for insulation etc. [F f. perle pearl] permn. & v. --n. a permanent wave. --v.tr. give a permanent wave to (a person or a person's hair). [abbr.] n. & v. colloq. --n. a permutation. --v.tr. make a permutation of. [abbr.] permafrost n. subsoil which remains below freezing-point throughout the year, as in polar regions. [PERMANENT + FROST] permalloyn. an alloy of nickel and iron that is easily magnetized and demagnetized. [PERMEABLE + ALLOY] permanentadj. lasting, or intended to last or function, indefinitely (opp. TEMPORARY). permanent magnet a magnet retaining its magnetic properties without continued excitation. Permanent Secretary (or Under-secretary etc.) Brit. a senior grade in the Civil Service, often a permanent adviser to a minister. permanent set 1 the irreversible deformation of a substance after being subjected to stress. 2 the amount of this. permanent tooth a tooth succeeding a milk tooth in a mammal, and lasting most of the mammal's life. permanent wave an artificial wave in the hair, intended to last for some time. permanent way Brit. the finished roadbed of a railway. permanence n. permanency n. permanentize v.tr. (also -ise). permanently adv. [ME f. OF permanent or L permanere (as PER-, manere remain)] permanganate n. Chem. any salt of permanganic acid, esp. potassium permanganate. permanganic acid n. Chem. an acid containing heptavalent manganese. [PER- + MANGANIC: see MANGANESE] permeability n. 1 the state or quality of being permeable. 2 a quantity measuring the influence of a substance on the magnetic flux in the region it occupies. permeableadj. capable of being permeated. [L permeabilis (as PERMEATE)] permeatev. 1 tr. penetrate throughout; pervade; saturate. 2 intr. (usu. foll. by through, among, etc.) diffuse itself. permeance n. permeant adj. permeation n. permeator n. [L permeare permeat- (as PER-, meare pass, go)] Permianadj. & n. Geol. --adj. of or relating to the last period of the Palaeozoic era with evidence of the development of reptiles and amphibians, and deposits of sandstone. °Cf. Appendix II. --n. this period or system. [Perm in Russia] per milleadv. (also per mil) in every thousand. [L] permissible adj. allowable. permissibility n. permissibly adv. [ME f. F or f. med.L permissibilis (as PERMIT)] permission n. (often foll. by to + infin.) consent; authorization. [ME f. OF or f. L permissio (as PERMIT)] permissive adj. 1 tolerant; liberal, esp. in sexual matters (the permissive society). 2 giving permission. permissive legislation legislation giving powers but not enjoining their use. permissively adv. permissiveness n. [ME f. OF (-if -ive) or med.L permissivus (as PERMIT)] permitv. & n. --v. (permitted, permitting) 1 tr. give permission or consent to; authorize (permit me to say). 2 a tr. allow; give an opportunity to (permit the traffic to flow again). b intr. give an opportunity (circumstances permitting). 3 intr. (foll. by of) admit; allow for. --n. 1 a a document giving permission to act in a specified way (was granted a work permit). b a document etc. which allows entry into a specified zone. 2 formal permission. permittee n. permitter n. [L permittere (as PER-, mittere miss- let go)] permittivity n. Electr. a quantity measuring the ability of a substance to store electrical energy in an electric field. permutatev.tr. change the order or arrangement of. [as PERMUTE, or back-form. f. PERMUTATION] permutation n. 1 a an ordered arrangement or grouping of a set of numbers, items, etc. b any one of the range of possible groupings. 2 any combination or selection of a specified number of things from a larger group, esp. Brit. matches in a football pool. permutational adj. [ME f. OF or f. L permutatio (as PERMUTE)] permutev.tr. alter the sequence or arrangement of. [ME f. L permutare (as PER-, mutare change)] Permutitn. propr. an artificial zeolite used as an ion exchanger esp. for the softening of water. [G f. L permutare to exchange] pernicious adj. destructive; ruinous; fatal. pernicious anaemia see ANAEMIA. perniciously adv. perniciousness n. [L perniciosus f. pernicies ruin f. nex necis death] pernickety adj. colloq. 1 fastidious. 2 precise or over-precise. 3 ticklish, requiring tact or careful handling. [19th-c. Sc.: orig. unkn.] pernoctate v.intr. formal pass or spend the night. pernoctation n. [LL pernoctatio f. L pernoctare pernoctat- (as PER-, noctare f. nox noctis night)] peronealadj. Anat. relating to or near the fibula. [mod.L peronaeus peroneal muscle f. perone fibula f. Gk perone pin, fibula] peroratev.intr. 1 sum up and conclude a speech. 2 speak at length. [L perorare perorat- (as PER-, orare speak)] peroration n. the concluding part of a speech, forcefully summing up what has been said. peroxidase n. Biochem. any of a class of enzymes found esp. in plants, which catalyze the oxidation of a substrate by hydrogen peroxide. peroxiden. & v. --n. Chem. 1 a = hydrogen peroxide. b (often attrib.) a solution of hydrogen peroxide used to bleach the hair or as an antiseptic. 2 a compound of oxygen with another element containing the greatest possible proportion of oxygen. 3 any salt or ester of hydrogen peroxide. --v.tr. bleach (the hair) with peroxide. [PER- + OXIDE] perpendicular adj. & n. --adj. 1 a at right angles to the plane of the horizon. b (usu. foll. by to) Geom. at right angles (to a given line, plane, or surface). 2 upright, vertical. 3 (of a slope etc.) very steep. 4 (Perpendicular) Archit. of the third stage of English Gothic (15th-16th c.) with vertical tracery in large windows. 5 joc. in a standing position. --n. 1 a perpendicular line. 2 a plumb-rule or a similar instrument. 3 (prec. by the) a perpendicular line or direction (is out of the perpendicular). perpendicularity n. perpendicularly adv. [ME f. L perpendicularis f. perpendiculum plumb-line f. PER- + pendere hang] perpetrate v.tr. commit or perform (a crime, blunder, or anything outrageous). perpetration n. perpetrator n. [L perpetrare perpetrat- (as PER-, patrare effect)] perpetualadj. 1 eternal; lasting for ever or indefinitely. 2 continuous, uninterrupted. 3 colloq. frequent, much repeated (perpetual interruptions). 4 permanent during life (perpetual secretary). perpetual calendar a calendar which can be adjusted to show any combination of day, month, and year. perpetual check Chess the position of play when a draw is obtained by repeated checking of the king. perpetual motion the motion of a hypothetical machine which once set in motion would run for ever unless subject to an external force or to wear. perpetualism n. perpetually adv. [ME f. OF perpetuel f. L perpetualis f. perpetuus f. perpes -etis continuous] perpetuate v.tr. 1 make perpetual. 2 preserve from oblivion. perpetuance n. perpetuation n. perpetuator n. [L perpetuare (as PERPETUAL)] perpetuity n. (pl. -ies) 1 the state or quality of being perpetual. 2 a perpetual annuity. 3 a perpetual possession or position. in (or to or for) perpetuity for ever. [ME f. OF perpetuit‚ f. L perpetuitas -tatis (as PERPETUAL)] perpetuummobile n. 1 = perpetual motion. 2 Mus. = MOTO PERPETUO. [L perpetuus continuous + mobilis movable, after PRIMUM MOBILE] perplexv.tr. 1 puzzle, bewilder, or disconcert (a person, a person's mind, etc.). 2 complicate or confuse (a matter). 3 (as perplexed adj.) archaic entangled, intertwined. perplexedly adv. perplexingly adv. [back-form. f. perplexed f. obs. perplex (adj.) f. OF perplexe or L perplexus (as PER-, plexus past part. of plectere plait)] perplexity n. (pl. -ies) 1 bewilderment; the state of being perplexed. 2 a thing which perplexes. 3 archaic an entangled state. [ME f. OF perplexit‚ or LL perplexitas (as PERPLEX)] per pro.abbr. through the agency of (used in signatures). °The correct sequence is A per pro. B, where B is signing on behalf of A. [L per procurationem] perquisite n. 1 an extra profit or allowance additional to a main income etc. 2 a customary extra right or privilege. 3 an incidental benefit attached to employment etc. 4 a thing which has served its primary use and to which a subordinate or servant has a customary right. [ME f. med.L perquisitum f. L perquirere search diligently for (as PER-, quaerere seek)] Perriern. propr. an effervescent natural mineral water. [the name of a spring at VergŠze, France, its source] perronn. an exterior staircase leading up to a main entrance to a church or other (usu. large) building. [ME f. OF ult. f. L petra stone] perryn. (pl. -ies) Brit. a drink like cider, made from the fermented juice of pears. [ME pereye etc. f. OF per‚, ult. f. L pirum pear] per seadv. by or in itself; intrinsically. [L] persecutev.tr. 1 subject (a person etc.) to hostility or ill-treatment, esp. on the grounds of political or religious belief. 2 harass; worry. 3 (often foll. by with) bombard (a person) with questions etc. persecutor n. persecutory adj. [ME f. OF persecuter back-form. f. persecuteur persecutor f. LL persecutor f. L persequi (as PER-, sequi secut- follow, pursue)] persecution n. the act or an instance of persecuting; the state of being persecuted. persecution complex (or mania) an irrational obsessive fear that others are scheming against one. perseverance n. 1 the steadfast pursuit of an objective. 2 (often foll. by in) constant persistence (in a belief etc.). [ME f. OF f. L perseverantia (as PERSEVERE)] perseverate v.intr. 1 continue action etc. for an unusually or excessively long time. 2 Psychol. tend to prolong or repeat a response after the original stimulus has ceased. perseveration n. [L perseverare (as PERSEVERE)] perseverev.intr. (often foll. by in, at, with) continue steadfastly or determinedly; persist. [ME f. OF perseverer f. L perseverare persist f. perseverus very strict (as PER-, severus severe)] Persiann. & adj. --n. 1 a a native or inhabitant of ancient or modern Persia (now Iran). b a person of Persian descent. 2 the language of ancient Persia or modern Iran. °With modern reference the preferred terms are Iranian and Farsi. 3 (in full Persian cat) a a cat of a breed with long silky hair and a thick tail. b this breed. --adj. of or relating to Persia or its people or language. Persian carpet (or rug) a carpet or rug of a traditional pattern made in Persia. Persian lamb the silky tightly curled fur of a young karakul, used in clothing. [ME f. OF persien f. med.L] persiennes n.pl. window shutters, or outside blinds, with louvres. [F, fem. pl. of obs. persien Persian] persiflage n. light raillery, banter. [F persifler banter, formed as PER- + siffler whistle] persimmonn. 1 any usu. tropical evergreen tree of the genus Diospyros bearing edible tomato-like fruits. 2 the fruit of this. [corrupt. of an Algonquian word] persistv.intr. 1 (often foll. by in) continue firmly or obstinately (in an opinion or a course of action) esp. despite obstacles, remonstrance, etc. 2 (of an institution, custom, phenomenon, etc.) continue in existence; survive. [L persistere (as PER-, sistere stand)] persistent adj. 1 continuing obstinately; persisting. 2 enduring. 3 constantly repeated (persistent nagging). 4 Biol. (of horns, leaves, etc.) remaining instead of falling off in the normal manner. persistence n. persistency n. persistently adv. personn. 1 an individual human being (a cheerful and forthright person). 2 the living body of a human being (hidden about your person). 3 Gram. any of three classes of personal pronouns, verb-forms, etc.: the person speaking (first person); the person spoken to (second person); the person spoken of (third person). 4 (in comb.) used to replace -man in offices open to either sex (salesperson). 5 (in Christianity) God as Father, Son, or Holy Ghost (three persons in one God). 6 euphem. the genitals (expose one's person). 7 a character in a play or story. in one's own person oneself; as oneself. in person physically present. person-to-person 1 between individuals. 2 (of a phone call) booked through the operator to a specified person. [ME f. OF persone f. L persona actor's mask, character in a play, human being] personan. (pl. personae) 1 an aspect of the personality as shown to or perceived by others (opp. ANIMA). 2 Literary criticism an author's assumed character in his or her writing. persona grata a person, esp. a diplomat, acceptable to certain others. persona non grata a person not acceptable. [L (as PERSON)] personable adj. pleasing in appearance and behaviour. personableness n. personably adv. personagen. 1 a person, esp. of rank or importance. 2 a character in a play etc. [ME f. PERSON + -AGE, infl. by med.L personagium effigy & F personnage] personaladj. 1 one's own; individual; private. 2 done or made in person (made a personal appearance; my personal attention). 3 directed to or concerning an individual (a personal letter). 4 referring (esp. in a hostile way) to an individual's private life or concerns (making personal remarks; no need to be personal). 5 of the body and clothing (personal hygiene; personal appearance). 6 existing as a person, not as an abstraction or thing (a personal God). 7 Gram. of or denoting one of the three persons (personal pronoun). personal column the part of a newspaper devoted to private advertisements or messages. personal computer a computer designed for use by a single individual, esp. in an office or business environment . personal equation 1 the allowance for an individual person's time of reaction in making observations, esp. in astronomy. 2 a bias or prejudice. personal equity plan a scheme for limited personal investment in shares, unit trusts, etc. personal identification number a number allocated to an individual, serving as a password esp. for a cash dispenser, computer, etc. personal pronoun a pronoun replacing the subject, object, etc., of a clause etc., e.g. I, we, you, them, us. personal property (or estate) Law all one's property except land and those interests in land that pass to one's heirs (cf. REAL adj. 3). personal service individual service given to a customer. personal stereo a small portable audio cassette player, often with radio, or compact disc player, used with lightweight headphones. personal touch a way of treating a matter characteristic of or designed for an individual. [ME f. OF f. L personalis (as PERSON)] personality n. (pl. -ies) 1 the distinctive character or qualities of a person, often as distinct from others (an attractive personality). 2 a famous person; a celebrity (a TV personality). 3 a person who stands out from others by virtue of his or her character (is a real personality). 4 personal existence or identity; the condition of being a person. 5 (usu. in pl.) personal remarks. have personality have a lively character or noteworthy qualities. personality cult the extreme adulation of an individual. [ME f. OF personalit‚ f. LL personalitas -tatis (as PERSONAL)] personalize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 make personal, esp. by marking with one's name etc. 2 personify. personalization n. personally adv. 1 in person (see to it personally). 2 for one's own part (speaking personally). 3 as a person (a God existing personally). 4 in a personal manner (took the criticism personally). personalty n. (pl. -ies) Law one's personal property or estate (opp. REALTY). [AF personalt‚ (as PERSONAL)] personatev.tr. 1 play the part of (a character in a drama etc.; another type of person). 2 pretend to be (another person), esp. for fraudulent purposes; impersonate. personation n. personator n. [LL personare personat- (as PERSON)] personhood n. the quality or condition of being an individual person. personification n. 1 the act of personifying. 2 (foll. by of) a person or thing viewed as a striking example of (a quality etc.) (the personification of ugliness). personifyv.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 attribute a personal nature to (an abstraction or thing). 2 symbolize (a quality etc.) by a figure in human form. 3 (usu. as personified adj.) embody (a quality) in one's own person; exemplify typically (has always been kindness personified). personifier n. [F personnifier (as PERSON)] personneln. a body of employees, persons involved in a public undertaking, armed forces, etc. personnel carrier an armoured vehicle for transporting troops etc. personnel department etc. the part of an organization concerned with the appointment, training, and welfare of employees. [F, orig. adj. = personal] perspective n. & adj. --n. 1 a the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of relative positions, size, etc. b a picture drawn in this way. 2 the apparent relation between visible objects as to position, distance, etc. 3 a mental view of the relative importance of things (keep the right perspective). 4 a geographical or imaginary prospect. --adj. of or in perspective. in perspective 1 drawn or viewed according to the rules of perspective. 2 correctly regarded in terms of relative importance. perspectival adj. perspectively adv. [ME f. med.L perspectiva (ars art) f. perspicere perspect- (as PER-, specere spect- look)] Perspexn. propr. a tough light transparent acrylic thermoplastic used instead of glass. [L perspicere look through (as PER-, specere look)] perspicacious adj. having mental penetration or discernment. perspicaciously adv. perspicaciousness n. perspicacity n. [L perspicax -acis (as PERSPEX)] perspicuous adj. 1 easily understood; clearly expressed. 2 (of a person) expressing things clearly. perspicuity n. perspicuously adv. perspicuousness n. [ME, = transparent f. L perspicuus (as PERSPECTIVE)] perspiration n. 1 = SWEAT. 2 sweating. perspiratory adj. [F (as PERSPIRE)] perspirev. 1 intr. sweat or exude perspiration, esp. as the result of heat, exercise, anxiety, etc. 2 tr. sweat or exude (fluid etc.). [F perspirer f. L perspirare (as PER-, spirare breathe)] persuadev.tr. & refl. 1 (often foll. by of, or that + clause) cause (another person or oneself) to believe; convince (persuaded them that it would be helpful; tried to persuade me of its value). 2 a (often foll. by to + infin.) induce (another person or oneself) (persuaded us to join them; managed to persuade them at last). b (foll. by away from, down to, etc.) lure, attract, entice, etc. (persuaded them away from the pub). persuadable adj. persuadability n. persuasible adj. [L persuadere (as PER-, suadere suas- advise)] persuadern. 1 a person who persuades. 2 sl. a gun or other weapon. persuasion n. 1 persuading (yielded to persuasion). 2 persuasiveness (use all your persuasion). 3 a belief or conviction (my private persuasion). 4 a religious belief, or the group or sect holding it (of a different persuasion). 5 colloq. any group or party (the male persuasion). [ME f. L persuasio (as PERSUADE)] persuasive adj. able to persuade. persuasively adv. persuasiveness n. [F persuasif -ive or med.L persuasivus, (as PERSUADE)] PERTabbr. programme evaluation and review technique. pertadj. 1 saucy or impudent, esp. in speech or conduct. 2 (of clothes etc.) neat and suggestive of jauntiness. 3 = PEART. pertly adv. pertness n. [ME f. OF apert f. L apertus past part. of aperire open & f. OF aspert f. L expertus EXPERT] pertainv.intr. 1 (foll. by to) a relate or have reference to. b belong to as a part or appendage or accessory. 2 (usu. foll. by to) be appropriate to. [ME f. OF partenir f. L pertinere (as PER-, tenere hold)] pertinacious adj. stubborn; persistent; obstinate (in a course of action etc.). pertinaciously adv. pertinaciousness n. pertinacity n. [L pertinax (as PER-, tenax tenacious)] pertinentadj. 1 (often foll. by to) relevant to the matter in hand; apposite. 2 to the point. pertinence n. pertinency n. pertinently adv. [ME f. OF pertinent or L pertinere (as PERTAIN)] perturbv.tr. 1 throw into confusion or disorder. 2 disturb mentally; agitate. 3 Physics & Math. subject (a physical system, or a set of equations, or its solution) to a perturbation. perturbable adj. perturbative adj. perturbingly adv. [ME f. OF pertourber f. L (as PER-, turbare disturb)] perturbation n. 1 the act or an instance of perturbing; the state of being perturbed. 2 a cause of disturbance or agitation. 3 Physics a slight alteration of a physical system, e.g. of the electrons in an atom, caused by a secondary influence. 4 Astron. a minor deviation in the course of a celestial body, caused by the attraction of a neighbouring body. pertussisn. whooping cough. [mod.L f. PER- + L tussis cough] peruken. hist. a wig. [F perruque f. It. perrucca parrucca, of unkn. orig.] perusev.tr. 1 (also absol.) read or study, esp. thoroughly or carefully. 2 examine (a person's face etc.) carefully. perusal n. peruser n. [ME, orig. = use up, prob. f. AL f. Rmc (as PER-, USE)] Peruviann. & adj. --n. 1 a native or national of Peru. 2 a person of Peruvian descent. --adj. of or relating to Peru. Peruvian bark the bark of the cinchona tree. [mod.L Peruvia Peru] pervn. & v. (also perve) sl. --n. 1 a sexual pervert. 2 Austral. an erotic gaze. --v.intr. 1 act like a sexual pervert. 2 (foll. by at, on) Austral. gaze with erotic interest. [abbr.] pervadev.tr. 1 spread throughout, permeate. 2 (of influences etc.) become widespread among or in. 3 be rife among or through. pervasion n. [L pervadere (as PER-, vadere vas- go)] pervasiveadj. 1 pervading. 2 able to pervade. pervasively adv. pervasiveness n. pervevar. of PERV. perverseadj. 1 (of a person or action) deliberately or stubbornly departing from what is reasonable or required. 2 persistent in error. 3 wayward; intractable; peevish. 4 perverted; wicked. 5 (of a verdict etc.) against the weight of evidence or the judge's direction. perversely adv. perverseness n. perversity n. (pl. -ies). [ME f. OF pervers perverse f. L perversus (as PERVERT)] perversion n. 1 an act of perverting; the state of being perverted. 2 a perverted form of an act or thing. 3 a preference for an abnormal form of sexual activity. b such an activity. [ME f. L perversio (as PERVERT)] pervertv. & n. --v.tr. 1 turn (a person or thing) aside from its proper use or nature. 2 misapply or misconstrue (words etc.). 3 lead astray (a person, a person's mind, etc.) from right opinion or conduct, or esp. religious belief. 4 (as perverted adj.) showing perversion. --n. 1 a perverted person. 2 a person showing sexual perversion. perversive adj. pervertedly adv. perverter n. [ME f. OF pervertir or f. L pervertere (as PER-, vertere vers- turn): cf. CONVERT] perviousadj. 1 permeable. 2 (usu. foll. by to) a affording passage. b accessible (to reason etc.). perviousness n. [L pervius (as PER-, vius f. via way)] Pesachn. the Passover festival. [Heb. Pesah] pesetan. the chief monetary unit of Spain, orig. a silver coin. [Sp., dimin. of pesa weight f. L pensa pl. of pensum: see POISE] peskyadj. (peskier, peskiest) esp. US colloq. troublesome; confounded; annoying. peskily adv. peskiness n. [18th c.: perh. f. PEST] peson. (pl. -os) 1 the chief monetary unit of several Latin American countries and of the Philippines. 2 a note or coin worth one peso. [Sp., = weight, f. L pensum: see POISE] pessaryn. (pl. -ies) Med. 1 a device worn in the vagina to support the uterus or as a contraceptive. 2 a vaginal suppository. [ME f. LL pessarium, pessulum f. pessum, pessus f. Gk pessos oval stone] pessimismn. 1 a tendency to take the worst view or expect the worst outcome. 2 Philos. a belief that this world is as bad as it could be or that all things tend to evil (opp. OPTIMISM). pessimist n. pessimistic adj. pessimistically adv. [L pessimus worst, after OPTIMISM] pestn. 1 a troublesome or annoying person or thing; a nuisance. 2 a destructive animal, esp. an insect which attacks crops, livestock, etc. 3 archaic a pestilence; a plague. pest-house hist. a hospital for sufferers from the plague etc. [F peste or L pestis plague] pesterv.tr. trouble or annoy, esp. with frequent or persistent requests. pesterer n. [prob. f. impester f. F empestrer encumber: infl. by PEST] pesticiden. a substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals. pesticidal adj. pestiferous adj. 1 noxious; pestilent. 2 harmful; pernicious; bearing moral contagion. [L pestifer, -ferus (as PEST)] pestilence n. a fatal epidemic disease, esp. bubonic plague. [ME f. OF f. L pestilentia (as PESTILENT)] pestilentadj. 1 destructive to life, deadly. 2 harmful or morally destructive. 3 colloq. troublesome; annoying. pestilently adv. [L pestilens, pestilentus f. pestis plague] pestilential adj. 1 of or relating to pestilence. 2 dangerous; troublesome; pestilent. pestilentially adv. [ME f. med.L pestilentialis f. L pestilentia (as PESTILENT)] pestlen. & v. --n. 1 a club-shaped instrument for pounding substances in a mortar. 2 an appliance for pounding etc. --v. 1 tr. pound with a pestle or in a similar manner. 2 intr. use a pestle. [ME f. OF pestel f. L pistillum f. pinsare pist- to pound] pestologyn. the scientific study of pests (esp. harmful insects) and of methods of dealing with them. pestological adj. pestologist n. Pet.abbr. Peter (New Testament). petn., adj., & v. --n. 1 a domestic or tamed animal kept for pleasure or companionship. 2 a darling, a favourite (often as a term of endearment). --attrib.adj. 1 kept as a pet (pet lamb). 2 of or for pet animals (pet food). 3 often joc. favourite or particular (pet aversion). 4 expressing fondness or familiarity (pet name). --v.tr. (petted, petting) 1 treat as a pet. 2 (also absol.) fondle, esp. erotically. petter n. [16th-c. Sc. & N.Engl. dial.: orig. unkn.] n. a feeling of petty resentment or ill-humour (esp. be in a pet). [16th c.: orig. unkn.] peta-comb. form denoting a factor of 10(15). [perh. f. PENTA-] petaln. each of the parts of the corolla of a flower. petaline adj. petalled adj. (also in comb.). petal-like adj. petaloid adj. [mod.L petalum, in LL metal plate f. Gk petalon leaf f. petalos outspread] petardn. hist. 1 a small bomb used to blast down a door etc. 2 a kind of firework or cracker. hoist with one's own petard affected oneself by one's schemes against others. [F p‚tard f. p‚ter break wind] petasusn. 1 an ancient Greek hat with a low crown and broad brim, esp. (in Greek mythology) as worn by Hermes. 2 the winged hat of Hermes. [L f. Gk petasos] petauristn. any flying squirrel of the genus Petaurista, native to E. Asia. [Gk petauristes performer on a springboard (petauron)] Peten. for Pete's sake see SAKE. [abbr. of the name Peter] petechian. (pl. petechiae) Med. a small red or purple spot as a result of bleeding into the skin. petechial adj. [mod.L f. It. petecchia a freckle or spot on one's face] peterv. & n. --v.intr. 1 (foll. by out) (orig. of a vein of ore etc.) diminish, come to an end. 2 Bridge play an echo. --n. Bridge an echo. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] n. sl. 1 a prison cell. 2 a safe. [perh. f. the name Peter] petermann. (pl. -men) sl. a safe-breaker. Peter Pann. a person who retains youthful features, or who is immature. [hero of J. M. Barrie's play of the same name (1904)] Peter Principle n. joc. the principle that members of a hierarchy are promoted until they reach the level at which they are no longer competent. [L. J. Peter, its propounder, b. 1919] petershamn. thick corded silk ribbon used for stiffening in dressmaking etc. [Lord Petersham, Engl. army officer d. 1851] Peter's pence n.pl. RC Ch. 1 hist. an annual tax of one penny, formerly paid to the papal see. 2 (since 1860) a voluntary payment to the papal treasury. [St Peter, as first pope] pethidinen. a synthetic soluble analgesic used esp. in childbirth. [perh. f. PIPERIDINE (from which the drug is derived) + ETHYL] petiolen. the slender stalk joining a leaf to a stem. petiolar adj. petiolate adj. [F p‚tiole f. L petiolus little foot, stalk] petitadj. esp. Law petty; small; of lesser importance. petit jury = petty jury. [ME f. OF, = small, f. Rmc, perh. imit. of child's speech] petit bourgeois n. (pl. petits bourgeois pronunc. same) a member of the lower middle classes. [F] petiteadj. (of a woman) of small and dainty build. petite bourgeoisie the lower middle classes. [F, fem. of PETIT] petit four n. (pl. petits fours) a very small fancy cake, biscuit, or sweet. [F, = little oven] petitionn. & v. --n. 1 a supplication or request. 2 a formal written request, esp. one signed by many people, appealing to authority in some cause. 3 Law an application to a court for a writ etc. --v. 1 tr. make or address a petition to (petition your MP). 2 intr. (often foll. by for, to) appeal earnestly or humbly. Petition of Right 1 hist. a parliamentary declaration of rights and liberties of the people assented to by Charles I in 1628. 2 Law a common-law remedy against the crown for the recovery of property. petitionable adj. petitionary adj. petitioner n. [ME f. OF f. L petitio -onis] petitio principii n. a logical fallacy in which a conclusion is taken for granted in the premiss; begging the question. [L, = assuming a principle: see PETITION] petit-maŒtre n. a dandy or coxcomb. [F, = little master] petit maln. a mild form of epilepsy with only momentary loss of consciousness (cf. GRAND MAL). [F, = little sickness] petit point n. 1 embroidery on canvas using small stitches. 2 tent-stitch. [F, = little point] petits pois n.pl. small green peas. [F] Petrarchan adj. denoting a sonnet of the kind used by the Italian poet Petrarch (d. 1374), with an octave rhyming abbaabba, and a sestet usu. rhyming cdcdcd or cdecde. petreln. any of various sea birds of the family Procellariidae or Hydrobatidae, usu. flying far from land. [17th c. (also pitteral), of uncert. orig.: later assoc. with St Peter (Matt. 14:30)] Petri dish n. a shallow covered dish used for the culture of bacteria etc. [J. R. Petri, Ger. bacteriologist d. 1921] petrifaction n. 1 the process of fossilization whereby organic matter is turned into a stony substance. 2 a petrified substance or mass. 3 a state of extreme fear or terror. [PETRIFY after stupefaction] petrifyv. (-ies, -ied) 1 tr. paralyse with fear, astonishment, etc. 2 tr. change (organic matter) into a stony substance. 3 intr. become like stone. 4 tr. deprive (the mind, a doctrine, etc.) of vitality; deaden. [F p‚trifier f. med.L petrificare f. L petra rock f. Gk] petro-comb. form 1 rock. 2 petroleum (petrochemistry). [Gk petros stone or petra rock] petrochemical n. & adj. --n. a substance industrially obtained from petroleum or natural gas. --adj. of or relating to petrochemistry or petrochemicals. petrochemistry n. 1 the chemistry of rocks. 2 the chemistry of petroleum. petrodollar n. a notional unit of currency earned by a petroleum-exporting country. petroglyph n. a rock-carving, esp. a prehistoric one. [PETRO- + Gk glyphe carving] petrography n. the scientific description of the composition and formation of rocks. petrographer n. petrographic adj. petrographical adj. petroln. Brit. 1 refined petroleum used as a fuel in motor vehicles, aircraft, etc. 2 (attrib.) concerned with the supply of petrol (petrol pump; petrol station). petrol bomb a simple bomb made of a petrol-filled bottle and a wick. [F p‚trole f. med.L petroleum: see PETROLEUM] petrolatum n. US petroleum jelly. [mod.L f. PETROL + -atum] petroleumn. a hydrocarbon oil found in the upper strata of the earth, refined for use as a fuel for heating and in internal-combustion engines, for lighting, dry-cleaning, etc. petroleum ether a volatile liquid distilled from petroleum, consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons. petroleum jelly a translucent solid mixture of hydrocarbons used as a lubricant, ointment, etc. [med.L f. L petra rock f. Gk + L oleum oil] petrolicadj. of or relating to petrol or petroleum. petrologyn. the study of the origin, structure, composition, etc., of rocks. petrologic adj. petrological adj. petrologist n. petrousadj. 1 Anat. denoting the hard part of the temporal bone protecting the inner ear. 2 Geol. of, like, or relating to rock. [L petrosus f. L petra rock f. Gk] petticoatn. 1 a woman's or girl's skirted undergarment hanging from the waist or shoulders. 2 sl. a a woman or girl. b (in pl.) the female sex. 3 (attrib.) often derog. feminine; associated with women (petticoat pedantry). petticoated adj. petticoatless adj. [ME f. petty coat] pettifogv.intr. (pettifogged, pettifogging) 1 practise legal deception or trickery. 2 quibble or wrangle about petty points. [back-form. f. PETTIFOGGER] pettifogger n. 1 a rascally lawyer; an inferior legal practitioner. 2 a petty practitioner in any activity. pettifoggery n. pettifogging adj. [PETTY + fogger underhand dealer, prob. f. Fugger family of merchants in Augsburg in the 15th-16th c.] pettishadj. peevish, petulant; easily put out. pettishly adv. pettishness n. [PET + -ISH] pettyadj. (pettier, pettiest) 1 unimportant; trivial. 2 mean, small-minded; contemptible. 3 minor; inferior; on a small scale (petty princes). 4 Law (of a crime) of lesser importance (petty sessions) (cf. COMMON, GRAND). petty bourgeois = PETIT BOURGEOIS. petty bourgeoisie = petite bourgeoisie. petty cash money from or for small items of receipt or expenditure. petty jury a jury of 12 persons who try the final issue of fact in civil or criminal cases and pronounce a verdict. petty officer a naval NCO. petty treason see TREASON. pettily adv. pettiness n. [ME pety, var. of PETIT] petulantadj. peevishly impatient or irritable. petulance n. petulantly adv. [F p‚tulant f. L petulans -antis f. petere seek] petunian. 1 any plant of the genus Petunia with white, purple, red, etc., funnel-shaped flowers. 2 a dark violet or purple colour. [mod.L f. F petun f. Guarani pety tobacco] petuntsen. a white variable feldspathic mineral used for making porcelain. [Chin. baidunzi f. bai white + dun stone + suffix -zi] pewn. & v. --n. 1 (in a church) a long bench with a back; an enclosed compartment. 2 Brit. colloq. a seat (esp. take a pew). --v.tr. furnish with pews. pewage n. pewless adj. [ME pywe, puwe f. OF puye balcony f. L podia pl. of PODIUM] pewitvar. of PEEWIT. pewtern. 1 a grey alloy of tin with lead, copper, or antimony or various other metals. 2 utensils made of this. 3 sl. a tankard etc. as a prize. pewterer n. [ME f. OF peutre, peualtre f. Rmc, of unkn. orig.] peyoten. 1 any Mexican cactus of the genus Lophophora, esp. L. williamsii having no spines and button-like tops when dried. 2 a hallucinogenic drug containing mescaline prepared from this. [Amer. Sp. f. Nahuatl peyotl] Pf.abbr. pfennig. Pfc.abbr. US Private First Class. pfennign. a small German coin, worth one-hundredth of a mark. [G, rel. to PENNY] PGabbr. 1 (of films) classified as suitable for children subject to parental guidance. 2 paying guest. pHn. Chem. a logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen-ion concentration in moles per litre of a solution, giving a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. [G, f. Potenz power + H (symbol for hydrogen)] phaetonn. 1 a light open four-wheeled carriage, usu. drawn by a pair of horses. 2 US a touring-car. [F pha‚ton f. L Phaethon f. Gk Phaethon, son of Helios the sun god who was allowed to drive the sun-chariot for a day, with disastrous results] phagen. = BACTERIOPHAGE. [abbr.] phagocyten. a type of cell capable of engulfing and absorbing foreign matter, esp. a leucocyte ingesting bacteria in the body. phagocytic adj. [Gk phag- eat + -CYTE] phagocytosis n. the ingestion of bacteria etc. by phagocytes. phagocytize v.tr. (also -ise). phagocytose v.tr. -phagouscomb. form that eats (as specified) (ichthyophagous). [L -phagus f. Gk -phagos f. phagein eat] -phagycomb. form the eating of (specified food) (ichthyophagy). [Gk -phagia (as -PHAGOUS)] phalangen. 1 Anat. = PHALANX 4. 2 (Phalange) a right-wing activist Maronite party in Lebanon (cf. FALANGE). [F f. L phalanx: see PHALANX] phalangeal adj. Anat. of or relating to a phalanx. phalangern. any of various marsupials of the family Phalangeridae, including cuscuses and possums. [F f. Gk phalaggion spider's web, f. the webbed toes of its hind feet] phalanxn. (pl. phalanxes or phalanges) 1 Gk Antiq. a line of battle, esp. a body of Macedonian infantry drawn up in close order. 2 a set of people etc. forming a compact mass, or banded for a common purpose. 3 a bone of the finger or toe. 4 Bot. a bundle of stamens united by filaments. [L f. Gk phalagx -ggos] phalaropen. any small wading or swimming bird of the subfamily Phalaropodidae, with a straight bill and lobed feet. [F f. mod.L Phalaropus, irreg. f. Gk phalaris coot + pous podos foot] phallipl. of PHALLUS. phallicadj. 1 of, relating to, or resembling a phallus. 2 Psychol. denoting the stage of male sexual development characterized by preoccupation with the genitals. phallically adv. [F phallique & Gk phallikos (as PHALLUS)] phallocentric adj. centred on the phallus or on male attitudes. phallocentricity n. phallocentrism n. phallusn. (pl. phalli or phalluses) 1 the (esp. erect) penis. 2 an image of this as a symbol of generative power in nature. phallicism n. phallism n. [LL f. Gk phallos] phanariotn. hist. a member of a class of Greek officials in Constantinople under the Ottoman Empire. [mod.Gk phanariotes f. Phanar the part of the city where they lived f. Gk phanarion lighthouse (on the Golden Horn)] phanerogam n. Bot. a plant that has stamens and pistils, a flowering plant (cf. CRYPTOGAM). phanerogamic adj. phanerogamous adj. [F phan‚rogame f. Gk phaneros visible + gamos marriage] phantasize var. of FANTASIZE. phantasmn. 1 an illusion, a phantom. 2 (usu. foll. by of) an illusory likeness. 3 a supposed vision of an absent (living or dead) person. phantasmal adj. phantasmic adj. [ME f. OF fantasme f. L f. Gk phantasma f. phantazo make visible f. phaino show] phantasmagoria n. 1 a shifting series of real or imaginary figures as seen in a dream. 2 an optical device for rapidly varying the size of images on a screen. phantasmagoric adj. phantasmagorical adj. [prob. f. F fantasmagorie (as PHANTASM + fanciful ending)] phantastvar. of FANTAST. phantasyvar. of FANTASY. phantomn. & adj. --n. 1 a ghost; an apparition; a spectre. 2 a form without substance or reality; a mental illusion. 3 Med. a model of the whole or part of the body used to practise or demonstrate operative or therapeutic methods. --adj. merely apparent; illusory. phantom circuit an arrangement of telegraph or other electrical wires equivalent to an extra circuit. phantom limb a continuing sensation of the presence of a limb which has been amputated. phantom pregnancy Med. the symptoms of pregnancy in a person not actually pregnant. [ME f. OF fantosme ult. f. Gk phantasma (as PHANTASM)] Pharaohn. 1 the ruler of ancient Egypt. 2 the title of this ruler. Pharaoh's serpent an indoor firework burning and uncoiling in serpentine form. Pharaonic adj. [OE f. eccl.L Pharao f. Gk Pharao f. Heb. par' oh f. Egypt. pr-' o great house] Phariseen. 1 a member of an ancient Jewish sect, distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law, and commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity. 2 a self-righteous person; a hypocrite. Pharisaic adj. Pharisaical adj. Pharisaism n. [OE fariseus & OF pharise f. eccl.L pharisaeus f. Gk Pharisaios f. Aram. p' risayyƒ pl. f. Heb. par–s separated] pharmaceutical adj. 1 of or engaged in pharmacy. 2 of the use or sale of medicinal drugs. pharmaceutically adv. pharmaceutics n. [LL pharmaceuticus f. Gk pharmakeutikos f. pharmakeutes druggist f. pharmakon drug] pharmacist n. a person qualified to prepare and dispense drugs. pharmacognosy n. the science of drugs, esp. relating to medicinal products in their natural or unprepared state. [Gk pharmakon drug + gnosis knowledge] pharmacology n. the science of the action of drugs on the body. pharmacological adj. pharmacologically adv. pharmacologist n. [mod.L pharmacologia f. Gk pharmakon drug] pharmacopoeia n. 1 a book, esp. one officially published, containing a list of drugs with directions for use. 2 a stock of drugs. pharmacopoeial adj. [mod.L f. Gk pharmakopoiia f. pharmakopoios drug-maker (as PHARMACOLOGY + -poios making)] pharmacyn. (pl. -ies) 1 the preparation and the (esp. medicinal) dispensing of drugs. 2 a pharmacist's shop, a dispensary. [ME f. OF farmacie f. med.L pharmacia f. Gk pharmakeia practice of the druggist f. pharmakeus f. pharmakon drug] pharosn. a lighthouse or a beacon to guide sailors. [L f. Gk Pharos island off Alexandria where a famous lighthouse stood] pharyngo-comb. form denoting the pharynx. pharyngotomy n. (pl. -ies) an incision into the pharynx. pharynxn. (pl. pharynges) a cavity, with enclosing muscles and mucous membrane, behind the nose and mouth, and connecting them to the oesophagus. pharyngal adj. pharyngeal adj. pharyngitis n. [mod.L f. Gk pharugx -ggos] phasen. & v. --n. 1 a distinct period or stage in a process of change or development. 2 each of the aspects of the moon or a planet, according to the amount of its illumination, esp. the new moon, the first quarter, the last quarter, and the full moon. 3 Physics a stage in a periodically recurring sequence, esp. of alternating electric currents or light vibrations. 4 a difficult or unhappy period, esp. in adolescence. 5 a genetic or seasonal variety of an animal's coloration etc. 6 Chem. a distinct and homogeneous form of matter separated by its surface from other forms. --v.tr. carry out (a programme etc.) in phases or stages. in phase having the same phase at the same time. out of phase not in phase. phase in (or out) bring gradually into (or out of) use. phase rule Chem. a rule relating numbers of phases, constituents, and degrees of freedom. three-phase (of an electric generator, motor, etc.) designed to supply or use simultaneously three separate alternating currents of the same voltage, but with phases differing by a third of a period. phasic adj. [F phase & f. earlier phasis f. Gk phasis appearance f. phaino phan- show] phaticadj. (of speech etc.) used to convey general sociability rather than to communicate a specific meaning, e.g. 'nice morning, isn't it?'. [Gk phatos spoken f. phemi phan- speak] Ph.D.abbr. Doctor of Philosophy. [L philosophiae doctor] pheasantn. any of several long-tailed game-birds of the family Phasianidae, orig. from Asia. pheasantry n. (pl. -ies). [ME f. AF fesaunt f. OF faisan f. L phasianus f. Gk phasianos (bird) of the river Phasis in Asia Minor] phenacetin n. an acetyl derivative of phenol used to treat fever etc. [PHENO- + ACETYL + -IN] pheno-comb. form 1 Chem. derived from benzene (phenol; phenyl). 2 showing (phenocryst). [Gk phaino shine (with ref. to substances used for illumination), show] phenobarbitone n. (US phenobarbital) a narcotic and sedative barbiturate drug used esp. to treat epilepsy. phenocryst n. a large or conspicuous crystal in porphyritic rock. [F ph‚nocryste (as PHENO-, CRYSTAL)] phenoln. Chem. 1 the monohydroxyl derivative of benzene used in dilute form as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Also called CARBOLIC. °Chem. formula: C[6]H[5]OH. 2 any hydroxyl derivative of an aromatic hydrocarbon. phenolic adj. [F ph‚nole f. phŠne benzene (formed as PHENO-)] phenolphthalein n. Chem. a white crystalline solid used in solution as an acid-base indicator and medicinally as a laxative. [PHENOL + phthal f. NAPHTHALENE + -IN] phenomenapl. of PHENOMENON. phenomenal adj. 1 of the nature of a phenomenon. 2 extraordinary, remarkable, prodigious. 3 perceptible by, or perceptible only to, the senses. phenomenalize v.tr. (also -ise). phenomenally adv. phenomenalism n. Philos. 1 the doctrine that human knowledge is confined to the appearances presented to the senses. 2 the doctrine that appearances are the foundation of all our knowledge. phenomenalist n. phenomenalistic adj. phenomenology n. Philos. 1 the science of phenomena. 2 the description and classification of phenomena. phenomenological adj. phenomenologically adv. phenomenon n. (pl. phenomena) 1 a fact or occurrence that appears or is perceived, esp. one of which the cause is in question. 2 a remarkable person or thing. 3 Philos. the object of a person's perception; what the senses or the mind notice. [LL f. Gk phainomenon neut. pres. part. of phainomai appear f. phaino show] phenotypen. Biol. a set of observable characteristics of an individual or group as determined by its genotype and environment. phenotypic adj. phenotypical adj. phenotypically adv. [G Phaenotypus (as PHENO-, TYPE)] phenyln. Chem. the univalent radical formed from benzene by the removal of a hydrogen atom. [PHENO- + -YL] phenylalanine n. Biochem. an amino acid widely distributed in plant proteins and essential in the human diet. [PHENYL + ALANINE] phenylketonuria n. an inherited inability to metabolize phenylalanine, ultimately leading to mental deficiency if untreated. [PHENYL + KETONE + -URIA] pheromonen. a chemical substance secreted and released by an animal for detection and response by another usu. of the same species. pheromonal adj. [Gk phero convey + HORMONE] phewint. an expression of impatience, discomfort, relief, astonishment, or disgust. [imit. of puffing] phin. the twenty-first letter of the Greek alphabet. Phi Beta Kappa 1 (in the US) an intercollegiate honorary society to which distinguished scholars may be elected (from the initial letters of a Greek motto, = philosophy is the guide to life). 2 a member of this society. [Gk] phialn. a small glass bottle, esp. for liquid medicine. [ME f. OF fiole f. L phiola phiala f. Gk phiale, a broad flat vessel: cf. VIAL] Phil.abbr. 1 Philadelphia. 2 Philharmonic. 3 Philippians (New Testament). 4 Philosophy. phil-comb. form var. of PHILO-. -philcomb. form var. of -PHILE. philabegvar. of FILIBEG. philadelphus n. any highly-scented deciduous flowering shrub of the genus Philadelphus, esp. the mock orange. [mod.L f. Gk philadelphon] philanderv.intr. (often foll. by with) flirt or have casual affairs with women; womanize. philanderer n. [philander (n.) used in Gk literature as the proper name of a lover, f. Gk philandros fond of men f. aner male person: see PHIL-] philanthrope n. = PHILANTHROPIST (see PHILANTHROPY). [Gk philanthropos (as PHIL-, anthropos human being)] philanthropic adj. loving one's fellow men; benevolent. philanthropically adv. [F philanthropique (as PHILANTHROPE)] philanthropy n. 1 a love of mankind. 2 practical benevolence, esp. charity on a large scale. philanthropism n. philanthropist n. philanthropize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). [LL philanthropia f. Gk philanthropia (as PHILANTHROPE)] philatelyn. the collection and study of postage stamps. philatelic adj. philatelically adv. philatelist n. [F philat‚lie f. Gk ateleia exemption from payment f. a- not + telos toll, tax] -philecomb. form (also -phil) forming nouns and adjectives denoting fondness for what is specified (bibliophile; Francophile). [Gk philos dear, loving] Philem.abbr. Philemon (New Testament). philharmonic adj. 1 fond of music. 2 used characteristically in the names of orchestras, choirs, etc. (Royal Philharmonic Orchestra). [F philharmonique f. It. filarmonico (as PHIL-, HARMONIC)] philhellene n. (often attrib.) 1 a lover of Greece and Greek culture. 2 hist. a supporter of the cause of Greek independence. philhellenic adj. philhellenism n. philhellenist n. [Gk philellen (as PHIL-, HELLENE)] -philiacomb. form 1 denoting (esp. abnormal) fondness or love for what is specified (necrophilia). 2 denoting undue inclination (haemophilia). -philiac comb. form forming nouns and adjectives. -philic comb. form forming adjectives. -philous comb. form forming adjectives. [Gk f. philos loving] philippicn. a bitter verbal attack or denunciation. [L philippicus f. Gk philippikos the name of Demosthenes' speeches against Philip II of Macedon and Cicero's against Mark Antony] Philippine adj. of or relating to the Philippine Islands or their people; Filipino. [Philip II of Spain] Philistine n. & adj. --n. 1 a member of a people opposing the Israelites in ancient Palestine. 2 (usu. philistine) a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture, or one whose interests or tastes are commonplace or material. --adj. hostile or indifferent to culture, commonplace, prosaic. philistinism n. [ME f. F Philistin or LL Philistinus f. Gk Philistinos = Palaistinos f. Heb. pelistŒ] Phillipsn. (usu. attrib.) propr. denoting a screw with a cross-shaped slot for turning, or a corresponding screwdriver. [name of the original US manufacturer] phillumenist n. a collector of matchbox labels. phillumeny n. [PHIL- + L lumen light] Phillyn. US sl. Philadelphia. [abbr.] philo-comb. form (also phil- before a vowel or h) denoting a liking for what is specified. philodendron n. (pl. philodendrons or philodendra) any tropical American climbing plant of the genus Philodendron, with bright foliage. [PHILO- + Gk dendron tree] philogynist n. a person who likes or admires women. [PHILO- + Gk gune woman] philologyn. 1 the science of language, esp. in its historical and comparative aspects. 2 the love of learning and literature. philologian n. philologist n. philological adj. philologically adv. philologize v.intr. (also -ise). [F philologie f. L philologia love of learning f. Gk (as PHILO-, -LOGY)] Philomeln. (also Philomela) poet. the nightingale. [earlier philomene f. med.L philomena f. L philomela nightingale f. Gk philomela: cap. with ref. to the myth of Philomela] philoprogenitive adj. 1 prolific. 2 loving one's offspring. philosopher n. 1 a person engaged or learned in philosophy or a branch of it. 2 a person who lives by philosophy. 3 a person who shows philosophic calmness in trying circumstances. philosophers' (or philosopher's) stone the supreme object of alchemy, a substance supposed to change other metals into gold or silver. [ME f. AF philosofre var. of OF, philosophe f. L philosophus f. Gk philosophos (as PHILO-, sophos wise)] philosophical adj. (also philosophic) 1 of or according to philosophy. 2 skilled in or devoted to philosophy or learning; learned (philosophical society). 3 wise; serene; temperate. 4 calm in adverse circumstances. philosophically adv. [LL philosophicus f. L philosophia (as PHILOSOPHY)] philosophize v. (also -ise) 1 intr. reason like a philosopher. 2 intr. moralize. 3 intr. speculate; theorize. 4 tr. render philosophic. philosophizer n. [app. f. F philosopher] philosophy n. (pl. -ies) 1 the use of reason and argument in seeking truth and knowledge of reality, esp. of the causes and nature of things and of the principles governing existence, the material universe, perception of physical phenomena, and human behaviour. 2 a a particular system or set of beliefs reached by this. b a personal rule of life. 3 advanced learning in general (doctor of philosophy). 4 serenity; calmness; conduct governed by a particular philosophy. [ME f. OF filosofie f. L philosophia wisdom f. Gk (as PHILO-, sophos wise)] philtren. (US philter) a drink supposed to excite sexual love in the drinker. [F philtre f. L philtrum f. Gk philtron f. phileo to love] -philycomb. form = -PHILIA. phimosisn. a constriction of the foreskin, making it difficult to retract. phimotic adj. [mod.L f. Gk, = muzzling] phizn. (also phizog) Brit. colloq. 1 the face. 2 the expression on a face. [abbr. of phiznomy = PHYSIOGNOMY] phlebitisn. inflammation of the walls of a vein. phlebitic adj. [mod.L f. Gk f. phleps phlebos vein] phlebotomy n. 1 the surgical opening or puncture of a vein. 2 esp. hist. blood-letting as a medical treatment. phlebotomist n. phlebotomize v.tr. (also -ise). [ME f. OF flebothomi f. LL phlebotomia f. Gk f. phleps phlebos vein + -TOMY] phlegmn. 1 the thick viscous substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages, discharged by coughing. 2 a coolness and calmness of disposition. b sluggishness or apathy (supposed to result from too much phlegm in the constitution). 3 archaic phlegm regarded as one of the four bodily humours. phlegmy adj. [ME & OF fleume f. LL phlegma f. Gk phlegma -atos inflammation f. phlego burn] phlegmatic adj. stolidly calm; unexcitable, unemotional. phlegmatically adv. phloemn. Bot. the tissue conducting food material in plants (cf. XYLEM). [Gk phloos bark] phlogiston n. a substance formerly supposed to exist in all combustible bodies, and to be released in combustion. [mod.L f. Gk phlogizo set on fire f. phlox phlogos flame] phloxn. any cultivated plant of the genus Phlox, with scented clusters of esp. white, blue, and red flowers. [L f. Gk phlox, the name of a plant (lit. flame)] -phobecomb. form forming nouns and adjectives denoting fear or dislike of what is specified (xenophobe). [F f. L -phobus f. Gk -phobos f. phobos fear] phobian. an abnormal or morbid fear or aversion. phobic adj. & n. [-PHOBIA used as a separate word] -phobiacomb. form forming abstract nouns denoting fear or aversion of what is specified (agoraphobia; xenophobia). -phobic comb. form forming adjectives. [L f. Gk] phoeben. any American flycatcher of the genus Sayornis. [imit.: infl. by the name] Phoenician n. & adj. --n. a member of a Semitic people of ancient Phoenicia in S. Syria or of its colonies. --adj. of or relating to Phoenicia. [ME f. OF phenicien f. L Phoenicia f. L Phoenice f. Gk Phoinike Phoenicia] phoenixn. 1 a mythical bird, the only one of its kind, that after living for five or six centuries in the Arabian desert, burnt itself on a funeral pyre and rose from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle. 2 a unique person or thing. [OE & OF fenix f. L phoenix f. Gk phoinix Phoenician, purple, phoenix] pholasn. a piddock, esp. of the genus Pholas. [mod.L f. Gk pholas that lurks in a hole (pholeos)] phonn. a unit of the perceived loudness of sounds. [Gk phone sound] phonatev.intr. utter a vocal sound. phonation n. phonatory adj. [Gk phone voice] phonen. & v.tr. & intr. colloq. = TELEPHONE. phone book = telephone directory. phone-in n. a broadcast programme during which the listeners or viewers telephone the studio etc. and participate. [abbr.] n. a simple vowel or consonant sound. [formed as PHONEME] -phonecomb. form forming nouns and adjectives meaning: 1 an instrument using or connected with sound (telephone; xylophone). 2 a person who uses a specified language (anglophone). [Gk phone voice, sound] phonecardn. a card containing prepaid units for use with a Cardphone. phonemen. any of the units of sound in a specified language that distinguish one word from another (e.g. p, b, d, t as in pad, pat, bad, bat, in English). phonemic adj. phonemics n. [F phonŠme f. Gk phonema sound, speech f. phoneo speak] phoneticadj. 1 representing vocal sounds. 2 (of a system of spelling etc.) having a direct correspondence between symbols and sounds. 3 of or relating to phonetics. phonetically adv. phoneticism n. phoneticist n. phoneticize v.tr. (also -ise). [mod.L phoneticus f. Gk phonetikos f. phoneo speak] phoneticsn.pl. (usu. treated as sing.) 1 vocal sounds and their classification. 2 the study of these. phonetician n. phonetistn. 1 a person skilled in phonetics. 2 an advocate of phonetic spelling. phoneyadj. & n. (also phony) colloq. --adj. (phonier, phoniest) 1 sham; counterfeit. 2 fictitious; fraudulent. --n. (pl. -eys or -ies) a phoney person or thing. phonily adv. phoniness n. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] phonicadj. & n. --adj. of sound; acoustic; of vocal sounds. --n. (in pl.) a method of teaching reading based on sounds. phonically adv. [Gk phone voice] phono-comb. form denoting sound. [Gk phone voice, sound] phonogramn. a symbol representing a spoken sound. phonograph n. 1 Brit. an early form of gramophone using cylinders and able to record as well as reproduce sound. 2 US a gramophone. phonography n. 1 writing in esp. shorthand symbols, corresponding to the sounds of speech. 2 the recording of sounds by phonograph. phonographic adj. phonologyn. the study of sounds in a language. phonological adj. phonologically adv. phonologist n. phononn. Physics a quantum of sound or elastic vibrations. [Gk phone sound, after PHOTON] phonyvar. of PHONEY. phooeyint. an expression of disgust or disbelief. [imit.] -phorecomb. form forming nouns meaning 'bearer' (ctenophore; semaphore). -phorous comb. form forming adjectives. [mod.L f. Gk -phoros -phoron bearing, bearer f. phero bear] phoresyn. Biol. an association in which one organism is carried by another, without being a parasite. phoretic adj. [F phor‚sie f. Gk phoresis being carried] phormiumn. 1 a liliaceous plant, Phormium tenax, yielding a leaf-fibre that is used commercially. 2 New Zealand flax. [mod.L f. Gk phormion a species of plant] phosgenen. a colourless poisonous gas (carbonyl chloride), formerly used in warfare. °Chem. formula: COCl[2]. [Gk phos light + -GEN, with ref. to its orig. production by the action of sunlight on chlorine and carbon monoxide] phosphatase n. Biochem. any enzyme that catalyses the synthesis or hydrolysis of an organic phosphate. phosphaten. 1 any salt or ester of phosphoric acid, esp. used as a fertilizer. 2 an effervescent drink containing a small amount of phosphate. phosphatic adj. [F f. phosphore PHOSPHORUS] phosphenen. the sensation of rings of light produced by pressure on the eyeball due to irritation of the retina. [irreg. f. Gk phos light + phaino show] phosphiden. Chem. a binary compound of phosphorus with another element or group. phosphinen. Chem. a colourless ill-smelling gas, phosphorus trihydride. °Chem. formula: PH[3]. phosphinic adj. [PHOSPHO- + -INE, after amine] phosphiten. Chem. any salt or ester of phosphorous acid. [F (as PHOSPHO-)] phospho-comb. form denoting phosphorus. [abbr.] phospholipid n. Biochem. any lipid consisting of a phosphate group and one or more fatty acids. phosphorn. 1 = PHOSPHORUS. 2 a synthetic fluorescent or phosphorescent substance esp. used in cathode-ray tubes. phosphor bronze a tough hard bronze alloy containing a small amount of phosphorus, used esp. for bearings. [G f. L phosphorus PHOSPHORUS] phosphorate v.tr. combine or impregnate with phosphorus. phosphorescence n. 1 radiation similar to fluorescence but detectable after excitation ceases. 2 the emission of light without combustion or perceptible heat. phosphoresce v.intr. phosphorescent adj. phosphorite n. a non-crystalline form of apatite. phosphorus n. Chem. a non-metallic element occurring naturally in various phosphate rocks and existing in allotropic forms, esp. as a poisonous whitish waxy substance burning slowly at ordinary temperatures and so appearing luminous in the dark, and a reddish form used in matches, fertilizers, etc. °Symb.: P. phosphoric adj. phosphorous adj. [L, = morning star, f. Gk phosphoros f. phos light + -phoros -bringing] phosphorylate v.tr. Chem. introduce a phosphate group into (an organic molecule etc.). phosphorylation n. phossy jaw n. colloq. hist. gangrene of the jawbone caused by phosphorus poisoning. [abbr.] photn. a unit of illumination equal to one lumen per square centimetre. [Gk phos photos light] photicadj. 1 of or relating to light. 2 (of ocean layers) reached by sunlight. photismn. a hallucinatory sensation or vision of light. [Gk photismos f. photizo shine f. phos photos light] photon. & v. --n. (pl. -os) = PHOTOGRAPH n. --v.tr. (-oes, -oed) = PHOTOGRAPH v. photo-call an occasion on which theatrical performers, famous personalities, etc., pose for photographers by arrangement. photo finish a close finish of a race or contest, esp. one where the winner is only distinguishable on a photograph. [abbr.] photo-comb. form denoting: 1 light (photosensitive). 2 photography (photocomposition). [Gk phos photos light, or as abbr. of PHOTOGRAPH] photobiology n. the study of the effects of light on living organisms. photocelln. = photoelectric cell. photochemistry n. the study of the chemical effects of light. photochemical adj. photocomposition n. = FILMSETTING. photoconductivity n. conductivity due to the action of light. photoconductive adj. photoconductor n. photocopier n. a machine for producing photocopies. photocopyn. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) a photographic copy of printed or written material produced by a process involving the action of light on a specially prepared surface. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) make a photocopy of. photocopiable adj. photodiode n. a semiconductor diode responding electrically to illumination. photoelectric adj. marked by or using emissions of electrons from substances exposed to light. photoelectric cell a device using this effect to generate current. photoelectricity n. photoelectron n. an electron emitted from an atom by interaction with a photon, esp. one emitted from a solid surface by the action of light. photoemission n. the emission of electrons from a surface by the action of light incident on it. photoemitter n. photofitn. a reconstructed picture of a person (esp. one sought by the police) made from composite photographs of facial features (cf. IDENTIKIT). photogenic adj. 1 (esp. of a person) having an appearance that looks pleasing in photographs. 2 Biol. producing or emitting light. photogenically adv. photogramn. 1 a picture produced with photographic materials but without a camera. 2 archaic a photograph. photogrammetry n. the use of photography for surveying. photogrammetrist n. photograph n. & v. --n. a picture taken by means of the chemical action of light or other radiation on sensitive film. --v.tr. (also absol.) take a photograph of (a person etc.). photographable adj. photographer n. photographic adj. photographically adv. photography n. the taking and processing of photographs. photogravure n. 1 an image produced from a photographic negative transferred to a metal plate and etched in. 2 this process . [F (as PHOTO-, gravure engraving)] photojournalism n. the art or practice of relating news by photographs, with or without an accompanying text, esp. in magazines etc. photojournalist n. photolithography n. (also photolitho) lithography using plates made photographically. photolithographer n. photolithographic adj. photolithographically adv. photolysis n. decomposition or dissociation of molecules by the action of light. photolyse v.tr. & intr. photolytic adj. photometer n. an instrument for measuring light. photometric adj. photometry n. photomicrograph n. a photograph of an image produced by a microscope. photomicrography n. photonn. a quantum of electromagnetic radiation energy, proportional to the frequency of radiation. [Gk phos photos light, after electron] photo-offset n. offset printing with plates made photographically. photoperiod n. the period of daily illumination which an organism receives. photoperiodic adj. photoperiodism n. the response of an organism to changes in the lengths of the daily periods of light. photophobia n. an abnormal fear of or aversion to light. photophobic adj. photoreceptor n. any living structure that responds to incident light. photosensitive adj. reacting chemically, electrically, etc., to light. photosensitivity n. photosetting n. = FILMSETTING. photoset v.tr. (past and past part. -set). photosetter n. photosphere n. the luminous envelope of a star from which its light and heat radiate. photospheric adj. Photostatn. & v. --n. propr. 1 a type of machine for making photocopies. 2 a copy made by this means. --v.tr. (photostat) (-statted, -statting) make a Photostat of. photostatic adj. photosynthesis n. the process in which the energy of sunlight is used by organisms, esp. green plants to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. photosynthesize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). photosynthetic adj. photosynthetically adv. phototransistor n. a transistor that responds to incident light by generating and amplifying an electric current. phototropism n. the tendency of a plant etc. to bend or turn towards or away from a source of light. phototropic adj. photovoltaic adj. relating to the production of electric current at the junction of two substances exposed to light. phrasaladj. Gram. consisting of a phrase. phrasal verb an idiomatic phrase consisting of a verb and an adverb (e.g. break down) or a verb and a preposition (e.g. see to). phrasen. & v. --n. 1 a group of words forming a conceptual unit, but not a sentence. 2 an idiomatic or short pithy expression. 3 a manner or mode of expression (a nice turn of phrase). 4 Mus. a group of notes forming a distinct unit within a larger piece. --v.tr. 1 express in words (phrased the reply badly). 2 (esp. when reading aloud or speaking) divide (sentences etc.) into units so as to convey the meaning of the whole. 3 Mus. divide (music) into phrases etc. in performance. phrase book a book for tourists etc. listing useful expressions with their equivalent in a foreign language. phrasing n. [earlier phrasis f. L f. Gk f. phrazo declare, tell] phraseogram n. a written symbol representing a phrase, esp. in shorthand. phraseology n. (pl. -ies) 1 a choice or arrangement of words. 2 a mode of expression. phraseological adj. [mod.L phraseologia f. Gk phraseon genit. pl. of phrasis PHRASE] phreaticadj. Geol. 1 (of water) situated underground in the zone of saturation; ground water. 2 (of a volcanic eruption or explosion) caused by the heating and expansion of underground water. [Gk phrear phreatos well] phreneticadj. 1 frantic. 2 fanatic. phrenetically adv. [ME, var. of FRENETIC] phrenicadj. Anat. of or relating to the diaphragm. [F phr‚nique f. Gk phren phrenos diaphragm, mind] phrenology n. hist. the study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental faculties. phrenological adj. phrenologist n. Phrygiann. & adj. --n. 1 a native or inhabitant of ancient Phrygia in central Asia Minor. 2 the language of this people. --adj. of or relating to Phrygia or its people or language. Phrygian bonnet (or cap) an ancient conical cap with the top bent forwards, now identified with the cap of liberty. Phrygian mode Mus. the mode represented by the natural diatonic scale E-E. phthalic acid n. Chem. one of three isomeric dicarboxylic acids derived from benzene. phthalate n. [abbr. of NAPHTHALIC: see NAPHTHALENE] phthisisn. any progressive wasting disease, esp. pulmonary tuberculosis. phthisic adj. phthisical adj. [L f. Gk f. phthino to decay] phutn. a dull abrupt sound as of an impact or explosion. go phut colloq. (esp. of a scheme or plan) collapse, break down. [perh. f. Hindi phatna to burst] phycologyn. the study of algae. phycological adj. phycologist n. [Gk phukos seaweed + -LOGY] phycomycete n. any of various fungi which typically form non-septate mycelium. [Gk phukos seaweed + pl. of Gk mukes mushroom] phylapl. of PHYLUM. phylactery n. (pl. -ies) 1 a small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law. 2 an amulet; a charm. 3 a usu. ostentatious religious observance. 4 a fringe; a border. [ME f. OF f. LL phylacterium f. Gk phulakterion amulet f. phulasso guard] phyleticadj. Biol. of or relating to the development of a species or other group. [Gk phuletikos f. phuletes tribesman f. phule tribe] phyllo-comb. form leaf. [Gk phullo- f. phullon leaf] phylloden. a flattened leaf-stalk resembling a leaf. [mod.L phyllodium f. Gk phullodes leaflike (as PHYLLO-)] phyllophagous adj. feeding on leaves. phylloquinone n. one of the K vitamins, found in cabbage, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables, and essential for the blood clotting process. Also called vitamin K[1]. phyllostome n. any bat of the family Phyllostomatidae having a nose leaf. [PHYLLO- + Gk stoma mouth] phyllotaxis n. (also phyllotaxy) the arrangement of leaves on an axis or stem. phyllotactic adj. phylloxera n. any plant-louse of the genus Phylloxera, esp. of a species attacking vines. [mod.L f. Gk phullon leaf + xeros dry] phylo-comb. form Biol. denoting a race or tribe. [Gk phulon, phule] phylogenesis n. (also phylogeny) 1 the evolutionary development of an organism or groups of organisms. 2 a history of this. phylogenetic adj. phylogenic adj. phylumn. (pl. phyla) Biol. a taxonomic rank below kingdom comprising a class or classes and subordinate taxa. [mod.L f. Gk phulon race] physalisn. any plant of the genus Physalis, bearing fruit surrounded by lantern-like calyxes (see Chinese lantern 2). [Gk physallis bladder, with ref. to the inflated calyx] physicn. & v. esp. archaic. --n. 1 a medicine (a dose of physic). 2 the art of healing. 3 the medical profession. --v.tr. (physicked, physicking) dose with physic. physic garden a garden for cultivating medicinal herbs etc. [ME f. OF fisique medicine f. L physica f. Gk phusike (episteme) (knowledge) of nature] physicaladj. & n. --adj. 1 of or concerning the body (physical exercise; physical education). 2 of matter; material (both mental and physical force). 3 a of, or according to, the laws of nature (a physical impossibility). b belonging to physics (physical science). --n. (in full physical examination) a medical examination to determine physical fitness. physical chemistry the application of physics to the study of chemical behaviour. physical geography geography dealing with natural features. physical jerks colloq. physical exercises. physical science the sciences used in the study of inanimate natural objects, e.g. physics, chemistry, astronomy, etc. physical training exercises promoting bodily fitness and strength. physicality n. physically adv. physicalness n. [ME f. med.L physicalis f. L physica (as PHYSIC)] physiciann. 1 a a person legally qualified to practise medicine and surgery. b a specialist in medical diagnosis and treatment. c any medical practitioner. 2 a healer (work is the best physician). [ME f. OF fisicien (as PHYSIC)] physicistn. a person skilled or qualified in physics. physico-comb. form 1 physical (and). 2 of physics (and). [Gk phusikos (as PHYSIC)] physico-chemical adj. relating to physics and chemistry or to physical chemistry. physicsn. the science dealing with the properties and interactions of matter and energy. [pl. of physic physical (thing), after L physica, Gk phusika natural things f. phusis nature] physion. (pl. -os) colloq. a physiotherapist. [abbr.] physio-comb. form nature; what is natural. [Gk phusis nature] physiocracy n. (pl. -ies) hist. 1 government according to the natural order, esp. as advocated by some 18th-c. economists. 2 a society based on this. physiocrat n. physiocratic adj. [F physiocratie (as PHYSIO-, -CRACY)] physiognomy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the cast or form of a person's features, expression, body, etc. b the art of supposedly judging character from facial characteristics etc. 2 the external features of a landscape etc. 3 a characteristic, esp. moral, aspect. physiognomic adj. physiognomical adj. physiognomically adv. physiognomist n. [ME fisnomie etc. f. OF phisonomie f. med.L phisonomia f. Gk phusiognomonia judging of a man's nature (by his features) (as PHYSIO-, gnomon judge)] physiography n. the description of nature, of natural phenomena, or of a class of objects; physical geography. physiographer n. physiographic adj. physiographical adj. physiographically adv. [F physiographie (as PHYSIO-, -GRAPHY)] physiological adj. (also physiologic) of or concerning physiology. physiological salt solution a saline solution having a concentration about equal to that of body fluids. physiologically adv. physiology n. 1 the science of the functions of living organisms and their parts. 2 these functions. physiologist n. [F physiologie or L physiologia f. Gk phusiologia (as PHYSIO-, -LOGY)] physiotherapy n. the treatment of disease, injury, deformity, etc., by physical methods including manipulation, massage, infrared heat treatment, remedial exercise, etc., not by drugs. physiotherapist n. physiquen. the bodily structure, development, and organization of an individual (an undernourished physique). [F, orig. adj. (as PHYSIC)] -phytecomb. form forming nouns denoting a vegetable or plantlike organism (saprophyte; zoophyte). -phytic comb. form forming adjectives. [Gk phuton plant f. phuo come into being] phyto-comb. form denoting a plant. phytochemistry n. the chemistry of plant products. phytochemical adj. phytochemist n. phytochrome n. Biochem. a blue-green pigment found in many plants, and regulating various developmental processes according to the nature and timing of the light it absorbs. [PHYTO- + Gk khroma colour] phytogenesis n. (also phytogeny) the science of the origin or evolution of plants. phytogeography n. the geographical distribution of plants. phytopathology n. the study of plant diseases. phytophagous adj. feeding on plants. phytoplankton n. plankton consisting of plants. phytotomyn. the dissection of plants. phytotoxic adj. poisonous to plants. phytotoxin n. 1 any toxin derived from a plant. 2 a substance poisonous or injurious to plants, esp. one produced by a parasite. pin. 1 the sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. 2 (as &pi.) the symbol of the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter (approx. 3.14159). pi-meson = PION. [Gk: sense 2 f. Gk periphereia circumference] adj. Brit. sl. pious. pi jaw a long moralizing lecture or reprimand. [abbr.] US var. of PIE. piacularadj. formal 1 expiatory. 2 needing expiation. [L piacularis f. piaculum expiation f. piare appease] piaffev.intr. (of a horse etc.) move as in a trot, but slower. [F piaffer to strut] piaffern. the action of piaffing. pia matern. Anat. the delicate innermost membrane enveloping the brain and spinal cord (see MENINX). [med.L, = tender mother, transl. of Arab. al-' umm al-rakika: cf. DURA MATER] pianipl. of PIANO. pianismn. 1 the art or technique of piano-playing. 2 the skill or style of a composer of piano music. pianistic adj. pianistically adv. pianissimo adj., adv., & n. Mus. --adj. performed very softly. --adv. very softly. --n. (pl. -os or pianissimi) a passage to be performed very softly. [It., superl. of PIANO] pianistn. the player of a piano. [F pianiste (as PIANO)] pianon. (pl. -os) a large musical instrument played by pressing down keys on a keyboard and causing hammers to strike metal strings, the vibration from which is stopped by dampers when the keys are released. piano-accordion an accordion with the melody played on a small vertical keyboard like that of a piano. piano organ a mechanical piano constructed like a barrel-organ. piano-player 1 a pianist. 2 a contrivance for playing a piano automatically. [It., abbr. of PIANOFORTE] adj., adv., & n. --adj. 1 Mus. performed softly. 2 subdued. --adv. 1 Mus. softly. 2 in a subdued manner. --n. (pl. -os or piani) Mus. a piano passage . [It. f. L planus flat, (of sound) soft] pianoforte n. Mus. formal or archaic a piano. [It., earlier piano e forte soft and loud, expressing its gradation of tone] Pianolan. 1 propr. a kind of automatic piano; a player-piano. 2 (pianola) Bridge an easy hand needing no skill. 3 (pianola) an easy task. [app. dimin. of PIANO] piano nobile n. Archit. the main storey of a large house. [It., = noble floor] piassavan. 1 a stout fibre obtained from the leaf-stalks of various American and African palm-trees. 2 any of these trees. [Port. f. Tupi pia‡ ba] piastren. (US piaster) a small coin and monetary unit of several Middle Eastern countries. [F piastre f. It. piastra (d'argento) plate (of silver), formed as PLASTER] piazzan. 1 a public square or market-place esp. in an Italian town. 2 US the veranda of a house. [It., formed as PLACE] pibrochn. a series of esp. martial or funerary variations on a theme for the bagpipes. [Gael. piobaireachd art of piping f. piobair piper f. piob f. E PIPE] picn. colloq. a picture, esp. a cinema film. [abbr.] pican. Printing 1 a unit of type-size (1/6 inch). 2 a size of letters in typewriting (10 per inch). [AL pica 15th-c. book of rules about church feasts, perh. formed as PIE] n. Med. the eating of substances other than normal food. [mod.L or med.L, = magpie] picadorn. a mounted man with a lance who goads the bull in a bullfight. [Sp. f. picar prick] picaresque adj. (of a style of fiction) dealing with the episodic adventures of rogues etc. [F f. Sp. picaresco f. p¡caro rogue] picaroonn. 1 a a rogue. b a thief. 2 a a pirate. b a pirate ship. [Sp. picar¢n (as PICARESQUE)] picayunen. & adj. US --n. 1 colloq. a small coin of little value, esp. a 5-cent piece. 2 an insignificant person or thing. --adj. mean; contemptible; petty. [F picaillon Piedmontese coin, cash, f. Prov. picaioun, of unkn. orig.] piccalilli n. (pl. piccalillis) a pickle of chopped vegetables, mustard, and hot spices. [18th c.: perh. f. PICKLE + CHILLI] piccaninny n. & adj. (US pickaninny) --n. (pl. -ies) often offens. a small Black or Australian Aboriginal child. --adj. archaic very small. [W.Ind. Negro f. Sp. peque¤o or Port. pequeno little] piccolon. (pl. -os) 1 a small flute sounding an octave higher than the ordinary one. 2 its player. [It., = small (flute)] pichiciago n. (pl. -os) a small S. American armadillo, Chlamyphorus truncatus. [Sp. pichiciego perh. f. Guarani pichey armadillo + Sp. ciego blind f. L caecus] pickv. & n. --v.tr. 1 (also absol.) choose carefully from a number of alternatives (picked the pink one; picked a team; picked the right moment to intervene). 2 detach or pluck (a flower, fruit, etc.) from a stem, tree, etc. 3 a probe (the teeth, nose, ears, a pimple, etc.) with the finger, an instrument, etc. to remove unwanted matter. b clear (a bone, carcass, etc.) of scraps of meat etc. 4 (also absol.) (of a person) eat (food, a meal, etc.) in small bits; nibble without appetite. 5 (also absol.) esp. US pluck the strings of (a banjo etc.). 6 remove stalks etc. from (esp. soft fruit) before cooking. 7 a select (a route or path) carefully over difficult terrain by foot. b place (one's steps etc.) carefully. 8 pull apart (pick oakum). 9 (of a bird) take up (grains etc.) in the beak. --n. 1 the act or an instance of picking. 2 a a selection or choice. b the right to select (had first pick of the prizes). 3 (usu. foll. by of) the best (the pick of the bunch). pick and choose select carefully or fastidiously. pick at 1 eat (food) without interest; nibble. 2 = pick on 1 (see PICK). pick a person's brains extract ideas, information, etc., from a person for one's own use. pick holes (or a hole) in 1 make holes in (material etc.) by plucking, poking, etc. 2 find fault with (an idea etc.). pick a lock open a lock with an instrument other than the proper key, esp. with intent to steal. pick-me-up 1 a tonic for the nerves etc. 2 a good experience, good news, etc. that cheers. pick off 1 pluck (leaves etc.) off. 2 shoot (people etc.) one by one without haste. 3 eliminate (opposition etc.) singly. pick on 1 find fault with; nag at. 2 select. pick out 1 take from a larger number (picked him out from the others). 2 distinguish from surrounding objects or at a distance (can just pick out the church spire). 3 play (a tune) by ear on the piano etc. 4 (often foll. by in, with) a highlight (a painting etc.) with touches of another colour. b accentuate (decoration, a painting, etc.) with a contrasting colour (picked out the handles in red). 5 make out (the meaning of a passage etc.). pick over select the best from. pick a person's pockets steal the contents of a person's pockets. pick a quarrel start an argument or a fight deliberately. pick to pieces = take to pieces (see PIECE). pick up 1 grasp and raise (from the ground etc.) (picked up his hat). 2 gain or acquire by chance or without effort (picked up a cold). 3 a fetch (a person, animal, or thing) left in another person's charge. b stop for and take along with one, esp. in a vehicle (pick me up on the corner). 4 make the acquaintance of (a person) casually, esp. as a sexual overture. 5 (of one's health, the weather, share prices, etc.) recover, prosper, improve. 6 (of a motor engine etc.) recover speed; accelerate. 7 (of the police etc.) take into charge; arrest. 8 detect by scrutiny or with a telescope, searchlight, radio, etc. (picked up most of the mistakes; picked up a distress signal). 9 (often foll. by with) form or renew a friendship. 10 accept the responsibility of paying (a bill etc.). 11 (refl.) raise (oneself etc.) after a fall etc. 12 raise (the feet etc.) clear of the ground. 13 Golf pick up one's ball, esp. when conceding a hole. pick-up 1 sl. a person met casually, esp. for sexual purposes. 2 a small open motor truck. 3 a the part of a record-player carrying the stylus. b a detector of vibrations etc. 4 a the act of picking up. b something picked up. pick-your-own (usu. attrib.) (of commercially grown fruit and vegetables) dug or picked by the customer at the place of production. take one's pick make a choice. pickable adj. [ME, earlier pike, of unkn. orig.] n. & v. --n. 1 a long-handled tool having a usu. curved iron bar pointed at one or both ends, used for breaking up hard ground, masonry, etc. 2 colloq. a plectrum. 3 any instrument for picking, such as a toothpick. --v.tr. 1 break the surface of (the ground etc.) with or as if with a pick. 2 make (holes etc.) in this way. [ME, app. var. of PIKE] pickabackvar. of PIGGYBACK. pickaninny US var. of PICCANINNY. pickaxen. & v. (US pickax) --n. = PICK n. 1. --v. 1 tr. break (the ground etc.) with a pickaxe. 2 intr. work with a pickaxe. [ME pikois f. OF picois, rel. to PIKE: assim. to AXE] pickelhaube n. hist. a German soldier's spiked helmet. [G] pickern. 1 a person or thing that picks. 2 (often in comb.) a person who gathers or collects (hop-picker; rag-picker). pickereln. (pl. same or pickerels) a young pike. [ME, dimin. of PIKE] picketn. & v. --n. 1 a person or group of people outside a place of work, intending to persuade esp. workers not to enter during a strike etc. 2 a pointed stake or peg driven into the ground to form a fence or palisade, to tether a horse, etc. 3 (also picquet, piquet) Mil. a a small body of troops sent out to watch for the enemy, held in readiness, etc. b a party of sentries. c an outpost. d a camp-guard on police duty in a garrison town etc. --v. (picketed, picketing) 1 a tr. & intr. station or act as a picket. b tr. beset or guard (a factory, workers, etc.) with a picket or pickets. 2 tr. secure (a place) with stakes. 3 tr. tether (an animal). picket line a boundary established by workers on strike, esp. at the entrance to the place of work, which others are asked not to cross. picketer n. [F piquet pointed stake f. piquer prick, f. pic PICK] pickingsn.pl. 1 perquisites; pilferings (rich pickings). 2 remaining scraps; gleanings. picklen. & v. --n. 1 a (often in pl.) food, esp. vegetables, preserved in brine, vinegar, mustard, etc. and used as a relish. b the brine, vinegar, etc. in which food is preserved. 2 colloq. a plight (a fine pickle we are in!). 3 Brit. colloq. a mischievous child. 4 an acid solution for cleaning metal etc. --v.tr. 1 preserve in pickle. 2 treat with pickle. 3 (as pickled adj.) sl. drunk. [ME pekille, pykyl, f. MDu., MLG pekel, of unkn. orig.] picklern. 1 a person who pickles vegetables etc. 2 a vegetable suitable for pickling. picklockn. 1 a person who picks locks. 2 an instrument for this. pickpocket n. a person who steals from the pockets of others. Pickwickian adj. 1 of or like Mr Pickwick in Dickens's Pickwick Papers, esp. in being jovial, plump, etc. 2 (of words or their sense) misunderstood or misused, esp. to avoid offence. pickyadj. (pickier, pickiest) colloq. excessively fastidious; choosy. pickiness n. picnicn. & v. --n. 1 an outing or excursion including a packed meal eaten out of doors. 2 any meal eaten out of doors or without preparation, tables, chairs, etc. 3 (usu. with neg.) colloq. something agreeable or easily accomplished etc. (it was no picnic organizing the meeting). --v.intr. (picnicked, picnicking) take part in a picnic. picnicker n. picnicky adj. colloq. [F pique-nique, of unkn. orig.] pico-comb. form denoting a factor of 10(-12) (picometre). [Sp. pico beak, peak, little bit] picotn. a small loop of twisted thread in a lace edging etc. [F, dimin. of pic peak, point] picoteen. a type of carnation of which the flowers have a light ground and dark-edged petals. [F picot‚ -‚e past part. of picoter prick (as PICOT)] picquetvar. of PICKET 3. picric acid n. a very bitter yellow compound used in dyeing and surgery and in explosives. picrate n. [Gk pikros bitter] Pictn. a member of an ancient people of N. Britain. Pictish adj. [ME f. LL Picti perh. f. pingere pict- paint, tattoo] pictograph n. (also pictogram) 1 a a pictorial symbol for a word or phrase. b an ancient record consisting of these. 2 a pictorial representation of statistics etc. on a chart, graph, etc. pictographic adj. pictography n. [L pingere pict- paint] pictorialadj. & n. --adj. 1 of or expressed in a picture or pictures. 2 illustrated. 3 picturesque. --n. a journal, postage stamp, etc., with a picture or pictures as the main feature. pictorially adv. [LL pictorius f. L pictor painter (as PICTURE)] picturen. & v. --n. 1 a (often attrib.) a painting, drawing, photograph, etc., esp. as a work of art (picture frame). b a portrait, esp. a photograph, of a person (does not like to have her picture taken). c a beautiful object (her hat is a picture). 2 a a total visual or mental impression produced; a scene (the picture looks bleak). b a written or spoken description (drew a vivid picture of moral decay). 3 a a film. b (in pl.) Brit. a showing of films at a cinema (went to the pictures). c (in pl.) films in general. 4 an image on a television screen. 5 colloq. a esp. iron. a person or thing exemplifying something (he was the picture of innocence). b a person or thing resembling another closely (the picture of her aunt). --v.tr. 1 represent in a picture. 2 (also refl.; often foll. by to) imagine, esp. visually or vividly (pictured it to herself). 3 describe graphically. get the picture colloq. grasp the tendency or drift of circumstances, information, etc. in the picture fully informed or noticed. out of the picture uninvolved, inactive; irrelevant. picture-book a book containing many illustrations. picture-card a court-card. picture-gallery a place containing an exhibition or collection of pictures. picture-goer a person who frequents the cinema. picture hat a woman's wide-brimmed highly decorated hat as in pictures by Reynolds and Gainsborough. picture-moulding 1 woodwork etc. used for framing pictures. 2 a rail on a wall used for hanging pictures from. picture-palace (or -theatre) Brit. archaic a cinema. picture postcard a postcard with a picture on one side. picture window a very large window consisting of one pane of glass. picture-writing a mode of recording events etc. by pictorial symbols as in early hieroglyphics etc. [ME f. L pictura f. pingere pict- paint] picturesque adj. 1 (of landscape etc.) beautiful or striking, as in a picture. 2 (of language etc.) strikingly graphic; vivid. picturesquely adv. picturesqueness n. [F pittoresque f. It. pittoresco f. pittore painter f. L (as PICTORIAL): assim. to PICTURE] piddlev. & n. --v.intr. 1 colloq. urinate (used esp. to or by children). 2 work or act in a trifling way. 3 (as piddling adj.) colloq. trivial; trifling. --n. colloq. 1 urination. 2 urine (used esp. to or by children). piddler n. [sense 1 prob. f. PISS + PUDDLE: sense 2 perh. f. PEDDLE] piddockn. any rock-boring bivalve mollusc of the family Pholadidae, used for bait. [18th c.: orig. unkn.] pidginn. a simplified language containing vocabulary from two or more languages, used for communication between people not having a common language. pidgin English a pidgin in which the chief language is English, used orig. between Chinese and Europeans. [corrupt. of business] pi-dogvar. of PYE-DOG. pien. 1 a baked dish of meat, fish, fruit, etc., usu. with a top and base of pastry. 2 anything resembling a pie in form (a mud pie). easy as pie very easy. pie chart a circle divided into sectors to represent relative quantities. pie-eater Austral. sl. a person of little account. pie-eyed sl. drunk. pie in the sky an unrealistic prospect of future happiness after present suffering; a misleading promise. [ME, perh. = PIE f. miscellaneous contents compared to objects collected by a magpie] n. archaic 1 a magpie. 2 a pied animal. [ME f. OF f. L pica] n. & v. (US pi) --n. 1 a confused mass of printers' type. 2 chaos. --v.tr. (pieing) muddle up (type). [perh. transl. F P&AC.T&EA. = PIE] n. hist. a former monetary unit of India equal to one-twelfth of an anna. [Hind. etc. pa' i f. Skr. pad, padi quarter] piebaldadj. & n. --adj. 1 (usu. of an animal, esp. a horse) having irregular patches of two colours, esp. black and white. 2 motley; mongrel. --n. a piebald animal, esp. a horse. piecen. & v. --n. 1 a (often foll. by of) one of the distinct portions forming part of or broken off from a larger object; a bit; a part (a piece of string). b each of the parts of which a set or category is composed (a five-piece band; a piece of furniture). 2 a coin of specified value (50p piece). 3 a a usu. short literary or musical composition or a picture. b a theatrical play. 4 an item, instance, or example (a piece of impudence; a piece of news). 5 a any of the objects used to make moves in board-games. b a chessman (strictly, other than a pawn). 6 a definite quantity in which a thing is sold. 7 (often foll. by of) an enclosed portion (of land etc.). 8 derog. sl. a woman. 9 US (foll. by of) sl. a financial share or investment in (has a piece of the new production). --v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by together) form into a whole; put together; join (finally pieced his story together). 2 (usu. foll. by out) a eke out. b form (a theory etc.) by combining parts etc. 3 (usu. foll. by up) patch. 4 join (threads) in spinning. break to pieces break into fragments. by the piece (paid) according to the quantity of work done. go to pieces collapse emotionally; suffer a breakdown. in one piece 1 unbroken. 2 unharmed. in pieces broken. of a piece (often foll. by with) uniform, consistent, in keeping. piece-goods fabrics, esp. Lancashire cottons, woven in standard lengths. a piece of cake see CAKE. piece of eight hist. a Spanish dollar, equivalent to 8 reals. piece of goods sl. derog. a woman. a piece of one's mind a sharp rebuke or lecture. piece of water a small lake etc. piece of work a thing made by working (cf. nasty piece of work). piece-rates a rate paid according to the amount produced. piece-work work paid for by the amount produced. say one's piece give one's opinion or make a prepared statement. take to pieces 1 break up or dismantle. 2 criticize harshly. piecer n. (in sense 4 of v.). [ME f. AF pece, OF piece f. Rmc, prob. of Gaulish orig.: cf. PEAT] piŠce de r‚sistance n. (pl. piŠces de r‚sistance pronunc. same) 1 the most important or remarkable item. 2 the most substantial dish at a meal. [F] piecemealadv. & adj. --adv. piece by piece; gradually. --adj. partial; gradual; unsystematic. [ME f. PIECE + - meal f. OE m‘lum (instr. dative pl. of m‘l MEAL)] piecrustn. the baked pastry crust of a pie. piecrust table a table with an indented edge like a piecrust. piedadj. particoloured. Pied Piper a person enticing followers esp. to their doom. [ME f. PIE, orig. of friars] pied-…-terre n. (pl. pieds-…-terre pronunc. same) a usu. small flat, house, etc. kept for occasional use. [F, lit. 'foot to earth'] piedmontn. a gentle slope leading from the foot of mountains to a region of flat land. [It. piemonte mountain foot, name of a region at the foot of the Alps] pie-dogvar. of PYE-DOG. piemann. (pl. -men) a pie seller. piern. 1 a a structure of iron or wood raised on piles and leading out to sea, a lake, etc., used as a promenade and landing-stage, and often with entertainment arcades etc. b a breakwater; a mole. 2 a a support of an arch or of the span of a bridge; a pillar. b solid masonry between windows etc. pier-glass a large mirror, used orig. to fill wall-space between windows. [ME per f. AL pera, of unkn. orig.] piercev. 1 tr. a (of a sharp instrument etc.) penetrate the surface of. b (often foll. by with) prick with a sharp instrument, esp. to make a hole in. c make (a hole etc.) (pierced a hole in the belt). d (of cold, grief, etc.) affect keenly or sharply. e (of a light, glance, sound, etc.) penetrate keenly or sharply. 2 (as piercing adj.) (of a glance, intuition, high noise, bright light, etc.) keen, sharp, or unpleasantly penetrating. 3 tr. force (a way etc.) through or into (something) (pierced their way through the jungle). 4 intr. (usu. foll. by through, into) penetrate. piercer n. piercingly adv. [ME f. OF percer f. L pertundere bore through (as PER-, tundere tus- thrust)] pierrotn. (fem. pierrette) Theatr. 1 a white-faced entertainer in pier shows etc. with a loose white clown's costume. 2 a French pantomime character so dressed. [F, dimin. of Pierre Peter] piet…n. a picture or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ on her lap or in her arms. [It. f. L (as PIETY)] pietasn. respect due to an ancestor, a forerunner, etc. [L: see PIETY] pietismn. 1 a pious sentiment. b an exaggerated or affected piety. 2 (esp. as Pietism) hist. a movement for the revival of piety in the Lutheran Church in the 17th c. pietist n. pietistic adj. pietistical adj. [G Pietismus (as PIETY)] pietyn. (pl. -ies) 1 the quality of being pious. 2 a pious act. [ME f. OF piet‚ f. L pietas -tatis dutifulness (as PIOUS)] piezoelectricity n. electric polarization in a substance resulting from the application of mechanical stress, esp. in certain crystals. piezoelectric adj. piezoelectrically adv. [Gk piezo press + ELECTRIC] piezometer n. an instrument for measuring the magnitude or direction of pressure. pifflen. & v. colloq. --n. nonsense; empty speech. --v.intr. talk or act feebly; trifle. piffler n. [imit.] pifflingadj. colloq. trivial; worthless. pign. & v. --n. 1 a any omnivorous hoofed bristly mammal of the family Suidae, esp. a domesticated kind, Sus scrofa. b US a young pig; a piglet. c (often in comb.) any similar animal (guinea-pig). 2 the flesh of esp. a young or sucking pig as food (roast pig). 3 colloq. a a greedy, dirty, obstinate, sulky, or annoying person. b an unpleasant, awkward, or difficult thing, task, etc. 4 an oblong mass of metal (esp. iron or lead) from a smelting-furnace. 5 sl. derog. a policeman. --v. (pigged, pigging) 1 tr. (also absol.) (of a sow) bring forth (piglets). 2 tr. colloq. eat (food) greedily. 3 intr. herd together or behave like pigs. bleed like a pig (or stuck pig) bleed copiously. buy a pig in a poke buy, accept, etc. something without knowing its value or esp. seeing it. in pig (of a sow) pregnant. in a pig's eye colloq. certainly not. make a pig of oneself overeat. make a pig's ear of colloq. make a mess of; bungle. pig in the middle a person who is placed in an awkward situation between two others (after a ball game for three with one in the middle). pig-iron crude iron from a smelting-furnace. Pig Island Austral. & NZ sl. New Zealand. pig it live in a disorderly, untidy, or filthy fashion. pig-jump Austral. sl. n. a jump made by a horse from all four legs. --v.intr. (of a horse) jump in this manner. pig Latin a made-up jargon. pig-meat Brit. pork, ham, or bacon. pig out (often foll. by on) esp. US sl. eat gluttonously. pigs might fly iron. an expression of disbelief. pig-sticker a long sharp knife. pig's wash = PIGSWILL. piggish adj. piggishly adv. piggishness n. piglet n. piglike adj. pigling n. [ME pigge f. OE pigga (unrecorded)] pigeonn. 1 any of several large usu. grey and white birds of the family Columbidae, esp. Columba livia, often domesticated and bred and trained to carry messages etc.; a dove (cf. rock-pigeon). 2 a person easily swindled; a simpleton. pigeon-breast (or -chest) a deformed human chest with a projecting breastbone. pigeon-breasted (or -chested) having a pigeon-breast. pigeon-fancier a person who keeps and breeds fancy pigeons. pigeon-fancying this pursuit. pigeon-hawk = MERLIN. pigeon-hearted cowardly. pigeon-hole n. 1 each of a set of compartments in a cabinet or on a wall for papers, letters, etc. 2 a small recess for a pigeon to nest in. --v.tr. 1 deposit (a document) in a pigeon-hole. 2 put (a matter) aside for future consideration or to forget it. 3 assign (a person or thing) to a preconceived category. pigeon pair Brit. 1 boy and girl twins. 2 a boy and girl as sole children. pigeon's milk 1 a secretion from the oesophagus with which pigeons feed their young. 2 an imaginary article for which children are sent on a fool's errand. pigeon-toed (of a person) having the toes turned inwards. pigeonry n. (pl. -ies). [ME f. OF pijon f. LL pipio -onis (imit.)] n. 1 = PIDGIN. 2 colloq. a particular concern, job, or business (that's not my pigeon). piggeryn. (pl. -ies) 1 a pig-breeding farm etc. 2 = PIGSTY. 3 piggishness. piggyn. & adj. --n. (also piggie) colloq. 1 a little pig. 2 a a child's word for a pig. b a child's word for a toe. 3 Brit. the game of tipcat. --adj. (piggier, piggiest) 1 like a pig. 2 (of features etc.) like those of a pig (little piggy eyes). piggy bank a pig-shaped money box. piggy in the middle = pig in the middle. piggybackn. & adv. (also pickaback) --n. a ride on the back and shoulders of another person. --adv. 1 on the back and shoulders of another person. 2 on the back or top of a larger object. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] pigheadedadj. obstinate. pigheadedly adv. pigheadedness n. pigmentn. & v. --n. 1 colouring-matter used as paint or dye, usu. as an insoluble suspension. 2 the natural colouring-matter of animal or plant tissue, e.g. chlorophyll, haemoglobin. --v.tr. colour with or as if with pigment. pigmental adj. pigmentary adj. [ME f. L pigmentum f. pingere paint] pigmentation n. 1 the natural colouring of plants, animals, etc. 2 the excessive colouring of tissue by the deposition of pigment. pigmyvar. of PYGMY. pignutn. = earth-nut. pigpenn. US = PIGSTY. pigskinn. 1 the hide of a pig. 2 leather made from this. 3 US a football. pigsticking n. 1 the hunting of wild boar with a spear on horseback. 2 the butchering of pigs. pigstyn. (pl. -ies) 1 a pen or enclosure for a pig or pigs. 2 a filthy house, room, etc. pigswilln. kitchen refuse and scraps fed to pigs. pigtailn. 1 a plait of hair hanging from the back of the head, or either of a pair at the sides. 2 a thin twist of tobacco. pigtailed adj. pigwashn. = PIGSWILL. pigweedn. any herb of the genus Amaranthus, grown for grain or fodder. pikan. any small rabbit-like mammal of the genus Ochotona, with small ears and no tail. [Tungus piika] piken. (pl. same) 1 a large voracious freshwater fish, Esox lucius, with a long narrow snout and sharp teeth. 2 any other fish of the family Esocidae. pike-perch any of various pikelike perches of the genus Lucioperca or Stizostedion. [ME, = PIKE (because of its pointed jaw)] n. & v. --n. 1 hist. an infantry weapon with a pointed steel or iron head on a long wooden shaft. 2 N.Engl. the peaked top of a hill, esp. in names of hills in the Lake District. --v.tr. thrust through or kill with a pike. pike on colloq. withdraw timidly from. [OE pic point, prick: sense 2 perh. f. ON] n. 1 a toll-gate; a toll. 2 a turnpike road. [abbr. of TURNPIKE] n. a jackknife position in diving or gymnastics. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] pikeletn. N.Engl. a thin kind of crumpet. [Welsh (bara) pyglyd pitchy (bread)] pikemann. (pl. -men) the keeper of a turnpike. pikern. a cautious, timid, or mean person. pikestaffn. 1 the wooden shaft of a pike. 2 a walking-stick with a metal point. plain as a pikestaff quite plain or obvious (orig. packstaff, a smooth staff used by a pedlar). pilastern. a rectangular column, esp. one projecting from a wall. pilastered adj. [F pilastre f. It. pilastro f. med.L pilastrum f. L pila pillar] pilaun. (also pilaff, pilaw) a Middle Eastern or Indian dish of spiced rice or wheat with meat, fish, vegetables, etc. [Turk. pilƒv] pilchn. archaic a baby's usu. waterproof garment worn over a nappy. [OE pyl(e)ce f. LL pellicia: see PELISSE] pilchardn. a small marine fish, Sardinia pilchardus of the herring family (see SARDINE). [16th-c. pilcher etc.: orig. unkn.] pilen. & v. --n. 1 a heap of things laid or gathered upon one another (a pile of leaves). 2 a a large imposing building (a stately pile). b a large group of tall buildings. 3 colloq. a a large quantity. b a large amount of money; a fortune (made his pile). 4 a a series of plates of dissimilar metals laid one on another alternately to produce an electric current. b = atomic pile. 5 a funeral pyre. --v. 1 tr. a (often foll. by up, on) heap up (piled the plates on the table). b (foll. by with) load (piled the bed with coats). 2 intr. (usu. foll. by in, into, on, out of, etc.) crowd hurriedly or tightly (all piled into the car; piled out of the restaurant). pile arms hist. place (usu. four) rifles with their butts on the ground and the muzzles together. pile it on colloq. exaggerate. pile on the agony colloq. exaggerate for effect or to gain sympathy etc. pile up 1 accumulate; heap up. 2 colloq. run (a ship) aground or cause (a vehicle etc.) to crash. pile-up n. colloq. a multiple crash of road vehicles. [ME f. OF f. L pila pillar, pier, mole] n. & v. --n. 1 a heavy beam driven vertically into the bed of a river, soft ground, etc., to support the foundations of a superstructure. 2 a pointed stake or post. 3 Heraldry a wedge-shaped device. --v.tr. 1 provide with piles. 2 drive (piles) into the ground etc. pile-driver a machine for driving piles into the ground. pile-dwelling a dwelling built on piles, esp. in a lake. [OE pil f. L pilum javelin] n. 1 the soft projecting surface on velvet, plush, etc., or esp. on a carpet; nap. 2 soft hair or down, or the wool of a sheep. [ME prob. f. AF pyle, peile, OF poil f. L pilus hair] pilesn.pl. colloq. haemorrhoids. [ME prob. f. L pila ball, f. the globular form of external piles] pileusn. (pl. pilei) the caplike part of a mushroom or other fungus. pileate adj. pileated adj. [L, = felt cap] pilewortn. the lesser celandine. [PILES, f. its reputed efficacy against piles] pilferv.tr. (also absol.) steal (objects) esp. in small quantities. pilferage n. pilferer n. [ME f. AF & OF pelfrer pillage, of unkn. orig.: assoc. with archaic pill plunder: PELF] pilgrimn. & v. --n. 1 a person who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons. 2 a person regarded as journeying through life etc. 3 a traveller. --v.intr. (pilgrimed, pilgriming) wander like a pilgrim. Pilgrim Fathers English Puritans who founded the colony of Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. pilgrimize v.intr. (also -ise). [ME pilegrim f. Prov. pelegrin f. L peregrinus stranger: see PEREGRINE] pilgrimage n. & v. --n. 1 a pilgrim's journey (go on a pilgrimage). 2 life viewed as a journey. 3 any journey taken for nostalgic or sentimental reasons. --v.intr. go on a pilgrimage. [ME f. Prov. pilgrinatge (as PILGRIM)] Pilipinon. the national language of the Philippines. [Tagalog f. Sp. Filipino] pilln. 1 a solid medicine formed into a ball or a flat disc for swallowing whole. b (usu. prec. by the) colloq. a contraceptive pill. 2 an unpleasant or painful necessity; a humiliation (a bitter pill; must swallow the pill). 3 colloq. or joc. a ball, e.g. a football, a cannon-ball. sugar (or sweeten) the pill make an unpleasant necessity acceptable. [MDu., MLG pille prob. f. L pilula dimin. of pila ball] pillagev. & n. --v.tr. (also absol.) plunder; sack (a place or a person). --n. the act or an instance of pillaging, esp. in war. pillager n. [ME f. OF f. piller plunder] pillarn. 1 a a usu. slender vertical structure of wood, metal, or esp. stone used as a support for a roof etc. b a similar structure used for ornament. c a post supporting a structure. 2 a person regarded as a mainstay or support (a pillar of the faith; a pillar of strength). 3 an upright mass of air, water, rock, etc. (pillar of salt). 4 a solid mass of coal etc. left to support the roof of a mine. from pillar to post (driven etc.) from one place to another; to and fro. pillar-box Brit. a public postbox shaped like a pillar. pillar-box red a bright red colour, as of pillar-boxes. Pillars of Hercules 1 two rocks on either side of the Strait of Gibraltar. 2 the ultimate limit. pillared adj. pillaret n. [ME & AF piler, OF pilier ult. f. L pila pillar] pillboxn. 1 a small shallow cylindrical box for holding pills. 2 a hat of a similar shape. 3 Mil. a small partly underground enclosed concrete fort used as an outpost. pillionn. 1 seating for a passenger behind a motor cyclist. 2 hist. a a woman's light saddle. b a cushion attached to the back of a saddle for a usu. female passenger. ride pillion travel seated behind a motor cyclist etc. [Gael. pillean, pillin dimin. of pell cushion f. L pellis skin] pilliwinks n. hist. an instrument of torture used for squeezing the fingers. [ME pyrwykes, pyrewinkes, of unkn. orig.] pillockn. Brit. sl. a stupid person; a fool. [16th c., = penis (var. of pillicock): 20th c. in sense defined] pilloryn. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) hist. a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, enabling the public to assault or ridicule a person so imprisoned. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 expose (a person) to ridicule or public contempt. 2 hist. put in the pillory. [ME f. AL pillorium f. OF pilori etc.: prob. f. Prov. espilori of uncert. orig.] pillown. & v. --n. 1 a a usu. oblong support for the head, esp. in bed, with a cloth cover stuffed with feathers, flock, foam rubber, etc. b any pillow-shaped block or support. 2 = lace-pillow. --v.tr. 1 rest (the head etc.) on or as if on a pillow (pillowed his head on his arms). 2 serve as a pillow for (moss pillowed her head). pillow-fight a mock fight with pillows, esp. by children. pillow-lace lace made on a lace-pillow. pillow lava lava forming rounded masses. pillow talk romantic or intimate conversation in bed. pillowy adj. [OE pyle, pylu, ult. f. L pulvinus cushion] pillowcase n. a washable cotton etc. cover for a pillow. pillowslip n. = PILLOWCASE. pillulevar. of PILULE. pillwortn. an aquatic fern, Pilularia globulifera, with small globular spore-producing bracts. piloseadj. (also pilous) covered with hair. pilosity n. [L pilosus f. pilus hair] pilotn. & v. --n. 1 a person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft. 2 a person qualified to take charge of a ship entering or leaving harbour. 3 (usu. attrib.) an experimental undertaking or test, esp. in advance of a larger one (a pilot project). 4 a guide; a leader. 5 archaic a steersman. --v.tr. (piloted, piloting) 1 act as a pilot on (a ship) or of (an aircraft). 2 conduct, lead, or initiate as a pilot (piloted the new scheme). pilot balloon a small balloon used to track air currents etc. pilot-bird a rare dark-brown Australian babbler, Pycnoptilus floccosus, with a distinctive loud cry. pilot chute a small parachute used to bring the main one into operation. pilot-cloth thick blue woollen cloth for seamen's coats etc. pilot-fish a small fish, Naucrates ductor, said to act as a pilot leading a shark to food. pilot-house = wheel-house. pilot-jacket = PEA-JACKET. pilot-light 1 a small gas burner kept alight to light another. 2 an electric indicator light or control light. pilot officer Brit. the lowest commissioned rank in the RAF. pilotage n. pilotless adj. [F pilote f. med.L pilotus, pedot(t)a f. Gk pedon oar] Pilsnern. (also Pilsener) a lager beer brewed or like that brewed at Pilsen (Plzen) in Czechoslovakia. pilulen. (also pillule) a small pill. pilular adj. pilulous adj. [F f. L pilula: see PILL] pimenton. (pl. -os) 1 a small tropical tree, Pimenta dioica, native to Jamaica. 2 the unripe dried berries of this, usu. crushed for culinary use. Also called ALLSPICE. 3 = PIMIENTO. [Sp. pimiento (as PIMIENTO)] pimienton. (pl. -os) = sweet pepper (see PEPPER). [Sp. f. L pigmentum PIGMENT, in med.L = spice] pimpn. & v. --n. a man who lives off the earnings of a prostitute or a brothel; a pander; a ponce. --v.intr. act as a pimp. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] pimperneln. any plant of the genus Anagallis, esp. = scarlet pimpernel. [ME f. OF pimpernelle, piprenelle ult. f. L piper PEPPER] pimpingadj. 1 small or mean. 2 sickly. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] pimplen. 1 a small hard inflamed spot on the skin. 2 anything resembling a pimple, esp. in relative size. pimpled adj. pimply adj. [ME nasalized f. OE piplian break out in pustules] PINn. personal identification number (as issued by a bank etc. to validate electronic transactions). [abbr.] pinn. & v. --n. 1 a a small thin pointed piece of esp. steel wire with a round or flattened head used (esp. in sewing) for holding things in place, attaching one thing to another, etc. b any of several types of pin (drawing-pin; safety pin; hairpin). c a small brooch (diamond pin). d a badge fastened with a pin. 2 a peg of wood or metal for various purposes, e.g. a wooden skittle in bowling. 3 something of small value (don't care a pin; for two pins I'd resign). 4 (in pl.) colloq. legs (quick on his pins). 5 Med. a steel rod used to join the ends of fractured bones while they heal. 6 Chess a position in which a piece is pinned to another. 7 Golf a stick with a flag placed in a hole to mark its position. 8 Mus. a peg round which one string of a musical instrument is fastened. 9 a half-firkin cask for beer. --v.tr. (pinned, pinning) 1 a (often foll. by to, up, together) fasten with a pin or pins (pinned up the hem; pinned the papers together). b transfix with a pin, lance, etc. 2 (usu. foll. by on) fix (blame, responsibility, etc.) on a person etc. (pinned the blame on his friend). 3 (often foll. by against, on, etc.) seize and hold fast. 4 Chess prevent (an opposing piece) from moving except by exposing a more valuable piece to capture. on pins and needles in an agitated state of suspense. pin down 1 (often foll. by to) bind (a person etc.) to a promise, arrangement, etc. 2 force (a person) to declare his or her intentions. 3 restrict the actions or movement of (an enemy etc.). 4 specify (a thing) precisely (could not pin down his unease to a particular cause). 5 hold (a person etc.) down by force. pin one's faith (or hopes etc.) on rely implicitly on. pin-feather Zool. an ungrown feather. pin-high Golf (of a ball) at the same distance ahead as the pin. pin-money 1 hist. an allowance to a woman for dress etc. from her husband. 2 a very small sum of money, esp. for spending on inessentials (only works for pin-money). pins and needles a tingling sensation in a limb recovering from numbness. pin-table a table used in playing pinball. pin-tuck a very narrow ornamental tuck. pin-up 1 a photograph of a popular or sexually attractive person, designed to be hung on the wall. 2 a person shown in such a photograph. pin-wheel a small Catherine wheel. split pin a metal cotter pin passed through a hole and held in place by its gaping split end. [OE pinn f. L pinna point etc., assoc. with penna PEN] pina colada n. a drink made from pineapple juice, rum, and coconut. [Sp., lit. 'strained pineapple'] pinaforen. esp. Brit. 1 a an apron, esp. with a bib. b a woman's sleeveless wraparound washable covering for the clothes, tied at the back. 2 (in full pinafore dress) a collarless sleeveless dress worn over a blouse or jumper. [PIN + AFORE (because orig. pinned on the front of a dress)] pinastern. = cluster pine. [L, = wild pine f. pinus pine + -ASTER] pinballn. a game in which small metal balls are shot across a board and score points by striking pins with lights etc. pince-nezn. (pl. same) a pair of eyeglasses with a nose-clip instead of earpieces. [F, lit. = pinch-nose] pincersn.pl. 1 (also pair of pincers) a gripping-tool resembling scissors but with blunt usu. concave jaws to hold a nail etc. for extraction. 2 the front claws of lobsters and some other crustaceans. pincer movement Mil. a movement by two wings of an army converging on the enemy. [ME pinsers, pinsours f. AF f. OF pincier PINCH] pincetten. small pincers; tweezers. [F] pinchv. & n. --v. 1 tr. a grip (esp. the skin of part of the body or of another person) tightly, esp. between finger and thumb (pinched my finger in the door; stop pinching me). b (often absol.) (of a shoe, garment, etc.) constrict (the flesh) painfully. 2 tr. (of cold, hunger, etc.) grip (a person) painfully (she was pinched with cold). 3 tr. sl. a steal; take without permission. b arrest (a person) (pinched him for loitering). 4 (as pinched adj.) (of the features) drawn, as with cold, hunger, worry, etc. 5 a tr. (usu. foll. by in, of, for, etc.) stint (a person). b intr. be niggardly with money, food, etc. 6 tr. (usu. foll. by out, back, down) Hort. remove (leaves, buds, etc.) to encourage bushy growth. 7 intr. sail very close to the wind. --n. 1 the act or an instance of pinching etc. the flesh. 2 an amount that can be taken up with fingers and thumb (a pinch of snuff). 3 the stress or pain caused by poverty, cold, hunger, etc. 4 sl. a an arrest. b a theft. at (or in) a pinch in an emergency; if necessary. feel the pinch experience the effects of poverty. pinch-hitter US 1 a baseball player who bats instead of another in an emergency. 2 a person acting as a substitute. [ME f. AF & ONF pinchier (unrecorded), OF pincier, ult. f. L pungere punct- prick] pinchbeckn. & adj. --n. an alloy of copper and zinc resembling gold and used in cheap jewellery etc. --adj. 1 counterfeit; sham. 2 cheap; tawdry. [C. Pinchbeck, Engl. watchmaker d. 1732] pinchpenny n. (pl. -ies) (also attrib.) a miserly person. pincushion n. a small cushion for holding pins. pinen. 1 any evergreen tree of the genus Pinus native to northern temperate regions, with needle-shaped leaves growing in clusters. 2 the soft timber of this, often used to make furniture. Also called DEAL. 3 (attrib.) made of pine. 4 = PINEAPPLE. pine cone the cone-shaped fruit of the pine tree. pine marten a weasel-like mammal, Martes martes, native to Europe and America, with a dark brown coat and white throat and stomach. pine nut the edible seed of various pine trees. pinery n. (pl. -ies). [ME f. OE pin & OF pin f. L pinus] v.intr. 1 (often foll. by away) decline or waste away, esp. from grief, disease, etc. 2 (usu. foll. by for, after, or to + infin.) long eagerly; yearn. [OE pinian, rel. to obs. E pine punishment, f. Gmc f. med.L pena, L poena] pinealadj. shaped like a pine cone. pineal body (or gland) a pea-sized conical mass of tissue behind the third ventricle of the brain, secreting a hormone-like substance in some mammals. [F pin‚al f. L pinea pine cone: see PINE] pineapplen. 1 a tropical plant, Ananas comosus, with a spiral of sword-shaped leaves and a thick stem bearing a large fruit developed from many flowers. 2 the fruit of this, consisting of yellow flesh surrounded by a tough segmented skin and topped with a tuft of stiff leaves. [PINE, from the fruit's resemblance to a pine cone] pinetumn. (pl. pineta) a plantation of pine-trees or other conifers for scientific or ornamental purposes. [L f. pinus pine] pinfoldn. & v. --n. a pound for stray cattle etc. --v.tr. confine (cattle) in a pinfold. [OE pundfald (as POUND, FOLD)] pingn. & v. --n. a single short high ringing sound. --v.intr. make a ping. [imit.] pingern. 1 a device that transmits pings at short intervals for purposes of detection or measurement etc. 2 a device to ring a bell. pingon. (pl. -os) Geol. a dome-shaped mound found in permafrost areas. [Eskimo] ping-pongn. = table tennis. [imit. f. the sound of a bat striking a ball] pinguidadj. formal or joc. fat, oily, or greasy. [L pinguis fat] pinheadn. 1 the flattened head of a pin. 2 a very small thing. 3 colloq. a stupid or foolish person. pinheadedadj. colloq. stupid, foolish. pinheadedness n. pinholen. 1 a hole made by a pin. 2 a hole into which a peg fits. pinhole camera a camera with a pinhole aperture and no lens. pinionn. & v. --n. 1 the outer part of a bird's wing, usu. including the flight feathers. 2 poet. a wing; a flight-feather. --v.tr. 1 cut off the pinion of (a wing or bird) to prevent flight. 2 a bind the arms of (a person). b (often foll. by to) bind (the arms, a person, etc.) esp. to a thing. [ME f. OF pignon ult. f. L pinna: see PIN] n. 1 a small cog-wheel engaging with a larger one. 2 a cogged spindle engaging with a wheel. [F pignon alt. f. obs. pignol f. L pinea pine-cone (as PINE)] pinkn. & adj. --n. 1 a pale red colour (decorated in pink). 2 a any cultivated plant of the genus Dianthus, with sweet-smelling white, pink, crimson, etc. flowers. b the flower of this plant. 3 (prec. by the) the most perfect condition etc. (the pink of elegance). 4 (also hunting-pink) a a fox-hunter's red coat. b the cloth for this. c a fox-hunter. --adj. 1 (often in comb.) of a pale red colour of any of various shades (rose-pink; salmon-pink). 2 esp. derog. tending to socialism. in the pink colloq. in very good health. pink-collar (usu. attrib.) (of a profession etc.) traditionally associated with women (cf. white-collar, blue-collar (see BLUE)). pink disease a disease of young children with pink discoloration of the extremities. pink elephants colloq. hallucinations caused by alcoholism. pink-eye 1 a contagious fever in horses. 2 contagious ophthalmia in humans and some livestock. pink-gin gin flavoured with angostura bitters. pinkish adj. pinkly adv. pinkness n. pinky adj. [perh. f. dial. pink-eyed having small eyes] v.tr. 1 pierce slightly with a sword etc. 2 cut a scalloped or zigzag edge on. 3 (often foll. by out) ornament (leather etc.) with perforations. 4 adorn; deck. pinking shears (or scissors) a dressmaker's serrated shears for cutting a zigzag edge. [ME, perh. f. LG or Du.: cf. LG pinken strike, peck] v.intr. (of a vehicle engine) emit a series of high-pitched explosive sounds caused by faulty combustion. [imit.] n. hist. a sailing-ship, esp. with a narrow stern, orig. small and flat-bottomed. [ME f. MDu. pin(c)ke, of unkn. orig.] n. a yellowish lake pigment made by combining vegetable colouring matter with a white base (brown pink; French pink). [17th c.: orig. unkn.] n. Brit. 1 a young salmon. 2 dial. a minnow. [15th c. penk, of unkn. orig.] pinkien. esp. US & Sc. the little finger. [cf. dial. pink small, half-shut (eye)] Pinkstern. US Whitsuntide. pinkster flower the pink azalea, Rhododendron nudiflorum. [Du., = Pentecost] pinnan. (pl. pinnae or pinnas) 1 the auricle; the external part of the ear. 2 a primary division of a pinnate leaf. 3 a fin or finlike structure, feather, wing, etc. [L, = penna feather, wing, fin] pinnacen. Naut. a warship's or other ship's small boat, usu. motor-driven, orig. schooner-rigged or eight-oared. [F pinnace, pinasse ult. f. L pinus PINE] pinnaclen. & v. --n. 1 the culmination or climax (of endeavour, success, etc.). 2 a natural peak. 3 a small ornamental turret usu. ending in a pyramid or cone, crowning a buttress, roof, etc. --v.tr. 1 set on or as if on a pinnacle. 2 form the pinnacle of. 3 provide with pinnacles. [ME pinacle f. OF pin(n)acle f. LL pinnaculum f. pinna wing, point (as PIN, -CULE)] pinnaepl. of PINNA. pinnateadj. 1 (of a compound leaf) having leaflets arranged on either side of the stem, usu. in pairs opposite each other. 2 having branches, tentacles, etc., on each side of an axis. pinnated adj. pinnately adv. pinnation n. [L pinnatus feathered (as PINNA)] pinni-comb. form wing, fin. [L pinna] pinnipedadj. & n. --adj. denoting any aquatic mammal with limbs ending in fins. --n. a pinniped mammal. [L pinna fin + pes ped- foot] pinnulen. 1 the secondary division of a pinnate leaf. 2 a part or organ like a small wing or fin. pinnular adj. [L pinnula dimin. of pinna fin, wing] pinnyn. (pl. -ies) colloq. a pinafore. [abbr.] pinochlen. US 1 a card-game with a double pack of 48 cards (nine to ace only). 2 the combination of queen of spades and jack of diamonds in this game. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] pinolen. US flour made from parched cornflour, esp. mixed with sweet flour made of mesquite beans, sugar, etc. [Amer. Sp. f. Aztec pinolli] pi¤onn. 1 a pine, Pinus cembra, bearing edible seeds. 2 the seed of this, a type of pine nut. [Sp. f. L pinea pine cone] pinpointn. & v. --n. 1 the point of a pin. 2 something very small or sharp. 3 (attrib.) a very small. b precise, accurate. --v.tr. locate with precision (pinpointed the target). pinprickn. 1 a prick caused by a pin. 2 a trifling irritation. pinstripen. 1 a very narrow stripe in (esp. worsted or serge) cloth. 2 a fabric or garment with this. pintn. 1 a measure of capacity for liquids etc., one-eighth of a gallon or 20 fluid oz. (0.568 litre). 2 Brit. a colloq. a pint of beer. b a pint of a liquid, esp. milk. 3 Brit. a measure of shellfish, being the amount containable in a pint mug (bought a pint of whelks). pint-pot a pot, esp. of pewter, holding one pint, esp. of beer. pint-sized colloq. very small, esp. of a person. [ME f. OF pinte, of unkn. orig.] pintan. Brit. colloq. a pint of milk. [corrupt. of pint of] pintailn. a duck, esp. Anas acuta, or grouse with a pointed tail. pintlen. a pin or bolt, esp. one on which some other part turns. [OE pintel penis, of unkn. orig.: cf. OFris. etc. pint] pintoadj. & n. US --adj. piebald. --n. (pl. -os) a piebald horse. [Sp., = mottled, ult. f. L pictus past part. of pingere paint] pinwormn. a small parasitic nematode worm, Enterobius vermicularis, of which the female has a pointed tail. pinyadj. of, like, or full of pines. Pinyinn. a system of romanized spelling for transliterating Chinese. [Chin. pin-yin, lit. 'spell sound'] pioletn. a two-headed ice-axe for mountaineering. [F] pionn. Physics a meson having a mass approximately 270 times that of an electron. Also called pi meson (see PI). pionic adj. [PI (the letter used as a symbol for the particle) + -ON] pioneern. & v. --n. 1 an initiator of a new enterprise, an inventor, etc. 2 an explorer or settler; a colonist. 3 Mil. a member of an infantry group preparing roads, terrain, etc. for the main body of troops. --v. 1 a tr. initiate or originate (an enterprise etc.). b intr. act or prepare the way as a pioneer. 2 tr. Mil. open up (a road etc.) as a pioneer. 3 tr. go before, lead, or conduct (another person or persons). [F pionnier foot-soldier, pioneer, OF paonier, peon(n)ier (as PEON)] piousadj. 1 devout; religious. 2 hypocritically virtuous; sanctimonious. 3 dutiful. pious fraud a deception intended to benefit those deceived, esp. religiously. piously adv. piousness n. [L pius dutiful, pious] pipn. & v. --n. the seed of an apple, pear, orange, grape, etc. --v.tr. (pipped, pipping) remove the pips from (fruit etc.). pipless adj. [abbr. of PIPPIN] n. Brit. a short high-pitched sound, usu. mechanically produced, esp. as a radio time signal. [imit.] n. 1 any of the spots on a playing-card, dice, or domino. 2 Brit. a star (1-3 according to rank) on the shoulder of an army officer's uniform. 3 a single blossom of a clustered head of flowers. 4 a diamond-shaped segment of the surface of a pineapple. 5 an image of an object on a radar screen. [16th c. peep, of unkn. orig.] n. 1 a disease of poultry etc. causing thick mucus in the throat and white scale on the tongue. 2 colloq. a fit of disgust or bad temper (esp. give one the pip). [ME f. MDu. pippe, MLG pip prob. ult. f. corrupt. of L pituita slime] v.tr. (pipped, pipping) Brit. colloq. 1 hit with a shot. 2 defeat. 3 blackball. pip at the post defeat at the last moment. pip out die. [PIP or PIP] pipan. an aquatic toad, Pipa pipa, having a flat body with long webbed feet, the female of which carries her eggs and tadpoles in pockets on her back. Also called SURINAM TOAD. [Surinam Negro pip l (masc.), pip  (fem.)] pipalvar. of PEEPUL. pipen. & v. --n. 1 a tube of metal, plastic, wood, etc. used to convey water, gas, etc. 2 (also tobacco-pipe) a a narrow wooden or clay etc. tube with a bowl at one end containing burning tobacco, the smoke from which is drawn into the mouth. b the quantity of tobacco held by this (smoked a pipe). 3 Mus. a a wind instrument consisting of a single tube. b any of the tubes by which sound is produced in an organ. c (in pl.) = BAGPIPES. d (in pl.) a set of pipes joined together, e.g. pan-pipes. 4 a tubal organ, vessel, etc. in an animal's body. 5 a high note or song, esp. of a bird. 6 a cylindrical vein of ore. 7 a cavity in cast metal. 8 a a boatswain's whistle. b the sounding of this. 9 a cask for wine, esp. as a measure of two hogsheads, usu. equivalent to 105 gallons (about 477 litres). 10 archaic the voice, esp. in singing. --v.tr. 1 (also absol.) play (a tune etc.) on a pipe or pipes. 2 a convey (oil, water, gas, etc.) by pipes. b provide with pipes. 3 transmit (music, a radio programme, etc.) by wire or cable. 4 (usu. foll. by up, on, to, etc.) Naut. a summon (a crew) to a meal, work, etc. b signal the arrival of (an officer etc.) on board. 5 utter in a shrill voice; whistle. 6 a arrange (icing, cream, etc.) in decorative lines or twists on a cake etc. b ornament (a cake etc.) with piping. 7 trim (a dress etc.) with piping. 8 lead or bring (a person etc.) by the sound of a pipe. 9 propagate (pinks etc.) by taking cuttings at the joint of a stem. pipe away give a signal for (a boat) to start. pipe-cleaner a piece of flexible covered wire for cleaning a tobacco-pipe. pipe down 1 colloq. be quiet or less insistent. 2 Naut. dismiss from duty. pipe-fish any of various long slender fish of the family Syngnathidae, with an elongated snout. pipe-light a spill for lighting a pipe. pipe major an NCO commanding regimental pipers. pipe-organ Mus. an organ using pipes instead of or as well as reeds. pipe-rack a rack for holding tobacco-pipes. pipe-rolls hist. the annual records of the British Exchequer from the 12th-19th c. prob. because subsidiary documents were rolled in pipe form. pipe-stem the shaft of a tobacco-pipe. pipe-stone a hard red clay used by US Indians for tobacco-pipes. pipe up begin to play, sing, speak, etc. put that in your pipe and smoke it colloq. a challenge to another to accept something frank or unwelcome. pipeful n. (pl. -fuls). pipeless adj. pipy adj. [OE pipe, pipian & OF piper f. Gmc ult. f. L pipare peep, chirp] pipeclayn. & v. --n. a fine white clay used for tobacco-pipes, whitening leather, etc. --v.tr. 1 whiten (leather etc.) with this. 2 put in order. pipedreamn. an unattainable or fanciful hope or scheme. [orig. as experienced when smoking an opium pipe] pipelinen. 1 a long, usu. underground, pipe for conveying esp. oil. 2 a channel supplying goods, information, etc. in the pipeline awaiting completion or processing. pip emmaadv. & n. Brit. colloq. = P.M. [formerly signallers' names for letters PM] pipern. 1 a bagpipe-player. 2 a person who plays a pipe, esp. an itinerant musician. [OE pipere (as PIPE)] piperidine n. Chem. a peppery-smelling liquid formed by the reduction of pyridine. [L piper pepper + -IDE + -INE] pipetten. & v. --n. a slender tube for transferring or measuring small quantities of liquids esp. in chemistry. --v.tr. transfer or measure (a liquid) using a pipette. [F, dimin. of pipe PIPE] pipingn. & adj. --n. 1 the act or an instance of piping, esp. whistling or singing. 2 a thin pipelike fold used to edge hems or frills on clothing, seams on upholstery, etc. 3 ornamental lines of icing, cream, potato, etc. on a cake or other dish. 4 lengths of pipe, or a system of pipes, esp. in domestic use. --adj. (of a noise) high; whistling. piping hot very or suitably hot (esp. as required of food, water, etc.). pipistrelle n. any bat of the genus Pipistrellus, native to temperate regions and feeding on insects . [F f. It. pipistrello, vip-, f. L vespertilio bat f. vesper evening] pipitn. 1 any of various birds of the family Motacillidae, esp. of the genus Anthus, found worldwide and having brown plumage often heavily streaked with a lighter colour. 2 = meadow pipit. [prob. imit.] pipkinn. a small earthenware pot or pan. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] pippinn. 1 a an apple grown from seed. b a red and yellow dessert apple. 2 colloq. an excellent person or thing; a beauty. [ME f. OF pepin, of unkn. orig.] pipsqueakn. colloq. an insignificant or contemptible person or thing. [imit.] piquantadj. 1 agreeably pungent, sharp, or appetizing. 2 pleasantly stimulating, or disquieting, to the mind. piquancy n. piquantly adv. [F, pres. part. of piquer (as PIQUE)] piquev. & n. --v.tr. (piques, piqued, piquing) 1 wound the pride of, irritate. 2 arouse (curiosity, interest, etc.). 3 (refl.; usu. foll. by on) pride or congratulate oneself. --n. ill-feeling; enmity; resentment (in a fit of pique). [F piquer prick, irritate, f. Rmc] n. & v. --n. the winning of 30 points on cards and play in piquet before one's opponent scores anything. --v. (piques, piqued, piquing) 1 tr. score a pique against. 2 intr. score a pique. [F pic, of unkn. orig.] piqu‚n. a stiff ribbed cotton or other fabric. [F, past part. of piquer: see PIQUE] piquetn. a game for two players with a pack of 32 cards (seven to ace only). [F, of unkn. orig.] var. of PICKET 3. piracyn. (pl. -ies) 1 the practice or an act of robbery of ships at sea. 2 a similar practice or act in other forms, esp. hijacking. 3 the infringement of copyright. [med.L piratia f. Gk pirateia (as PIRATE)] piraguan. 1 a long narrow canoe made from a single tree-trunk. 2 a two-masted sailing barge. [Sp. f. Carib, = dug-out] piranhan. (also piraya) any of various freshwater predatory fish of the genera Pygocentrus, Rooseveltiella, or Serrasalmus, native to S. America and having sharp cutting teeth. [Port. f. Tupi, var. of piraya scissors] piraten. & v. --n. 1 a a person who commits piracy. b a ship used by pirates. 2 a person who infringes another's copyright or other business rights; a plagiarist. 3 (often attrib.) a person, organization, etc., that broadcasts without official authorization (pirate radio station). --v.tr. 1 appropriate or reproduce (the work or ideas etc. of another) without permission, for one's own benefit. 2 plunder. piratic adj. piratical adj. piratically adv. [ME f. L pirata f. Gk peirates f. peirao attempt, assault] pirayavar. of PIRANHA. piripirin. (pl. piripiris) NZ a rosaceous plant, Acaena anserinifolia, native to New Zealand and having prickly burs. [Maori] piroguen. = PIRAGUA. [F, prob. f. Galibi] pirouetten. & v. --n. a dancer's spin on one foot or the point of the toe. --v.intr. perform a pirouette. [F, = spinning-top] pis allern. a course of action followed as a last resort. [F f. pis worse + aller go] piscaryn. common of piscary the right of fishing in another's water in common with the owner and others. [ME f. med.L piscaria neut. pl. of L piscarius f. piscis fish] piscatorial adj. = PISCATORY 1. piscatorially adv. piscatoryadj. 1 of or concerning fishermen or fishing. 2 addicted to fishing. [L piscatorius f. piscator fisherman f. piscis fish] Piscesn. (pl. same) 1 a constellation, traditionally regarded as contained in the figure of fishes . 2 a the twelfth sign of the zodiac (the Fishes). b a person born when the sun is in this sign. Piscean n. & adj. [ME f. L, pl. of piscis fish] pisciculture n. the artificial rearing of fish. piscicultural adj. pisciculturist n. [L piscis fish, after agriculture etc.] piscinan. (pl. piscinae or piscinas) 1 a stone basin near the altar in RC and pre-Reformation churches for draining water used in the Mass. 2 a fish-pond. 3 hist. a Roman bathing-pond. [L f. piscis fish] piscineadj. of or concerning fish. [L piscis fish] n. a bathing-pool. [F (as PISCINA)] piscivorous adj. fish-eating. [L piscis fish + -VOROUS] pishint. an expression of contempt, impatience, or disgust. [imit.] pisiformadj. pea-shaped. pisiform bone a small bone in the wrist in the upper row of the carpus. [mod.L pisiformis f. pisum pea] pismiren. dial. an ant. [ME f. PISS (from smell of anthill) + obs. mire ant] pissv. & n. coarse sl. °Usually considered a taboo word. --v. 1 intr. urinate. 2 tr. a discharge (blood etc.) when urinating. b wet with urine. 3 tr. (as pissed adj.) Brit. drunk. --n. 1 urine. 2 an act of urinating. piss about fool or mess about. piss artist 1 a drunkard. 2 a person who fools about. 3 a glib person. piss down rain heavily. piss off Brit. 1 go away. 2 (often as pissed off adj.) annoy; depress. piss-pot a chamber-pot. piss-taker a person who mocks. piss-taking mockery. piss-up a drinking spree. take the piss (often foll. by out of) mock; deride. [ME f. OF pisser (imit.)] pissoirn. a public urinal. [F] pistachion. (pl. -os) 1 an evergreen tree, Pistacia vera, bearing small brownish-green flowers and ovoid reddish fruit. 2 (in full pistachio nut) the edible pale-green seed of this. 3 a pale green colour. [It. pistaccio and Sp. pistacho f. L pistacium f. Gk pistakion f. Pers. pistah] pisten. a ski-run of compacted snow. [F, = racetrack] pistiln. the female organs of a flower, comprising the stigma, style, and ovary. pistillary adj. pistilliferous adj. pistilline adj. [F pistile or L pistillum PESTLE] pistillate adj. 1 having pistils. 2 having pistils but no stamens. pistoln. & v. --n. 1 a small hand-held firearm. 2 anything of a similar shape. --v.tr. (pistolled, pistolling; US pistoled, pistoling) shoot with a pistol. hold a pistol to a person's head coerce a person by threats. pistol-grip a handle shaped like a pistol-butt. pistol-shot 1 the range of a pistol. 2 a shot fired from a pistol. pistol-whip (-whipped, -whipping) beat with a pistol. [obs. F f. G Pistole f. Czech pist' al] pistolen. hist. a foreign (esp. Spanish) gold coin. [F pistole abbr. of pistolet, of uncert. orig.] pistoleern. a soldier armed with a pistol. pistonn. 1 a disc or short cylinder fitting closely within a tube in which it moves up and down against a liquid or gas, used in an internal-combustion engine to impart motion, or in a pump to receive motion. 2 a sliding valve in a trumpet etc. piston-ring a ring on a piston sealing the gap between the piston and the cylinder wall. piston-rod a rod or crankshaft attached to a piston to drive a wheel or to impart motion. [F f. It. pistone var. of pestone augment. of pestello PESTLE] pitn. & v. --n. 1 a a usu. large deep hole in the ground. b a hole made in digging for industrial purposes, esp. for coal (chalk pit; gravel pit). c a covered hole as a trap for esp. wild animals. 2 a an indentation left after smallpox, acne, etc. b a hollow in a plant or animal body or on any surface. 3 Brit. Theatr. a = orchestra pit. b usu. hist. seating at the back of the stalls. c the people in the pit. 4 a (the pit or bottomless pit) hell. b (the pits) sl. a wretched or the worst imaginable place, situation, person, etc. 5 a an area at the side of a track where racing cars are serviced and refuelled. b a sunken area in a workshop floor for access to a car's underside. 6 US the part of the floor of an exchange allotted to special trading (wheat-pit). 7 = COCKPIT. 8 Brit. sl. a bed. --v. (pitted, pitting) 1 tr. (usu. foll. by against) a set (one's wits, strength, etc.) in opposition or rivalry. b set (a cock, dog, etc.) to fight, orig. in a pit, against another. 2 tr. (usu. as pitted adj.) make pits, esp. scars, in. 3 intr. (of the flesh etc.) retain the impression of a finger etc. when touched. 4 tr. Hort. put (esp. vegetables etc. for storage) into a pit. dig a pit for try to ensnare. pit-head 1 the top of a mineshaft. 2 the area surrounding this. pit of the stomach 1 the floor of the stomach. 2 the depression below the bottom of the breastbone. pit pony hist. a pony kept underground for haulage in coal-mines. pit-prop a balk of wood used to support the roof of a coal mine. pit-saw a large saw for use in a saw-pit. pit viper any US snake of the family Crotalidae with a pit between the eye and the nostril. [OE pytt ult. f. L puteus well] n. & v. US --n. the stone of a fruit. --v.tr. (pitted, pitting) remove pits from (fruit). [perh. Du., rel. to PITH] pitavar. of PITTA. pit-a-patadv. & n. (also pitter-patter) --adv. 1 with a sound like quick light steps. 2 with a faltering sound (heart went pit-a-pat). --n. such a sound. [imit.] pitchv. & n. --v. 1 tr. (also absol.) erect and fix (a tent, camp, etc.). 2 tr. a throw; fling. b (in games) throw (a flat object) towards a mark. 3 tr. fix or plant (a thing) in a definite position. 4 tr. express in a particular style or at a particular level (pitched his argument at the most basic level). 5 intr. (often foll. by against, into, etc.) fall heavily, esp. headlong. 6 intr. (of a ship etc.) plunge in a longitudinal direction (cf. ROLL v. 8a). 7 tr. Mus. set at a particular pitch. 8 intr. (of a roof etc.) slope downwards. 9 intr. (often foll. by about) move with a vigorous jogging motion, as in a train, carriage, etc. 10 Cricket a tr. cause (a bowled ball) to strike the ground at a specified point etc. b intr. (of a bowled ball) strike the ground. 11 tr. colloq. tell (a yarn or a tale). 12 tr. Golf play (a ball) with a pitch shot. 13 tr. pave (a road) with stones. --n. 1 a the area of play in a field-game. b Cricket the area between the creases. 2 height, degree, intensity, etc. (the pitch of despair; nerves were strung to a pitch). 3 a the steepness of a slope, esp. of a roof, stratum, etc. b the degree of such a pitch. 4 Mus. a that quality of a sound which is governed by the rate of vibrations producing it; the degree of highness or lowness of a tone. b = concert pitch. 5 the pitching motion of a ship etc. 6 Cricket the act or mode of delivery in bowling, or the spot where the ball bounces. 7 colloq. a salesman's advertising or selling approach. 8 Brit. a place where a street vendor sells wares, has a stall, etc. 9 (also pitch shot) Golf a high approach shot with a short run. 10 Mech. the distance between successive corresponding points or lines, e.g. between the teeth of a cog-wheel etc. 11 the height to which a falcon etc. soars before swooping on its prey. 12 the delivery of a baseball by a pitcher. pitch-and-toss a gambling game in which coins are pitched at a mark and then tossed. pitched battle 1 a vigorous argument etc. 2 Mil. a battle planned beforehand and fought on chosen ground. pitched roof a sloping roof. pitch in colloq. set to work vigorously. pitch into colloq. 1 attack forcibly with blows, words, etc. 2 assail (food, work, etc.) vigorously. pitch on (or upon) happen to select. pitch-pipe Mus. a small pipe blown to set the pitch for singing or tuning. pitch up Cricket bowl (a ball) to bounce near the batsman. pitch wickets Cricket fix the stumps in the ground and place the bails. [ME pic(c)he, perh. f. OE picc(e)an (unrecorded: cf. picung stigmata)] n. & v. --n. 1 a sticky resinous black or dark-brown substance obtained by distilling tar or turpentine, semi-liquid when hot, hard when cold, and used for caulking the seams of ships etc. 2 any of various bituminous substances including asphalt. --v.tr. cover, coat, or smear with pitch. pitch-black (or -dark) very or completely dark. pitch-pine any of various pine-trees, esp. Pinus rigida or P. palustris, yielding much resin. [OE pic f. Gmc f. L pix picis] pitchblende n. a mineral form of uranium oxide occurring in pitchlike masses and yielding radium. [G Pechblende (as PITCH, BLENDE)] pitchern. 1 a large usu. earthenware jug with a lip and a handle, for holding liquids. 2 a modified leaf in pitcher form. 3 (in pl.) broken pottery crushed and reused. pitcher-plant any of various plants, esp. of the family Nepenthaceae or Sarraceniaceae, with pitcher leaves that can hold liquids, trap insects, etc. pitcherful n. (pl. -fuls). [ME f. OF pichier, pechier, f. Frank.] n. 1 a person or thing that pitches. 2 Baseball a player who delivers the ball to the batter. 3 a stone used for paving. pitchforkn. & v. --n. a long-handled two-pronged fork for pitching hay etc. --v.tr. 1 throw with or as if with a pitchfork. 2 (usu. foll. by into) thrust (a person) forcibly into a position, office, etc. [in ME pickfork, prob. f. PICK + FORK, assoc. with PITCH] pitchstone n. obsidian etc. resembling pitch. pitchyadj. (pitchier, pitchiest) of, like, or dark as pitch. piteousadj. deserving or causing pity; wretched. piteously adv. piteousness n. [ME pito(u)s etc. f. AF pitous, OF pitos f. Rmc (as PIETY)] pitfalln. 1 an unsuspected snare, danger, or drawback. 2 a covered pit for trapping animals etc. pithn. & v. --n. 1 spongy white tissue lining the rind of an orange, lemon, etc. 2 the essential part; the quintessence (came to the pith of his argument). 3 Bot. the spongy cellular tissue in the stems and branches of dicotyledonous plants. 4 a physical strength; vigour. b force; energy. 5 archaic spinal marrow. --v.tr. 1 remove the pith or marrow from. 2 slaughter or immobilize (an animal) by severing the spinal cord. pith helmet a lightweight sun-helmet made from the dried pith of the sola etc. pithless adj. [OE pitha f. WG] pithecanthrope n. any prehistoric apelike human of the extinct genus Pithecanthropus, now considered to be part of the genus Homo (see also JAVA MAN). [Gk pithekos ape + anthropos man] pithosn. (pl. pithoi) Archaeol. a large storage jar. [Gk] pithyadj. (pithier, pithiest) 1 (of style, speech, etc.) condensed, terse, and forcible. 2 of, like, or containing much pith. pithily adv. pithiness n. pitiableadj. 1 deserving or causing pity. 2 contemptible. pitiableness n. pitiably adv. [ME f. OF piteable, pitoiable (as PITY)] pitifuladj. 1 causing pity. 2 contemptible. 3 archaic compassionate. pitifully adv. pitifulness n. pitilessadj. showing no pity (the pitiless heat of the desert). pitilessly adv. pitilessness n. pitmann. 1 (pl. -men) a collier. 2 US (pl. -mans) a connecting rod in machinery. pitonn. a peg or spike driven into a rock or crack to support a climber or a rope. [F, = eye-bolt] Pitot tube n. a device consisting of an open-ended right-angled tube used to measure the speed or flow of a fluid. [H. Pitot, Fr. physicist d. 1771] pitpann. a Central American boat made from a tree-trunk. [Miskito] pittan. (also pita) a flat hollow unleavened bread which can be split and filled with salad etc. [mod.Gk, = a cake] pittancen. 1 a scanty or meagre allowance, remuneration, etc. (paid him a mere pittance). 2 a small number or amount. 3 hist. a pious bequest to a religious house for extra food etc. [ME f. OF pitance f. med.L pi(e)tantia f. L pietas PITY] pitter-patter var. of PIT-A-PAT. pittosporum n. any evergreen shrub of the family Pittosporaceae, chiefly native to Australasia with many species having fragrant foliage. [Gk pitta PITCH + sporos seed] pituitaryn. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) (also pituitary gland or body) a small ductless gland at the base of the brain secreting various hormones essential for growth and other bodily functions. --adj. of or relating to this gland. [L pituitarius secreting phlegm f. pituita phlegm] pityn. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 sorrow and compassion aroused by another's condition (felt pity for the child). 2 something to be regretted; grounds for regret (what a pity!; the pity of it is that he didn't mean it). --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) feel (often contemptuous) pity for (they are to be pitied; I pity you if you think that). for pity's sake an exclamation of urgent supplication, anger, etc. more's the pity so much the worse. take pity on feel or act compassionately towards. pitying adj. pityingly adv. [ME f. OF pit‚ f. L pietas (as PIETY)] pityriasis n. any of a group of skin diseases characterized by the shedding of branlike scales. [mod.L f. Gk pituriasis f. pituron bran] pi—adv. Mus. more (pi— piano). [It.] pivotn. & v. --n. 1 a short shaft or pin on which something turns or oscillates. 2 a crucial or essential person, point, etc., in a scheme or enterprise. 3 Mil. the man or men about whom a body of troops wheels. --v. (pivoted, pivoting) 1 intr. turn on or as if on a pivot. 2 intr. (foll. by on, upon) hinge on; depend on. 3 tr. provide with or attach by a pivot. pivotable adj. pivotability n. pivotal adj. [F, of uncert. orig.] pixn.pl. colloq. pictures, esp. photographs. [abbr.: cf. PIC] var. of PYX. pixeln. Electronics any of the minute areas of uniform illumination of which an image on a display screen is composed. [abbr. of picture element: cf. PIX] pixien. (also pixy) (pl. -ies) a being like a fairy; an elf. pixie hat (or hood) a child's hat with a pointed crown. [17th c.: orig. unkn.] pixilatedadj. (also pixillated) 1 bewildered; crazy. 2 drunk. [var. of pixie-led (as PIXIE, LED)] pizazzn. (also pizzazz, pzazz etc.) sl. verve, energy, liveliness, sparkle. pizzan. a flat round base of dough with a topping of tomatoes, cheese, onions, etc. [It., = pie] pizzerian. a place where pizzas are made or sold. [It. (as PIZZA)] pizzicatoadv., adj., & n. Mus. --adv. plucking the strings of a violin etc. with the finger. --adj. (of a note, passage, etc.) performed pizzicato. --n. (pl. pizzicatos or pizzicati) a note, passage, etc. played pizzicato. [It., past part. of pizzicare twitch f. pizzare f. pizza edge] pizzlen. esp. Austral. the penis of an animal, esp. a bull, formerly used as a whip. [LG pesel, dimin. of MLG pese, MDu. peze] pk.abbr. 1 park. 2 peak. 3 peck(s). pl.abbr. 1 plural. 2 place. 3 plate. 4 esp. Mil. platoon. PLAabbr. (in the UK) Port of London Authority. placableadj. easily placated; mild; forgiving. placability n. placably adv. [ME f. OF placable or L placabilis f. placare appease] placardn. & v. --n. a printed or handwritten poster esp. for advertising. --v.tr. also 1 set up placards on (a wall etc.). 2 advertise by placards. 3 display (a poster etc.) as a placard. [ME f. OF placquart f. plaquier to plaster f. MDu. placken] placatev.tr. pacify; conciliate. placatingly adv. placation n. placatory adj. [L placare placat-] placen. & v. --n. 1 a a particular portion of space. b a portion of space occupied by a person or thing (it has changed its place). c a proper or natural position (he is out of his place; take your places). 2 a city, town, village, etc. (was born in this place). 3 a residence; a dwelling (has a place in the country; come round to my place). 4 a a group of houses in a town etc., esp. a square. b a country house with its surroundings. 5 a person's rank or status (know their place; a place in history). 6 a space, esp. a seat, for a person (two places in the coach). 7 a building or area for a specific purpose (place of worship; bathing-place). 8 a a point reached in a book etc. (lost my place). b a passage in a book. 9 a particular spot on a surface, esp. of the skin (a sore place on his wrist). 10 a employment or office, esp. government employment (lost his place at the Ministry). b the duties or entitlements of office etc. (is his place to hire staff). 11 a position as a member of a team, a student in a college, etc. 12 Brit. any of the first three or sometimes four positions in a race, esp. other than the winner (backed it for a place). 13 the position of a figure in a series indicated in decimal or similar notation (calculated to 50 decimal places). --v.tr. 1 put (a thing etc.) in a particular place or state; arrange. 2 identify, classify, or remember correctly (cannot place him). 3 assign to a particular place; locate. 4 a appoint (a person, esp. a member of the clergy) to a post. b find a situation, living, etc. for. c (usu. foll. by with) consign to a person's care etc. (placed her with her aunt). 5 assign rank, importance, or worth to (place him among the best teachers). 6 a dispose of (goods) to a customer. b make (an order for goods etc.). 7 (often foll. by in, on, etc.) have (confidence etc.). 8 invest (money). 9 Brit. state the position of (any of the first three or sometimes four runners) in a race. 10 tr. (as placed adj.) a Brit. among the first three or sometimes four in a race. b US second in a race. 11 Football get (a goal) by a place-kick. all over the place in disorder; chaotic. give place to 1 make room for. 2 yield precedence to. 3 be succeeded by. go places colloq. be successful. in place in the right position; suitable. in place of in exchange for; instead of. in places at some places or in some parts, but not others. keep a person in his or her place suppress a person's pretensions. out of place 1 in the wrong position. 2 unsuitable. place-bet 1 Brit. a bet on a horse to come first, second, third, or sometimes fourth in a race. 2 US a bet on a horse to come second. place-brick an imperfectly burnt brick from the windward side of the kiln. place card a card marking a person's place at a table etc. place in the sun a favourable situation, position, etc. place-kick Football a kick made when the ball is previously placed on the ground. place-mat a small mat on a table underneath a person's plate. place-name the name of a town, village, hill, field, lake, etc. place-setting a set of plates, cutlery, etc. for one person at a meal. put oneself in another's place imagine oneself in another's position. put a person in his or her place deflate or humiliate a person. take place occur. take one's place go to one's correct position, be seated, etc. take the place of be substituted for; replace. placeless adj. placement n. [ME f. OF f. L platea f. Gk plateia (hodos) broad (way)] placebon. (pl. -os) 1 a a pill, medicine, etc. prescribed for psychological reasons but having no physiological effect. b a placebo used as a control in testing new drugs etc. c a blank sample in a test. 2 RC Ch. the opening antiphon of the vespers for the dead. [L, = I shall be acceptable or pleasing f. placere please, first word of Ps. 114:9] placentan. (pl. placentae or placentas) 1 a flattened circular organ in the uterus of pregnant mammals nourishing and maintaining the foetus through the umbilical cord and expelled after birth. 2 (in flowers) part of the ovary wall carrying the ovules. placental adj. [L f. Gk plakous -ountos flat cake f. the root of plax plakos flat plate] placern. a deposit of sand, gravel, etc., in the bed of a stream etc., containing valuable minerals in particles. [Amer. Sp., rel. to placel sandbank f. plaza PLACE] placetn. an affirmative vote in a church or university assembly. [L, = it pleases] placidadj. 1 (of a person) not easily aroused or disturbed; peaceful. 2 mild; calm; serene. placidity n. placidly adv. placidness n. [F placide or L placidus f. placere please] placketn. 1 an opening or slit in a garment, for fastenings or access to a pocket. 2 the flap of fabric under this. [var. of PLACARD] placoidadj. & n. --adj. 1 (of a fish-scale) consisting of a hard base embedded in the skin and a spiny backward projection (cf. CTENOID). 2 (of a fish) covered with these scales. --n. a placoid fish, e.g. a shark. [Gk plax plakos flat plate] plafondn. 1 a an ornately decorated ceiling. b such decoration. 2 an early form of contract bridge. [F f. plat flat + fond bottom] plagaladj. Mus. (of a church mode) having sounds between the dominant and its octave (cf. AUTHENTIC). plagal cadence (or close) a cadence in which the chord of the subdominant immediately precedes that of the tonic. [med.L plagalis f. plaga plagal mode f. L plagius f. med. Gk plagios (in anc. Gk = oblique) f. Gk plagos side] plagen. 1 Astron. an unusually bright region on the sun. 2 a sea beach, esp. at a fashionable resort. [F, = beach] plagiarism n. 1 the act or an instance of plagiarizing. 2 something plagiarized. plagiarist n. plagiaristic adj. plagiarize v.tr. (also -ise) (also absol.) 1 take and use (the thoughts, writings, inventions, etc. of another person) as one's own. 2 pass off the thoughts etc. of (another person) as one's own. plagiarizer n. [L plagiarius kidnapper f. plagium a kidnapping f. Gk plagion] plagio-comb. form oblique. [Gk plagios oblique f. plagos side] plagioclase n. a series of feldspar minerals forming glassy crystals. [PLAGIO- + Gk klasis cleavage] plaguen., v., & int. --n. 1 a deadly contagious disease spreading rapidly over a wide area. 2 (foll. by of) an unusual infestation of a pest etc. (a plague of frogs). 3 a great trouble. b an affliction, esp. as regarded as divine punishment. 4 colloq. a nuisance. --v.tr. (plagues, plagued, plaguing) 1 affect with plague. 2 colloq. pester or harass continually. --int. joc. or archaic a curse etc. (a plague on it!). plaguesome adj. [ME f. L plaga stroke, wound prob. f. Gk plaga, plege] plaicen. (pl. same) 1 a European flatfish, Pleuronectes platessa, having a brown back with orange spots and a white underside, much used for food. 2 (in full American plaice) a N. Atlantic fish, Hippoglossoides platessoides. [ME f. OF pla‹z f. LL platessa app. f. Gk platus broad] plaidn. 1 (often attrib.) chequered or tartan, esp. woollen, twilled cloth (a plaid skirt). 2 a long piece of plaid worn over the shoulder as part of Highland Scottish costume. plaided adj. [Gael. plaide, of unkn. orig.] plainadj., adv., & n. --adj. 1 clear; evident (is plain to see). 2 readily understood; simple (in plain words). 3 a (of food, sewing, decoration, etc.) uncomplicated; not elaborate; unembellished; simple. b without a decorative pattern. 4 (esp. of a woman or girl) ugly. 5 outspoken; straightforward. 6 (of manners, dress, etc.) unsophisticated; homely (a plain man). 7 (of drawings etc.) not coloured (penny plain, twopence coloured). 8 not in code. --adv. 1 clearly; unequivocally (to speak plain, I don't approve). 2 simply (that is plain stupid). --n. 1 a level tract of esp. treeless country. 2 a basic knitting stitch made by putting the needle through the back of the stitch and passing the wool round the front of the needle (opp. PURL). be plain with speak bluntly to. plain card neither a trump nor a court-card. plain chocolate dark chocolate without added milk. plain clothes ordinary clothes worn esp. as a disguise by policemen etc. plain-clothes (attrib.) wearing plain clothes. plain cook a person competent in plain English cooking. plain dealing candour; straightforwardness. plain sailing 1 sailing a straightforward course. 2 an uncomplicated situation or course of action. plain service Eccl. a church service without music. plain-spoken outspoken; blunt. plain suit a suit that is not trumps. plain text a text not in cipher or code. plain time time not paid for at overtime rates. plain weaving weaving with the weft alternately over and under the warp. plainly adv. plainness n. [ME f. OF plain (adj. & n.) f. L planus (adj.), planum (n.)] v.intr. archaic or poet. 1 mourn. 2 complain. 3 make a plaintive sound. [ME f. OF plaindre (stem plaign-) f. L plangere planct- lament] plainchant n. = PLAINSONG. plainsmann. (pl. -men) a person who lives on a plain, esp. in N. America. plainsongn. unaccompanied church music sung in unison in medieval modes and in free rhythm corresponding to the accentuation of the words (cf. GREGORIAN CHANT). plaintn. 1 Brit. Law an accusation; a charge. 2 literary or archaic a complaint; a lamentation. [ME f. OF plainte fem. past part. of plaindre, and OF plaint f. L planctus (as PLAIN)] plaintiffn. Law a person who brings a case against another into court (opp. DEFENDANT). [ME f. OF plaintif (adj.) (as PLAINTIVE)] plaintiveadj. 1 expressing sorrow; mournful. 2 mournful-sounding. plaintively adv. plaintiveness n. [ME f. OF (-if, -ive) f. plainte (as PLAINT)] plaitn. & v. --n. 1 a length of hair, straw, etc., in three or more interlaced strands. 2 = PLEAT. --v.tr. form (hair etc.) into a plait. [ME f. OF pleit fold ult. f. L plicare fold] plann. & v. --n. 1 a a formulated and esp. detailed method by which a thing is to be done; a design or scheme. b an intention or proposed proceeding (my plan was to distract them; plan of campaign). 2 a drawing or diagram made by projection on a horizontal plane, esp. showing a building or one floor of a building (cf. ELEVATION). 3 a large-scale detailed map of a town or district. 4 a a table etc. indicating times, places, etc. of intended proceedings. b a scheme or arrangement (prepared the seating plan). 5 an imaginary plane perpendicular to the line of vision and containing the objects shown in a picture. --v. (planned, planning) 1 tr. (often foll. by that + clause or to + infin.) arrange (a procedure etc.) beforehand; form a plan (planned to catch the evening ferry). 2 tr. a design (a building, new town, etc.). b make a plan of (an existing building, an area, etc.). 3 tr. (as planned adj.) in accordance with a plan (his planned arrival; planned parenthood). 4 intr. make plans. planning permission Brit. formal permission for building development etc., esp. from a local authority. plan on colloq. aim at doing; intend. planning n. [F f. earlier plant, f. It. pianta plan of building: cf. PLANT] planaradj. Math. of, relating to, or in the form of a plane. planariann. any flatworm of the class Turbellaria, usu. living in fresh water. [mod.L Planaria the genus-name, fem. of L planarius lying flat] planchetn. a plain metal disc from which a coin is made. [dimin. of planch slab of metal f. OF planche: see PLANK] planchette n. a small usu. heart-shaped board on castors with a pencil that is supposedly caused to write spirit messages when a person's fingers rest lightly on it. [F, dimin. of planche PLANK] Planck's constant n. (also Planck constant) a fundamental constant, equal to the energy of quanta of electromagnetic radiation divided by its frequency, with a value of 6.626 x 10(-34) joules. [M. Planck, Ger. physicist d. 1947] planen., adj., & v. --n. 1 a a flat surface on which a straight line joining any two points on it would wholly lie. b an imaginary flat surface through or joining etc. material objects. 2 a level surface. 3 colloq. = AEROPLANE. 4 a flat surface producing lift by the action of air or water over and under it (usu. in comb.: hydroplane). 5 (often foll. by of) a level of attainment, thought, knowledge, etc. 6 a flat thin object such as a tabletop. --adj. 1 (of a surface etc.) perfectly level. 2 (of an angle, figure, etc.) lying in a plane. --v.intr. 1 (often foll. by down) travel or glide in an aeroplane. 2 (of a speedboat etc.) skim over water. 3 soar. plane chart a chart on which meridians and parallels of latitude are represented by equidistant straight lines, used in plane sailing. plane polarization a process restricting the vibrations of electromagnetic radiation, esp. light, to one direction. plane sailing 1 the practice of determining a ship's position on the theory that she is moving on a plane. 2 = plain sailing (see PLAIN). plane-table a surveying instrument used for direct plotting in the field, with a circular drawing-board and pivoted alidade. [L planum flat surface, neut. of planus PLAIN (different. f. PLAIN in 17th c.): adj. after F plan, plane] n. & v. --n. 1 a tool consisting of a wooden or metal block with a projecting steel blade, used to smooth a wooden surface by paring shavings from it. 2 a similar tool for smoothing metal. --v.tr. 1 smooth (wood, metal, etc.) with a plane. 2 (often foll. by away, down) pare (irregularities) with a plane. 3 archaic level (plane the way). [ME f. OF var. of plaine f. LL plana f. L planus PLAIN] n. (in full plane-tree) any tree of the genus Platanus often growing to great heights, with maple-like leaves and bark which peels in uneven patches. [ME f. OF f. L platanus f. Gk platanos f. platus broad] planetn. 1 a celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit round a star; the earth. 2 esp. Astrol. hist. a celestial body distinguished from the fixed stars by having an apparent motion of its own (including the moon and sun), esp. with reference to its supposed influence on people and events. planetology n. [ME f. OF planete f. LL planeta, planetes f. Gk planetes wanderer, planet f. planaomai wander] planetarium n. (pl. planetariums or planetaria) 1 a domed building in which images of stars, planets, constellations, etc. are projected for public entertainment or education. 2 the device used for such projection. 3 = ORRERY. [mod.L (as PLANET)] planetaryadj. 1 of or like planets (planetary influence). 2 terrestrial; mundane. 3 wandering; erratic. planetary nebula a ring-shaped nebula formed by an expanding shell of gas round a star. [LL planetarius (as PLANET)] planetesimal n. any of a vast number of minute planets or planetary bodies. planetesimal hypothesis the theory that planets were formed by the accretion of planetesimals in a cold state. [PLANET, after infinitesimal] planetoidn. = ASTEROID. plangentadj. 1 (of a sound) loud and reverberating. 2 (of a sound) plaintive; sad. plangency n. [L plangere plangent- lament] planimeter n. an instrument for mechanically measuring the area of a plane figure. planimetric adj. planimetrical adj. planimetry n. [F planimŠtre f. L planus level] planishv.tr. flatten (sheet metal, coining-metal, etc.) with a smooth-faced hammer or between rollers. planisher n. [ME f. OF planir smooth f. plain PLANE adj.] planisphere n. a map formed by the projection of a sphere or part of a sphere on a plane, esp. to show the appearance of the heavens at a specific time or place. planispheric adj. [ME f. med.L planisphaerium (as PLANE, SPHERE): infl. by F planisphŠre] plankn. & v. --n. 1 a long flat piece of timber used esp. in building, flooring, etc. 2 an item of a political or other programme (cf. PLATFORM). --v.tr. 1 provide, cover, or floor, with planks. 2 (usu. foll. by down; also absol.) esp. US colloq. a put (a thing, person, etc.) down roughly or violently. b pay (money) on the spot or abruptly (planked down œ5). plank bed a bed of boards without a mattress, esp. in prison. walk the plank hist. (of a pirate's captive etc.) be made to walk blindfold along a plank over the side of a ship to one's death in the sea. [ME f. ONF planke, OF planche f. LL planca board f. plancus flat-footed] plankingn. planks as flooring etc. planktonn. the chiefly microscopic organisms drifting or floating in the sea or fresh water (see BENTHOS, NEKTON). planktonic adj. [G f. Gk plagktos wandering f. plazomai wander] plannern. 1 a person who controls or plans the development of new towns, designs buildings, etc. 2 a person who makes plans. 3 a list, table, etc., with information helpful in planning. plano-comb. form level, flat. [L planus flat] planoconcave adj. (of a lens etc.) with one surface plane and the other concave. planoconvex adj. (of a lens etc.) with one surface plane and the other convex. planographic adj. relating to or produced by a process in which printing is done from a plane surface. planography n. planometer n. a flat plate used as a gauge for plane surfaces in metalwork. plantn. & v. --n. 1 a any living organism of the kingdom Plantae, usu. containing chlorophyll enabling it to live wholly on inorganic substances and lacking specialized sense organs and the power of voluntary movement. b a small organism of this kind, as distinguished from a shrub or tree. 2 a machinery, fixtures, etc., used in industrial processes. b a factory. 3 colloq. something, esp. incriminating or compromising, positioned or concealed so as to be discovered later. --v.tr. 1 place (a seed, bulb, or growing thing) in the ground so that it may take root and flourish. 2 (often foll. by in, on, etc.) put or fix in position. 3 deposit (young fish, spawn, oysters, etc.) in a river or lake. 4 station (a person etc.), esp. as a spy or source of information. 5 refl. take up a position (planted myself by the door). 6 cause (an idea etc.) to be established esp. in another person's mind. 7 deliver (a blow, kiss, etc.) with a deliberate aim. 8 sl. position or conceal (something incriminating or compromising) for later discovery. 9 a settle or people (a colony etc.). b found or establish (a city, community, etc.). 10 bury. plant-louse a small insect that infests plants, esp. an aphis. plant out transfer (a plant) from a pot or frame to the open ground; set out (seedlings) at intervals. plantable adj. plantlet n. plantlike adj. [OE plante & F plante f. L planta sprout, slip, cutting] Plantagenet adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to the kings of England from Henry II to Richard II. --n. any of these kings. [= sprig of broom (L planta genista) worn as a distinctive mark, the origin of their surname] plantainn. any shrub of the genus Plantago, with broad flat leaves spread out close to the ground and seeds used as food for birds and as a mild laxative. plantain lily = HOSTA. [ME f. OF f. L plantago -ginis f. planta sole of the foot (from its broad prostrate leaves)] n. 1 a banana plant, Musa paradisiaca, widely grown for its fruit. 2 the starchy fruit of this containing less sugar than a dessert banana and chiefly used in cooking. [earlier platan f. Sp. pl (n)tano plane-tree, prob. assim. f. Galibi palatana etc.] plantaradj. of or relating to the sole of the foot. [L plantaris f. planta sole] plantation n. 1 an estate on which cotton, tobacco, etc. is cultivated, esp. in former colonies, formerly by slave labour. 2 an area planted with trees etc. 3 hist. a colony; colonization. plantation song a song of the kind formerly sung by Blacks on American plantations. [ME f. OF plantation or L plantatio (as PLANT)] plantern. 1 a person who cultivates the soil. 2 the manager or occupier of a coffee, cotton, tobacco, etc. plantation. 3 a large container for decorative plants. 4 a machine for planting seeds etc. (potato-planter). plantigrade adj. & n. --adj. (of an animal) walking on the soles of its feet. --n. a plantigrade animal, e.g. humans or bears (cf. DIGITIGRADE). [F f. mod.L plantigradus f. L planta sole + -gradus -walking] plaquen. 1 an ornamental tablet of metal, porcelain, etc., esp. affixed to a building in commemoration. 2 a deposit on teeth where bacteria proliferate. 3 Med. a a patch or eruption of skin etc. as a result of damage. b a fibrous lesion in atherosclerosis. 4 a small badge of rank in an honorary order. plaquette n. [F f. Du. plak tablet f. plakken stick] plashn. & v. --n. 1 a splash; a plunge. 2 a a marshy pool. b a puddle. --v. 1 tr. & intr. splash. 2 tr. strike the surface of (water). plashy adj. [OE pl‘sc, prob. imit.] v.tr. 1 bend down and interweave (branches, twigs, etc.) to form a hedge. 2 make or renew (a hedge) in this way. [ME f. OF pla(i)ssier ult. f. L plectere plait: cf. PLEACH] plasman. (also plasm) 1 the colourless fluid part of blood, lymph, or milk, in which corpuscles or fat-globules are suspended. 2 = PROTOPLASM. 3 a gas of positive ions and free electrons with an approximately equal positive and negative charge. 4 a green variety of quartz used in mosaic and for other decorative purposes. plasmatic adj. plasmic adj. [LL, = mould f. Gk plasma -atos f. plasso to shape] plasmodesma n. (pl. plasmodesmata) a narrow thread of cytoplasm that passes through cell walls and affords communication between plant cells. [PLASMA + Gk desma bond, fetter] plasmodium n. (pl. plasmodia) 1 any parasitic protozoan of the genus Plasmodium, including those causing malaria in man. 2 a form within the life cycle of various micro-organisms including slime moulds, usu. consisting of a mass of naked protoplasm containing many nuclei. plasmodial adj. [mod.L f. PLASMA + - odium: see -ODE] plasmolyse v.intr. & tr. (US plasmolyze) undergo or subject to plasmolysis. plasmolysis n. contraction of the protoplast of a plant cell as a result of loss of water from the cell. [mod.L (as PLASMA, -LYSIS)] plastern. & v. --n. 1 a soft pliable mixture esp. of lime putty with sand or Portland cement etc. for spreading on walls, ceilings, etc., to form a smooth hard surface when dried. 2 Brit. = sticking-plaster (see STICK). 3 hist. a curative or protective substance spread on a bandage etc. and applied to the body (mustard plaster). --v.tr. 1 cover (a wall etc.) with plaster or a similar substance. 2 (often foll. by with) coat thickly or to excess; bedaub (plastered the bread with jam; the wall was plastered with slogans). 3 stick or apply (a thing) thickly like plaster (plastered glue all over it). 4 (often foll. by down) make (esp. hair) smooth with water, cream, etc.; fix flat. 5 (as plastered adj.) sl. drunk. 6 apply a medical plaster or plaster cast to. 7 sl. bomb or shell heavily. plaster cast 1 a bandage stiffened with plaster of Paris and applied to a broken limb etc. 2 a statue or mould made of plaster. plaster of Paris fine white plaster made of gypsum and used for making plaster casts etc. plaster saint iron. a person regarded as being without moral faults or human frailty. plasterer n. plastery adj. [ME f. OE & OF plastre or F plastrer f. med.L plastrum f. L emplastrum f. Gk emplastron] plasterboard n. two boards with a filling of plaster used to form or line the inner walls of houses etc. plasticn. & adj. --n. 1 any of a number of synthetic polymeric substances that can be given any required shape. 2 (attrib.) made of plastic (plastic bag). --adj. 1 capable of being moulded; pliant; supple. 2 moulding or giving form to clay, wax, etc. 3 Biol. exhibiting an adaptability to environmental changes. 4 (esp. in philosophy) formative, creative. plastic arts art forms involving modelling or moulding, e.g. sculpture and ceramics, or art involving the representation of solid objects with three-dimensional effects. plastic bomb a bomb containing plastic explosive. plastic explosive a putty-like explosive capable of being moulded by hand. plastic surgeon a qualified practitioner of plastic surgery. plastic surgery the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body by the transfer of tissue, either in the treatment of injury or for cosmetic reasons. plastically adv. plasticity n. plasticize v.tr. (also -ise). plasticization n. plasticizer n. plasticky adj. [F plastique or L plasticus f. Gk plastikos f. plasso mould] Plasticine n. propr. a soft plastic material used, esp. by children, for modelling. [PLASTIC + -INE] plastidn. any small organelle in the cytoplasm of a plant cell, containing pigment or food. [G f. Gk plastos shaped] plastronn. 1 a a fencer's leather-covered breastplate. b a lancer's breast-covering of facings-cloth. 2 a an ornamental front on a woman's bodice. b a man's starched shirt-front. 3 a the ventral part of the shell of a tortoise or turtle. b the corresponding part in other animals. 4 hist. a steel breastplate. plastral adj. [F f. It. piastrone augment. of piastra breastplate, f. L emplastrum PLASTER] platn. US 1 a plot of land. 2 a plan of an area of land. [16th c.: collateral form of PLOT] n. & v. --n. = PLAIT n. 1. --v.tr. (platted, platting) = PLAIT v. platann. = PLANE. [ME f. L platanus: see PLANE] plat du jour n. a dish specially featured on a day's menu. [F, = dish of the day] platen. & v. --n. 1 a a shallow vessel, usu. circular and of earthenware or china, from which food is eaten or served. b the contents of this (ate a plate of sandwiches). 2 a similar vessel usu. of metal or wood, used esp. for making a collection in a church etc. 3 US a main course of a meal, served on one plate. 4 Austral. & NZ a contribution of cakes, sandwiches, etc., to a social gathering. 5 (collect.) a utensils of silver, gold, or other metal. b objects of plated metal. 6 a piece of metal with a name or inscription for affixing to a door, container, etc. 7 an illustration on special paper in a book. 8 a thin sheet of metal, glass, etc., coated with a sensitive film for photography. 9 a flat thin usu. rigid sheet of metal etc. with an even surface and uniform thickness, often as part of a mechanism. 10 a a smooth piece of metal etc. for engraving. b an impression made from this. 11 a a silver or gold cup as a prize for a horse-race etc. b a race with this as a prize. 12 a a thin piece of plastic material, moulded to the shape of the mouth and gums, to which artificial teeth or another orthodontic appliance are attached. b colloq. a complete denture or orthodontic appliance. 13 Geol. each of several rigid sheets of rock thought to form the earth's outer crust. 14 Biol. a thin flat organic structure or formation. 15 a light shoe for a racehorse. 16 a stereotype, electrotype, or plastic cast of a page of composed movable types, or a metal or plastic copy of filmset matter, from which sheets are printed. 17 US Baseball a flat piece of whitened rubber marking the station of a batter or pitcher. 18 US the anode of a thermionic valve. 19 a horizontal timber laid along the top of a wall to support the ends of joists or rafters (window-plate). --v.tr. 1 apply a thin coat esp. of silver, gold, or tin to (another metal). 2 cover (esp. a ship) with plates of metal, esp. for protection. 3 make a plate of (type etc.) for printing. on a plate colloq. available with little trouble to the recipient. on one's plate for one to deal with or consider. plate armour armour of metal plates, for a man, ship, etc. plate glass thick fine-quality glass for shop windows etc., orig. cast in plates. plate-rack Brit. a rack in which plates are placed to drain. plate tectonics Geol. the study of the earth's surface based on the concept of moving 'plates' (see sense 13 of n.) forming its structure. plate tracery Archit. tracery with perforations in otherwise continuous stone. plateful n. (pl. -fuls). plateless adj. plater n. [ME f. OF f. med.L plata plate armour f. platus (adj.) ult. f. Gk platus flat] plateaun. & v. --n. (pl. plateaux or plateaus) 1 an area of fairly level high ground. 2 a state of little variation after an increase. --v.intr. (plateaus, plateaued) (often foll. by out) reach a level or stable state after an increase. [F f. OF platel dimin. of plat flat surface] platelayer n. Brit. a person employed in fixing and repairing railway rails. plateletn. a small colourless disc of protoplasm found in blood and involved in clotting. platenn. 1 a plate in a printing-press which presses the paper against the type. 2 a cylindrical roller in a typewriter against which the paper is held. [OF platine a flat piece f. plat flat] plateresque adj. richly ornamented in a style suggesting silverware. [Sp. plateresco f. platero silversmith f. plata silver] platformn. 1 a raised level surface; a natural or artificial terrace. 2 a raised surface from which a speaker addresses an audience. 3 Brit. a raised elongated structure along the side of a track in a railway station. 4 the floor area at the entrance to a bus. 5 a thick sole of a shoe. 6 the declared policy of a political party. platform ticket a ticket allowing a non-traveller access to a station platform. [F plateforme ground-plan f. plate flat + forme FORM] platingn. 1 a coating of gold, silver, etc. 2 racing for plates. platinicadj. of or containing (esp. tetravalent) platinum. platinizev.tr. (also -ise) coat with platinum. platinization n. platinoidn. an alloy of copper, zinc, nickel, and tungsten. platinumn. Chem. a ductile malleable silvery-white metallic element occurring naturally in nickel and copper ores, unaffected by simple acids and fusible only at a very high temperature, used in making jewellery and laboratory apparatus. °Symb.: Pt. platinum black platinum in powder form like lampblack. platinum blonde (or blond) adj. silvery-blond. --n. a person with silvery-blond hair. platinum metal any metallic element found with and resembling platinum e.g. osmium, iridium, and palladium. [mod.L f. earlier platina f. Sp., dimin. of plata silver] platituden. 1 a trite or commonplace remark, esp. one solemnly delivered. 2 the use of platitudes; dullness, insipidity. platitudinize v.intr. (also -ise). platitudinous adj. [F f. plat flat, after certitude, multitudinous, etc.] Platonicadj. 1 of or associated with the Greek philosopher Plato (d. 347 BC) or his ideas. 2 (platonic) (of love or friendship) purely spiritual, not sexual. 3 (platonic) confined to words or theory; not leading to action; harmless. Platonic solid (or body) any of the five regular solids (tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, icosahedron). Platonically adv. [L Platonicus f. Gk Platonikos f. Platon Plato] Platonismn. the philosophy of Plato or his followers. Platonist n. platoonn. 1 Mil. a subdivision of a company, a tactical unit commanded by a lieutenant and usu. divided into three sections. 2 a group of persons acting together. [F peloton small ball, dimin. of pelote: see PELLET, -OON] platteland n. S.Afr. remote country districts. plattelander n. [Afrik., = flat land] plattern. 1 a large flat dish or plate, esp. for food. 2 colloq. a gramophone record. on a platter = on a plate (see PLATE). [ME & AF plater f. AF plat PLATE] platy-comb. form broad, flat. [Gk platu- f. platus broad, flat] platyhelminth n. any invertebrate of the phylum Platyhelminthes, including flatworms, flukes, and tapeworms. platypusn. an Australian aquatic egg-laying mammal, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, having a pliable ducklike bill, webbed feet, and sleek grey fur. Also called DUCKBILL. platyrrhine adj. & n. --adj. (of primates) having nostrils far apart and directed forwards or sideways (cf. CATARRHINE). --n. such an animal. [PLATY- + Gk rhis rhin- nose] plauditn. (usu. in pl.) 1 a round of applause. 2 an emphatic expression of approval. [shortened f. L plaudite applaud, imper. pl. of plaudere plaus- applaud, said by Roman actors at the end of a play] plausibleadj. 1 (of an argument, statement, etc.) seeming reasonable or probable. 2 (of a person) persuasive but deceptive. plausibility n. plausibly adv. [L plausibilis (as PLAUDIT)] playv. & n. --v. 1 intr. (often foll. by with) occupy or amuse oneself pleasantly with some recreation, game, exercise, etc. 2 intr. (foll. by with) act light-heartedly or flippantly (with feelings etc.). 3 tr. a perform on or be able to perform on (a musical instrument). b perform (a piece of music etc.). c cause (a record, record-player, etc.) to produce sounds. 4 a intr. (foll. by in) perform a role in (a drama etc.). b tr. perform (a drama or role) on stage, or in a film or broadcast. c tr. give a dramatic performance at (a particular theatre or place). 5 tr. act in real life the part of (play truant; play the fool). 6 tr. (foll. by on) perform (a trick or joke etc.) on (a person). 7 tr. (foll. by for) regard (a person) as (something specified) (played me for a fool). 8 intr. colloq. participate, cooperate; do what is wanted (they won't play). 9 intr. gamble. 10 tr. gamble on. 11 tr. a take part in (a game or recreation). b compete with (another player or team) in a game. c occupy (a specified position) in a team for a game. d (foll. by in, on, at, etc.) assign (a player) to a position. 12 tr. move (a piece) or display (a playing-card) in one's turn in a game. 13 tr. (also absol.) strike (a ball etc.) or execute (a stroke) in a game. 14 intr. move about in a lively or unrestrained manner. 15 intr. (often foll. by on) a touch gently. b emit light, water, etc. (fountains gently playing). 16 tr. allow (a fish) to exhaust itself pulling against a line. 17 intr. (often foll. by at) a engage in a half-hearted way (in an activity). b pretend to be. 18 intr. (of a cricket ground etc.) be conducive to play as specified (the pitch is playing fast). 19 intr. colloq. act or behave (as specified) (play fair). 20 tr. (foll. by in, out, etc.) accompany (a person) with music (were played out with bagpipes). --n. 1 recreation, amusement, esp. as the spontaneous activity of children and young animals. 2 a the playing of a game. b the action or manner of this. c the status of the ball etc. in a game as being available to be played according to the rules (in play; out of play). 3 a dramatic piece for the stage etc. 4 activity or operation (are in full play; brought into play). 5 a freedom of movement. b space or scope for this. 6 brisk, light, or fitful movement. 7 gambling. 8 an action or manoeuvre, esp. in or as in a game. at play engaged in recreation. in play for amusement; not seriously. make play act effectively. make a play for colloq. make a conspicuous attempt to acquire. make play with use ostentatiously. play about (or around) behave irresponsibly. play along pretend to cooperate. play back play (sounds recently recorded), esp. to monitor recording quality etc. play-back n. a playing back of a sound or sounds. play ball see BALL. play by ear 1 perform (music) without the aid of a score. 2 (also play it by ear) proceed instinctively or step by step according to results and circumstances. play one's cards right (or well) make good use of opportunities; act shrewdly. play down minimize the importance of. play ducks and drakes with see DUCK. played out exhausted of energy or usefulness. play false act, or treat a (person), deceitfully or treacherously. play fast and loose act unreliably; ignore one's obligations. play the field see FIELD. play for time seek to gain time by delaying. play the game see GAME. play God see GOD. play havoc with see HAVOC. play hell with see HELL. play hookey see HOOKEY. play into a person's hands act so as unwittingly to give a person an advantage. play it cool colloq. 1 affect indifference. 2 be relaxed or unemotional. play the man = be a man (see MAN). play the market speculate in stocks etc. play off (usu. foll. by against) 1 oppose (one person against another), esp. for one's own advantage. 2 play an extra match to decide a draw or tie. play-off n. a match played to decide a draw or tie. play on 1 continue to play. 2 take advantage of (a person's feelings etc.). play oneself in become accustomed to the prevailing conditions in a game etc. play on words a pun. play-pen a portable enclosure for young children to play in. play possum see POSSUM. play safe (or for safety) avoid risks. play-suit a garment for a young child. play to the gallery see GALLERY. play up 1 behave mischievously. 2 cause trouble; be irritating (my rheumatism is playing up again). 3 obstruct or annoy in this way (played the teacher up). 4 put all one's energy into a game. play up to flatter, esp. to win favour. play with fire take foolish risks. playable adj. playability n. [OE plega (n.), pleg(i)an (v.), orig. = (to) exercise] playan. a flat dried-up area, esp. a desert basin from which water evaporates quickly. [Sp., = beach, f. LL plagia] play-actv. 1 intr. act in a play. 2 intr. behave affectedly or insincerely. 3 tr. act (a scene, part, etc.). play-acting n. play-actor n. playbilln. 1 a poster announcing a theatrical performance. 2 US a theatre programme. playboyn. an irresponsible pleasure-seeking man, esp. a wealthy one. playern. 1 a person taking part in a sport or game. 2 a person playing a musical instrument. 3 a person who plays a part on the stage; an actor. 4 = record-player. player-piano a piano fitted with an apparatus enabling it to be played automatically. [OE plegere (as PLAY)] playfellow n. a playmate. playfuladj. 1 fond of or inclined to play. 2 done in fun; humorous, jocular. playfully adv. playfulness n. playgoern. a person who goes often to the theatre. playground n. an outdoor area for children to play on. playgroupn. a group of preschool children who play regularly together at a particular place under supervision. playhousen. 1 a theatre. 2 a toy house for children to play in. playing-card n. each of a set of usu. 52 oblong pieces of card or other material with an identical pattern on one side and different values represented by numbers and symbols on the other, used to play various games. playing-field n. a field used for outdoor team games. playletn. a short play or dramatic piece. playmaten. a child's companion in play. playthingn. 1 a toy or other thing to play with. 2 a person treated as a toy. playtimen. time for play or recreation. playwright n. a person who writes plays. plazan. a market-place or open square (esp. in a Spanish town). [Sp., = place] plcabbr. (also PLC) Public Limited Company. plean. 1 an earnest appeal or entreaty. 2 Law a formal statement by or on behalf of a defendant. 3 an argument or excuse. plea bargaining US an arrangement between prosecutor and defendant whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in the expectations of leniency. [ME & AF ple, plai, OF plait, plaid agreement, discussion f. L placitum a decree, neut. past part. of placere to please] pleachv.tr. entwine or interlace (esp. branches to form a hedge). [ME pleche f. OF (as PLASH)] pleadv. (past and past part. pleaded or esp. US, Sc., & dial. pled) 1 intr. (foll. by with) make an earnest appeal to. 2 intr. Law address a lawcourt as an advocate on behalf of a party. 3 tr. maintain (a cause) esp. in a lawcourt. 4 tr. Law declare to be one's state as regards guilt in or responsibility for a crime (plead guilty; plead insanity). 5 tr. offer or allege as an excuse (pleaded forgetfulness). 6 intr. make an appeal or entreaty. pleadable adj. pleader n. pleadingly adv. [ME f. AF pleder, OF plaidier (as PLEA)] pleadingn. (usu. in pl.) a formal statement of the cause of an action or defence. pleasancen. a secluded enclosure or part of a garden, esp. one attached to a large house. [ME f. OF plaisance (as PLEASANT)] pleasantadj. (pleasanter, pleasantest) pleasing to the mind, feelings, or senses. pleasantly adv. pleasantness n. [ME f. OF plaisant (as PLEASE)] pleasantry n. (pl. -ies) 1 a pleasant or amusing remark, esp. made in casual conversation. 2 a humorous manner of speech. 3 jocularity. [F plaisanterie (as PLEASANT)] pleasev. 1 tr. (also absol.) be agreeable to; make glad; give pleasure to (the gift will please them; anxious to please). 2 tr. (in passive) a (foll. by to + infin.) be glad or willing to (am pleased to help). b (often foll. by about, at, with) derive pleasure or satisfaction (from). 3 tr. (with it as subject; usu. foll. by to + infin.) be the inclination or wish of (it did not please them to attend). 4 intr. think fit; have the will or desire (take as many as you please). 5 tr. (short for may it please you) used in polite requests (come in, please). if you please if you are willing, esp. iron. to indicate unreasonableness (then, if you please, we had to pay). pleased as Punch see PUNCH. please oneself do as one likes. pleased adj. pleasing adj. pleasingly adv. [ME plaise f. OF plaisir f. L placere] pleasurable adj. causing pleasure; agreeable. pleasurableness n. pleasurably adv. [PLEASURE + -ABLE, after comfortable] pleasuren. & v. --n. 1 a feeling of satisfaction or joy. 2 enjoyment. 3 a source of pleasure or gratification (painting was my chief pleasure; it is a pleasure to talk to them). 4 formal a person's will or desire (what is your pleasure?). 5 sensual gratification or enjoyment (a life of pleasure). 6 (attrib.) done or used for pleasure (pleasure-ground). --v. 1 tr. give (esp. sexual) pleasure to. 2 intr. (often foll. by in) take pleasure. take pleasure in like doing. with pleasure gladly. [ME & OF plesir, plaisir PLEASE, used as a noun] pleatn. & v. --n. a fold or crease, esp. a flattened fold in cloth doubled upon itself. --v.tr. make a pleat or pleats in. [ME, var. of PLAIT] plebn. colloq. usu. derog. an ordinary insignificant person. plebby adj. [abbr. of PLEBEIAN] plebeiann. & adj. --n. a commoner, esp. in ancient Rome. --adj. 1 of low birth; of the common people. 2 uncultured. 3 coarse, ignoble. plebeianism n. [L plebeius f. plebs plebis the common people] plebiscite n. 1 the direct vote of all the electors of a State etc. on an important public question, e.g. a change in the constitution. 2 the public expression of a community's opinion, with or without binding force. 3 Rom.Hist. a law enacted by the plebeians' assembly. plebiscitary adj. [F pl‚biscite f. L plebiscitum f. plebs plebis the common people + scitum decree f. sciscere vote for] plectrumn. (pl. plectrums or plectra) 1 a thin flat piece of plastic or horn etc. held in the hand and used to pluck a string, esp. of a guitar. 2 the corresponding mechanical part of a harpsichord etc. [L f. Gk plektron f. plesso strike] pledsee PLEAD. pledgen. & v. --n. 1 a solemn promise or undertaking. 2 a thing given as security for the fulfilment of a contract, the payment of a debt, etc., and liable to forfeiture in the event of failure. 3 a thing put in pawn. 4 a thing given as a token of love, favour, or something to come. 5 the drinking of a person's health; a toast. 6 a solemn undertaking to abstain from alcohol (sign the pledge). 7 the state of being pledged (goods lying in pledge). --v.tr. 1 a deposit as security. b pawn. 2 promise solemnly by the pledge of (one's honour, word, etc.). 3 (often refl.) bind by a solemn promise. 4 drink to the health of. pledge one's troth see TROTH. pledgeable adj. pledger n. pledgor n. [ME plege f. OF plege f. LL plebium f. plebire assure] pledgeen. a person to whom a pledge is given. pledgetn. a small wad of lint etc. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] pleiadn. a brilliant group of (usu. seven) persons or things. [named after PLEIADES] Pleiadesn.pl. a cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus, usu. known as 'the Seven Sisters'. [ME f. L Ple‹as f. Gk Pleias -ados] Pleistocene adj. & n. Geol. --adj. of or relating to the first epoch of the Quaternary period marked by great fluctuations in temperature with glacial periods followed by interglacial periods. --n. this epoch or system. Also called Ice age. °Cf. Appendix II. [Gk pleistos most + kainos new] plenaryadj. 1 entire, unqualified, absolute (plenary indulgence). 2 (of an assembly) to be attended by all members. [LL plenarius f. plenus full] plenipotentiary n. & adj. --n. (pl. -ies) a person (esp. a diplomat) invested with the full power of independent action. --adj. 1 having this power. 2 (of power) absolute. [med.L plenipotentiarius f. plenus full + potentia power] plenituden. literary 1 fullness, completeness. 2 abundance. [ME f. OF f. LL plenitudo f. plenus full] plenteousadj. poet. plentiful. plenteously adv. plenteousness n. [ME f. OF plentivous f. plentif -ive f. plent‚ PLENTY: cf. bounteous] plentifuladj. abundant, copious. plentifully adv. plentifulness n. plentyn., adj., & adv. --n. (often foll. by of) a great or sufficient quantity or number (we have plenty; plenty of time). --adj. colloq. existing in an ample quantity. --adv. colloq. fully, entirely (it is plenty large enough). [ME plenteth, plente f. OF plentet f. L plenitas -tatis f. plenus full] plenumn. 1 a full assembly of people or a committee etc. 2 Physics space filled with matter. [L, neut. of plenus full] pleochroic adj. showing different colours when viewed in different directions. pleochroism n. [Gk pleion more + -khroos f. khros colour] pleomorphism n. Biol., Chem., & Mineral. the occurrence of more than one distinct form. pleomorphic adj. [Gk pleion more + morphe form] pleonasmn. the use of more words than are needed to give the sense (e.g. see with one's eyes). pleonastic adj. pleonastically adv. [LL pleonasmus f. Gk pleonasmos f. pleonazo be superfluous] plesiosaurus n. (also plesiosaur) any of a group of extinct marine reptiles with a broad flat body, short tail, long flexible neck, and large paddle-like limbs. [mod.L f. Gk plesios near + sauros lizard] plessorvar. of PLEXOR. plethoran. 1 an oversupply, glut, or excess. 2 Med. a an abnormal excess of red corpuscles in the blood. b an excess of any body fluid. plethoric also adj. plethorically adv. [LL f. Gk plethore f. pletho be full] pleuran. (pl. pleurae) 1 each of a pair of serous membranes lining the thorax and enveloping the lungs in mammals. 2 lateral extensions of the body-wall in arthropods. pleural adj. [med.L f. Gk, = side of the body, rib] pl. of PLEURON. pleurisyn. inflammation of the pleura, marked by pain in the chest or side, fever, etc. pleuritic adj. [ME f. OF pleurisie f. LL pleurisis alt. f. L pleuritis f. Gk (as PLEURA)] pleuro-comb. form 1 denoting the pleura. 2 denoting the side. pleuronn. (pl. pleura) = PLEURA 2. [Gk, = side of the body, rib] pleuropneumonia n. pneumonia complicated with pleurisy. Plexiglasn. propr. = PERSPEX. [formed as PLEXOR + GLASS] plexorn. (also plessor) Med. a small hammer used to test reflexes and in percussing. [irreg. f. Gk plexis percussion + -OR] plexusn. (pl. same or plexuses) 1 Anat. a network of nerves or vessels in an animal body (gastric plexus). 2 any network or weblike formation. plexiform adj. [L f. plectere plex- plait] pliableadj. 1 bending easily; supple. 2 yielding, compliant. pliability n. pliableness n. pliably adv. [F f. plier bend: see PLY] pliantadj. = PLIABLE 1. pliancy n. pliantly adv. [ME f. OF (as PLIABLE)] plicateadj. Biol. & Geol. folded, crumpled, corrugated. plicated adj. [L plicatus past part. of plicare fold] plicationn. 1 the act of folding. 2 a fold; a folded condition. [ME f. med.L plicatio or L plicare fold, after complication] pli‚n. Ballet a bending of the knees with the feet on the ground. [F, past part. of plier bend: see PLY] pliersn.pl. pincers with parallel flat usu. serrated surfaces for holding small objects, bending wire, etc. [(dial.) ply bend (as PLIABLE)] plightn. a condition or state, esp. an unfortunate one. [ME & AF plit = OF pleit fold: see PLAIT: -gh- by confusion with PLIGHT] v. & n. archaic --v.tr. 1 pledge or promise solemnly (one's faith, loyalty, etc.). 2 (foll. by to) engage, esp. in marriage. --n. an engagement or act of pledging. plight one's troth see TROTH. [orig. as noun, f. OE pliht danger f. Gmc] plimsolln. (also plimsole) Brit. a rubber-soled canvas sports shoe. [prob. from the resemblance of the side of the sole to a PLIMSOLL LINE] Plimsoll line n. (also Plimsoll mark) a marking on a ship's side showing the limit of legal submersion under various conditions. [S. Plimsoll, Engl. politician d. 1898, promoter of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1876] plinthn. 1 the lower square slab at the base of a column. 2 a base supporting a vase or statue etc. [F plinthe or L plinthus f. Gk plinthos tile, brick, squared stone] Plioceneadj. & n. Geol. --adj. of or relating to the last epoch of the Tertiary period with evidence of the extinction of many mammals, and the development of hominids. --n. this epoch or system. °Cf. Appendix II. [Gk pleion more + kainos new] pliss‚adj. & n. --adj. (of cloth etc.) treated so as to cause permanent puckering. --n. material treated in this way. [F, past part. of plisser pleat] PLOabbr. Palestine Liberation Organization. plodv. & n. --v. (plodded, plodding) 1 intr. (often foll. by along, on, etc.) walk doggedly or laboriously; trudge. 2 intr. (often foll. by at) work slowly and steadily. 3 tr. tread or make (one's way) laboriously. --n. the act or a spell of plodding. plodder n. ploddingly adv. [16th c.: prob. imit.] -ploidcomb. form Biol. forming adjectives denoting the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell (diploid; polyploid). [after HAPLOID] ploidyn. the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell. [after DIPLOIDY, POLYPLOIDY , etc.] plonkv. & n. --v.tr. 1 set down hurriedly or clumsily. 2 (usu. foll. by down) set down firmly. --n. 1 an act of plonking. 2 a heavy thud. [imit.] n. colloq. cheap or inferior wine. [orig. Austral.: prob. corrupt. of blanc in F vin blanc white wine] plopn., v., & adv. --n. 1 a sound as of a smooth object dropping into water without a splash. 2 an act of falling with this sound. --v. (plopped, plopping) intr. & tr. fall or drop with a plop. --adv. with a plop. [19th c.: imit.] plosionn. Phonet. the sudden release of breath in the pronunciation of a stop consonant. [EXPLOSION] plosiveadj. & n. Phonet. --adj. pronounced with a sudden release of breath. --n. a plosive sound. [EXPLOSIVE] plotn. & v. --n. 1 a defined and usu. small piece of ground. 2 the interrelationship of the main events in a play, novel, film, etc. 3 a conspiracy or secret plan, esp. to achieve an unlawful end. 4 esp. US a graph or diagram. 5 a graph showing the relation between two variables. --v. (plotted, plotting) tr. 1 make a plan or map of (an existing object, a place or thing to be laid out, constructed, etc.). 2 (also absol.) plan or contrive secretly (a crime, conspiracy, etc.). 3 mark (a point or course etc.) on a chart or diagram. 4 a mark out or allocate (points) on a graph. b make (a curve etc.) by marking out a number of points. plotless adj. plotlessness n. plotter n. [OE and f. OF complot secret plan: both of unkn. orig.] ploughn. & v. (esp. US plow) --n. 1 an implement with a cutting blade fixed in a frame drawn by a tractor or by horses, for cutting furrows in the soil and turning it up. 2 an implement resembling this and having a comparable function (snowplough). 3 ploughed land. 4 (the Plough) the constellation Ursa Major or its seven bright stars. --v. 1 tr. (also absol.) turn up (the earth) with a plough, esp. before sowing. 2 tr. (foll. by out, up, down, etc.) turn or extract (roots, weeds, etc.) with a plough. 3 tr. furrow or scratch (a surface) as if with a plough. 4 tr. produce (a furrow or line) in this way. 5 intr. (foll. by through) advance laboriously, esp. through work, a book, etc. 6 intr. (foll. by through, into) move like a plough violently. 7 intr. & tr. Brit. colloq. fail in an examination. plough back 1 plough (grass etc.) into the soil to enrich it. 2 reinvest (profits) in the business producing them. Plough Monday the first Monday after the Epiphany. put one's hand to the plough undertake a task (Luke 9:62). ploughable adj. plougher n. [OE ploh f. ON pl¢gr f. Gmc] ploughmann. (pl. -men) a person who uses a plough. ploughman's lunch a meal of bread and cheese with pickle or salad. ploughman's spikenard a composite fragrant plant, Inula conyzae, with purplish-yellow flowerheads. ploughshare n. the cutting blade of a plough. plovern. any plump-breasted wading bird of the family Charadriidae, including the lapwing, usu. having a pigeon-like bill. [ME & AF f. OF plo(u)vier ult. f. L pluvia rain] plowUS var. of PLOUGH. ployn. colloq. a stratagem; a cunning manoeuvre to gain an advantage. [orig. Sc., 18th c.: orig. unkn.] PLPabbr. (in the UK) Parliamentary Labour Party. PLRabbr. (in the UK) Public Lending Right. pluckv. & n. --v. 1 tr. (often foll. by out, off, etc.) remove by picking or pulling out or away. 2 tr. strip (a bird) of feathers. 3 tr. pull at, twitch. 4 intr. (foll. by at) tug or snatch at. 5 tr. sound (the string of a musical instrument) with the finger or plectrum etc. 6 tr. plunder. 7 tr. swindle. --n. 1 courage, spirit. 2 an act of plucking; a twitch. 3 the heart, liver, and lungs of an animal as food. pluck up summon up (one's courage, spirits, etc.). plucker n. pluckless adj. [OE ploccian, pluccian, f. Gmc] pluckyadj. (pluckier, pluckiest) brave, spirited. pluckily adv. pluckiness n. plugn. & v. --n. 1 a piece of solid material fitting tightly into a hole, used to fill a gap or cavity or act as a wedge or stopper. 2 a a device of metal pins in an insulated casing fitting into holes in a socket for making an electrical connection, esp. between an appliance and the mains. b colloq. an electric socket. 3 = sparking-plug (see SPARK). 4 colloq. a piece of (often free) publicity for an idea, product, etc. 5 a mass of solidified lava filling the neck of a volcano. 6 a cake or stick of tobacco; a piece of this for chewing. 7 = fire-plug. --v. (plugged, plugging) 1 tr. (often foll. by up) stop (a hole etc.) with a plug. 2 tr. sl. shoot or hit (a person etc.). 3 tr. colloq. seek to popularize (an idea, product, etc.) by constant recommendation. 4 intr. colloq. (often foll. by at) work steadily away (at). plug in connect electrically by inserting a plug in a socket. plug-in adj. able to be connected by means of a plug. plug-ugly US sl. n. (pl. -ies) a thug or ruffian. --adj. villainous-looking. plugger n. [MDu. & MLG plugge, of unkn. orig.] plumn. 1 a an oval fleshy fruit, usu. purple or yellow when ripe, with sweet pulp and a flattish pointed stone. b any deciduous tree of the genus Prunus bearing this. 2 a reddish-purple colour. 3 a dried grape or raisin used in cooking. 4 colloq. the best of a collection; something especially prized (often attrib.: a plum job). plum cake a cake containing raisins, currants, etc. plum duff a plain flour pudding with raisins or currants. plum pudding a rich boiled suet pudding with raisins, currants, spices, etc. [OE plume f. med.L pruna f. L prunum] plumagen. a bird's feathers. plumaged adj. (usu. in comb.). [ME f. OF (as PLUME)] plumassier n. a person who trades or works in ornamental feathers. [F f. plumasse augment. of plume PLUME] plumbn., adv., adj., & v. --n. a ball of lead or other heavy material, esp. one attached to the end of a line for finding the depth of water or determining the vertical on an upright surface. --adv. 1 exactly (plumb in the centre). 2 vertically. 3 US sl. quite, utterly (plumb crazy). --adj. 1 vertical. 2 downright, sheer (plumb nonsense). 3 Cricket (of the wicket) level, true. --v.tr. 1 a measure the depth of (water) with a plumb. b determine (a depth). 2 test (an upright surface) to determine the vertical. 3 reach or experience in extremes (plumb the depths of fear). 4 learn in detail the facts about (a matter). out of plumb not vertical. plumb-line a line with a plumb attached. plumb-rule a mason's plumb-line attached to a board. [ME, prob. ult. f. L plumbum lead, assim. to OF plomb lead] v. 1 tr. provide (a building or room etc.) with plumbing. 2 tr. (often foll. by in) fit as part of a plumbing system. 3 intr. work as a plumber. [back-form. f. PLUMBER] plumbagon. (pl. -os) 1 = GRAPHITE. 2 any plant of the genus Plumbago, with grey or blue flowers. Also called LEADWORT. [L f. plumbum LEAD] plumbeousadj. 1 of or like lead. 2 lead-glazed. [L plumbeus f. plumbum LEAD] plumbern. a person who fits and repairs the apparatus of a water-supply, heating, etc. [ME plummer etc. f. OF plommier f. L plumbarius f. plumbum LEAD] plumbicadj. 1 Chem. containing lead esp. in its tetravalent form. 2 Med. due to the presence of lead. plumbism n. (in sense 2). [L plumbum lead] plumbingn. 1 the system or apparatus of water-supply, heating, etc., in a building. 2 the work of a plumber. 3 colloq. lavatory installations. plumblessadj. (of a depth of water etc.) that cannot be plumbed. plumbousn. Chem. containing lead in its divalent form. plumen. & v. --n. 1 a feather, esp. a large one used for ornament. 2 an ornament of feathers etc. attached to a helmet or hat or worn in the hair. 3 something resembling this (a plume of smoke). 4 Zool. a feather-like part or formation. --v. 1 tr. decorate or provide with a plume or plumes. 2 refl. (foll. by on, upon) pride (oneself on esp. something trivial). 3 tr. (of a bird) preen (itself or its feathers). plumeless adj. plumelike adj. plumery n. [ME f. OF f. L pluma down] plummetn. & v. --n. 1 a plumb or plumb-line. 2 a sounding-line. 3 a weight attached to a fishing-line to keep the float upright. --v.intr. (plummeted, plummeting) fall or plunge rapidly. [ME f. OF plommet dimin. (as PLUMB)] plummyadj. (plummier, plummiest) 1 abounding or rich in plums. 2 colloq. (of a voice) sounding affectedly rich or deep in tone. 3 colloq. good, desirable. plumoseadj. 1 feathered. 2 feather-like. [L plumosus (as PLUME)] plumpadj. & v. --adj. (esp. of a person or animal or part of the body) having a full rounded shape; fleshy; filled out. --v.tr. & intr. (often foll. by up, out) make or become plump; fatten. plumpish adj. plumply adv. plumpness n. plumpy adj. [ME plompe f. MDu. plomp blunt, MLG plump, plomp shapeless etc.] v., n., adv., & adj. --v. 1 intr. & tr. (often foll. by down) drop or fall abruptly (plumped down on the chair; plumped it on the floor). 2 intr. (foll. by for) decide definitely in favour of (one of two or more possibilities). 3 tr. (often foll. by out) utter abruptly; blurt out. --n. an abrupt plunge; a heavy fall. --adv. colloq. 1 with a sudden or heavy fall. 2 directly, bluntly (I told him plump). --adj. colloq. direct, unqualified (answered with a plump 'no'). [ME f. MLG plumpen, MDu. plompen: orig. imit.] plumulen. 1 the rudimentary shoot or stem of an embryo plant. 2 a down feather on a young bird. plumulaceous adj. (in sense 2). plumular adj. (in sense 1). [F plumule or L plumula, dimin. (as PLUME)] plumyadj. (plumier, plumiest) 1 plumelike, feathery. 2 adorned with plumes. plunderv. & n. --v.tr. 1 rob (a place or person) forcibly of goods, e.g. as in war. 2 rob systematically. 3 (also absol.) steal or embezzle (goods). --n. 1 the violent or dishonest acquisition of property. 2 property acquired by plundering. 3 colloq. profit, gain. plunderer n. [LG plndern lit. 'rob of household goods' f. MHG plunder clothing etc.] plungev. & n. --v. 1 (usu. foll. by in, into) a tr. thrust forcefully or abruptly. b intr. dive; propel oneself forcibly. c intr. & tr. enter or cause to enter a certain condition or embark on a certain course abruptly or impetuously (they plunged into a lively discussion; the room was plunged into darkness). 2 tr. immerse completely. 3 intr. a move suddenly and dramatically downward. b (foll. by down, into, etc.) move with a rush (plunged down the stairs). c diminish rapidly (share prices have plunged). 4 intr. (of a horse) start violently forward. 5 intr. (of a ship) pitch. 6 intr. colloq. gamble heavily; run into debt. --n. a plunging action or movement; a dive. plunging (or plunge) neckline a low-cut neckline. take the plunge colloq. commit oneself to a (usu. risky) course of action. [ME f. OF plungier ult. f. L plumbum plummet] plungern. 1 a part of a mechanism that works with a plunging or thrusting movement. 2 a rubber cup on a handle for clearing blocked pipes by a plunging and sucking action. 3 colloq. a reckless gamble. plunkn. & v. --n. 1 the sound made by the sharply plucked string of a stringed instrument. 2 US a heavy blow. 3 US = PLONK n. --v. 1 intr. & tr. sound or cause to sound with a plunk. 2 tr. US hit abruptly. 3 tr. US = PLONK v. [imit.] pluperfect adj. & n. Gram. --adj. (of a tense) denoting an action completed prior to some past point of time specified or implied, formed in English by had and the past participle, as: he had gone by then. --n. the pluperfect tense. [mod.L plusperfectum f. L plus quam perfectum more than perfect] pluraladj. & n. --adj. 1 more than one in number. 2 Gram. (of a word or form) denoting more than one, or (in languages with dual number) more than two. --n. Gram. 1 a plural word or form. 2 the plural number. plurally adv. [ME f. OF plurel f. L pluralis f. plus pluris more] pluralismn. 1 holding more than one office, esp. an ecclesiastical office or benefice, at a time. 2 a form of society in which the members of minority groups maintain their independent cultural traditions. 3 Philos. a system that recognizes more than one ultimate principle (cf. MONISM 2). pluralist n. pluralistic adj. pluralistically adv. pluralityn. (pl. -ies) 1 the state of being plural. 2 = PLURALISM 1. 3 a large or the greater number. 4 US a majority that is not absolute. [ME f. OF pluralit‚ f. LL pluralitas (as PLURAL)] pluralizev. (also -ise) 1 tr. & intr. make or become plural. 2 tr. express in the plural. 3 intr. hold more than one ecclesiastical office or benefice. pluri-comb. form several. [L plus pluris more, plures several] plusprep., adj., n., & conj. --prep. 1 Math. with the addition of (3 plus 4 equals 7). °Symbol: +. 2 (of temperature) above zero (plus 2ø C). 3 colloq. with; having gained; newly possessing (returned plus a new car). --adj. 1 (after a number) at least (fifteen plus). 2 (after a grade etc.) rather better than (beta plus). 3 Math. positive. 4 having a positive electrical charge. 5 (attrib.) additional, extra (plus business). --n. 1 = plus sign. 2 Math. an additional or positive quantity. 3 an advantage (experience is a definite plus). --conj. colloq. disp. also; and furthermore (they arrived late, plus they were hungry). plus sign the symbol +, indicating addition or a positive value. [L, = more] plus-fours n. long wide men's knickerbockers usu. worn for golf etc. [20th c.: so named because the overhang at the knee requires an extra four inches] plushn. & adj. --n. cloth of silk or cotton etc., with a long soft nap. --adj. 1 made of plush. 2 plushy. plushly adv. plushness n. [obs. F pluche contr. f. peluche f. OF peluchier f. It. peluzzo dimin. of pelo f. L pilus hair] plushyadj. (plushier, plushiest) colloq. stylish, luxurious. plushiness n. plutarchyn. (pl. -ies) plutocracy. [Gk ploutos wealth + -arkhia -rule] Pluton. the outermost known planet of the solar system. [L f. Gk Plouton god of the underworld] plutocracy n. (pl. -ies) 1 a government by the wealthy. b a State governed in this way. 2 a wealthy ‚lite or ruling class. plutocratic adj. plutocratically adv. [Gk ploutokratia f. ploutos wealth + -CRACY] plutocratn. derog. or joc. 1 a member of a plutocracy or wealthy ‚lite. 2 a wealthy and influential person. plutonn. Geol. a body of plutonic rock. [back-form. f. PLUTONIC] Plutonianadj. 1 infernal. 2 of the infernal regions. [L Plutonius f. Gk Ploutonios (as PLUTO)] plutonicadj. 1 Geol. (of rock) formed as igneous rock by solidification below the surface of the earth. 2 (Plutonic) = PLUTONIAN. [formed as PLUTONIAN] plutoniumn. Chem. a dense silvery radioactive metallic transuranic element of the actinide series, used in some nuclear reactors and weapons. °Symb.: Pu. [PLUTO (as the next planet beyond Neptune) + -IUM] pluvialadj. & n. --adj. 1 of rain; rainy. 2 Geol. caused by rain. --n. a period of prolonged rainfall. pluvious adj. (in sense 1). [L pluvialis f. pluvia rain] pluviometer n. a rain-gauge. pluviometric adj. pluviometrical adj. pluviometrically adv. [L pluvia rain + -METER] plyn. (pl. -ies) 1 a thickness or layer of certain materials, esp. wood or cloth (three-ply). 2 a strand of yarn or rope etc. [ME f. F pli f. plier, pleier f. L plicare fold] v. (-ies, -ied) 1 tr. use or wield vigorously (a tool, weapon, etc.). 2 tr. work steadily at (one's business or trade). 3 tr. (foll. by with) a supply (a person) continuously (with food, drink, etc.). b approach repeatedly (with questions, demands, etc.). 4 a intr. (often foll. by between) (of a vehicle etc.) travel regularly (to and fro between two points). b tr. work (a route) in this way. 5 intr. (of a taxi-driver, boatman, etc.) attend regularly for custom (ply for trade). 6 intr. sail to windward. [ME plye, f. APPLY] Plymouth Brethren n.pl. a strict Calvinistic religious body formed at Plymouth in Devon c.1830, having no formal creed and no official order of ministers. plywoodn. a strong thin board consisting of two or more layers glued and pressed together with the direction of the grain alternating. PMabbr. 1 Prime Minister. 2 post-mortem. 3 Provost Marshal. Pmsymb. Chem. the element promethium. p.m.abbr. after noon. [L post meridiem] PMGabbr. 1 Paymaster General. 2 Postmaster General. PMTabbr. premenstrual tension. PNdBabbr. perceived noise decibel(s). pneumaticadj. & n. --adj. 1 of or relating to air or wind. 2 containing or operated by compressed air. 3 connected with or containing air cavities esp. in the bones of birds or in fish. pneumatic drill a drill driven by compressed air, for breaking up a hard surface. pneumatic trough a shallow container used in laboratories to collect gases in jars over the surface of water or mercury. pneumatically adv. pneumaticity n. [F pneumatique or L pneumaticus f. Gk pneumatikos f. pneuma wind f. pneo breathe] pneumatics n.pl. (treated as sing.) the science of the mechanical properties of gases. pneumato-comb. form denoting: 1 air. 2 breath. 3 spirit. [Gk f. pneuma (as PNEUMATIC)] pneumatology n. 1 the branch of theology concerned with the Holy Ghost and other spiritual concepts. 2 archaic psychology. pneumatological adj. pneumatophore n. 1 the gaseous cavity of various hydrozoa, such as the Portuguese man-of-war. 2 an aerial root specialized for gaseous exchange found in various plants growing in swampy areas. pneumo-comb. form denoting the lungs. [abbr. of pneumono- f. Gk pneumon lung] pneumoconiosis n. a lung disease caused by inhalation of dust or small particles. [PNEUMO- + Gk konis dust] pneumogastric adj. of or relating to the lungs and stomach. pneumonectomy n. (pl. -ies) Surgery the surgical removal of a lung or part of a lung. pneumonian. a bacterial inflammation of one lung (single pneumonia) or both lungs (double pneumonia) causing the air sacs to fill with pus and become solid. pneumonic adj. [L f. Gk f. pneumon lung] pneumonitis n. inflammation of the lungs usu. caused by a virus. pneumothorax n. the presence of air or gas in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall. PNGabbr. Papua New Guinea. POabbr. 1 Post Office. 2 postal order. 3 Petty Officer. 4 Pilot Officer. Posymb. Chem. the element polonium. pon. (pl. pos) Brit. colloq. a chamber-pot. POAabbr. (in the UK) Prison Officers' Association. poachv.tr. 1 cook (an egg) without its shell in or over boiling water. 2 cook (fish etc.) by simmering in a small amount of liquid. poacher n. [ME f. OF pochier f. poche POKE] v. 1 tr. (also absol.) catch (game or fish) illegally. 2 intr. (often foll. by on) trespass or encroach (on another's property, ideas, etc.). 3 tr. appropriate illicitly or unfairly (a person, thing, idea, etc.). 4 tr. Tennis etc. take (a shot) in one's partner's portion of the court. 5 a tr. trample or cut up (turf) with hoofs. b intr. (of land) become sodden by being trampled. poacher n. [earlier poche, perh. f. F pocher put in a pocket (as POACH)] pochardn. any duck of the genus Aythya, esp. A. ferina, the male of which has a bright reddish-brown head and neck and a grey breast. [16th c.: orig. unkn.] pochetten. a woman's envelope-shaped handbag. [F, dimin. of poche pocket: see POKE] pockn. (also pock-mark) 1 a small pus-filled spot on the skin, esp. caused by chickenpox or smallpox. 2 a mark resembling this. pock-marked bearing marks resembling or left by such spots. pocky adj. [OE poc f. Gmc] pocketn. & v. --n. 1 a small bag sewn into or on clothing, for carrying small articles. 2 a pouchlike compartment in a suitcase, car door, etc. 3 one's financial resources (it is beyond my pocket). 4 an isolated group or area (a few pockets of resistance remain). 5 a a cavity in the earth containing ore, esp. gold. b a cavity in rock, esp. filled with foreign matter. 6 a pouch at the corner or on the side of a billiard- or snooker-table into which balls are driven. 7 = air pocket. 8 (attrib.) a of a suitable size and shape for carrying in a pocket. b smaller than the usual size. --v.tr. (pocketed, pocketing) 1 put into one's pocket. 2 appropriate, esp. dishonestly. 3 confine as in a pocket. 4 submit to (an injury or affront). 5 conceal or suppress (one's feelings). 6 Billiards etc. drive (a ball) into a pocket. in pocket 1 having gained in a transaction. 2 (of money) available. in a person's pocket 1 under a person's control. 2 close to or intimate with a person. out of pocket having lost in a transaction. out-of-pocket expenses the actual outlay of cash incurred. pocket battleship hist. a warship armoured and equipped like, but smaller than, a battleship. pocket borough Brit. hist. a borough in which the election of political representatives was controlled by one person or family. pocket gopher = GOPHER 1. pocket knife a knife with a folding blade or blades, for carrying in the pocket. pocket money 1 money for minor expenses. 2 Brit. an allowance of money made to a child. put one's hand in one's pocket spend or provide money. pocketable adj. pocketless adj. pockety adj. (in sense 5 of n.). [ME f. AF poket(e) dimin. of poke POKE] pocketbook n. 1 a notebook. 2 a booklike case for papers or money carried in a pocket. 3 US a purse or handbag. 4 US a paperback or other small book. pocketfuln. (pl. -fuls) as much as a pocket will hold. pocoadv. Mus. a little; rather (poco adagio). [It.] podn. & v. --n. 1 a long seed-vessel esp. of a leguminous plant, e.g. a pea. 2 the cocoon of a silkworm. 3 the case surrounding locust eggs. 4 a narrow-necked eel-net. 5 a compartment suspended under an aircraft for equipment etc. --v. (podded, podding) 1 intr. bear or form pods. 2 tr. remove (peas etc.) from pods. in pod colloq. pregnant. [back-form. f. dial. podware, podder field crops, of unkn. orig.] podagran. Med. gout of the foot, esp. the big toe. podagral adj. podagric adj. podagrous adj. [L f. Gk pous podos foot + agra seizure] podgyadj. (podgier, podgiest) 1 (of a person) short and fat. 2 (of a face etc.) plump, fleshy. podginess n. [19th c.: f. podge a short fat person] podiatryn. US = CHIROPODY. podiatrist n. [Gk pous podos foot + iatros physician] podiumn. (pl. podiums or podia) 1 a continuous projecting base or pedestal round a room or house etc. 2 a raised platform round the arena of an amphitheatre. 3 a platform or rostrum. [L f. Gk podion dimin. of pous pod- foot] podzoln. (also podsol) a soil with minerals leached from its surface layers into a lower stratum. podzolize v.tr. & intr. (also -ise). [Russ. f. pod under, zola ashes] poemn. 1 a metrical composition, usu. concerned with feeling or imaginative description. 2 an elevated composition in verse or prose. 3 something with poetic qualities (a poem in stone). [F poŠme or L poema f. Gk poema = poiema f. poieo make] poesyn. archaic 1 poetry. 2 the art or composition of poetry. [ME f. OF poesie ult. f. L poesis f. Gk poesis = poiesis making, poetry (as POEM)] poetn. (fem. poetess) 1 a writer of poems. 2 a person possessing high powers of imagination or expression etc. Poet Laureate (in the UK) a poet appointed to write poems for State occasions. Poets' Corner part of Westminster Abbey where several poets are buried or commemorated. [ME f. OF poete f. L poeta f. Gk poetes = poietes maker, poet (as POEM)] poetastern. a paltry or inferior poet. [mod.L (as POET): see -ASTER] poeticadj. (also poetical) 1 a of or like poetry or poets. b written in verse. 2 elevated or sublime in expression. poetic justice well-deserved unforeseen retribution or reward. poetic licence a writer's or artist's transgression of established rules for effect. poetically adv. [F po‚tique f. L poeticus f. Gk poetikos (as POET)] poeticizev.tr. (also -ise) make (a theme) poetic. poeticsn. 1 the art of writing poetry. 2 the study of poetry and its techniques. poetizev. (also -ise) 1 intr. play the poet. 2 intr. compose poetry. 3 tr. treat poetically. 4 tr. celebrate in poetry. [F po‚tiser (as POET)] poetryn. 1 the art or work of a poet. 2 poems collectively. 3 a poetic or tenderly pleasing quality. 4 anything compared to poetry. [ME f. med.L poetria f. L poeta POET, prob. after geometry] po-facedadj. 1 solemn-faced, humourless. 2 smug. [20th c.: perh. f. PO, infl. by poker-faced] pogon. (pl. -os) (also pogo stick) a toy consisting of a spring-loaded stick with rests for the feet, for springing about on. [20th c.: orig. uncert.] pogromn. an organized massacre (orig. of Jews in Russia). [Russ., = devastation f. gromit' destroy] poignantadj. 1 painfully sharp to the emotions or senses; deeply moving. 2 arousing sympathy. 3 sharp or pungent in taste or smell. 4 pleasantly piquant. poignance n. poignancy n. poignantly adv. [ME f. OF, pres. part. of poindre prick f. L pungere] poikilotherm n. an organism that regulates its body temperature by behavioural means, such as basking or burrowing; a cold-blooded organism (cf. HOMOEOTHERM). poikilothermal adj. poikilothermia n. poikilothermic adj. poikilothermy n. [Gk poikilos multicoloured, changeable + therme heat] poilun. hist. a French private soldier, esp. as a nickname. [F, lit. hairy f. poil hair] poincianan. any tropical tree of the genus Poinciana, with bright showy red flowers. [mod.L f. M. de Poinci, 17th-c. governor in the West Indies + -ana fem. suffix] poindv. & n. Sc. --v.tr. distrain upon; impound. --n. 1 an act of poinding. 2 an animal or chattel poinded. [ME f. OE pyndan impound] poinsettia n. a shrub, Euphorbia pulcherrima, with large showy scarlet or pink bracts surrounding small yellow flowers. [mod.L f. J. R. Poinsett, Amer. diplomat d. 1851] pointn. & v. --n. 1 the sharp or tapered end of a tool, weapon, pencil, etc. 2 a tip or extreme end. 3 that which in geometry has position but not magnitude, e.g. the intersection of two lines. 4 a particular place or position (Bombay and points east; point of contact). 5 a a precise or particular moment (at the point of death). b the critical or decisive moment (when it came to the point, he refused). 6 a very small mark on a surface. 7 a a dot or other punctuation mark, esp. = full point = FULL. b a dot or small stroke used in Semitic languages to indicate vowels or distinguish consonants. 8 = decimal point. 9 a stage or degree in progress or increase (abrupt to the point of rudeness; at that point we gave up). 10 a level of temperature at which a change of state occurs (freezing-point). 11 a single item; a detail or particular (we differ on these points; it is a point of principle). 12 a a unit of scoring in games or of measuring value etc. b an advantage or success in less quantifiable contexts such as an argument or discussion. c a unit of weight (2 mg) for diamonds. d a unit (of varying value) in quoting the price of stocks etc. 13 a (usu. prec. by the) the significant or essential thing; what is actually intended or under discussion (that was the point of the question). b (usu. with neg. or interrog.; often foll. by in) sense or purpose; advantage or value (saw no point in staying). c (usu. prec. by the) a salient feature of a story, joke, remark, etc. (don't see the point). 14 a distinctive feature or characteristic (it has its points; tact is not his good point). 15 pungency, effectiveness (their comments lacked point). 16 a each of 32 directions marked at equal distances round a compass. b the corresponding direction towards the horizon. 17 (usu. in pl.) Brit. a junction of two railway lines, with a pair of linked tapering rails that can be moved laterally to allow a train to pass from one line to the other. 18 Brit. = power point. 19 (usu. in pl.) each of a set of electrical contacts in the distributor of a motor vehicle. 20 Cricket a a fielder on the off side near the batsman. b this position. 21 the tip of the toe in ballet. 22 a promontory. 23 the prong of a deer's antler. 24 the extremities of a dog, horse, etc. 25 Printing a unit of measurement for type bodies (in the UK and US 0.0138 in., in Europe 0.0148 in.). 26 Hunting a a spot to which a straight run is made. b such a run. 27 Heraldry any of nine particular positions on a shield used for specifying the position of charges etc. 28 Boxing the tip of the chin as a spot for a knockout blow. 29 Mil. a small leading party of an advanced guard. 30 hist. a tagged lace for lacing a bodice, attaching a hose to a doublet, etc. 31 Naut. a short piece of cord at the lower edge of a sail for tying up a reef. 32 the act or position of a dog in pointing. --v. 1 (usu. foll. by to, at) a tr. direct or aim (a finger, weapon, etc.). b intr. direct attention in a certain direction (pointed to the house across the road). 2 intr. (foll. by at, towards) a aim or be directed to. b tend towards. 3 intr. (foll. by to) indicate; be evidence of (it all points to murder). 4 tr. give point or force to (words or actions). 5 tr. fill in or repair the joints of (brickwork) with smoothly finished mortar or cement. 6 tr. a punctuate. b insert points in (written Hebrew etc.). c mark (Psalms etc.) with signs for chanting. 7 tr. sharpen (a pencil, tool, etc.). 8 tr. (also absol.) (of a dog) indicate the presence of (game) by acting as pointer. at all points in every part or respect. at the point of (often foll. by verbal noun) on the verge of; about to do (the action specified). beside the point irrelevant or irrelevantly. case in point an instance that is relevant or (prec. by the) under consideration. have a point be correct or effective in one's contention. in point apposite, relevant. in point of fact see FACT. make (or prove) a (or one's) point establish a proposition; prove one's contention. make a point of (often foll. by verbal noun) insist on; treat or regard as essential. nine points nine tenths, i.e. nearly the whole (esp. possession is nine points of the law). on (or upon) the point of (foll. by verbal noun) about to do (the action specified). point-duty the positioning of a police officer or traffic warden at a crossroad or other point to control traffic. point lace thread lace made wholly with a needle. point of honour an action or circumstance that affects one's reputation. point of no return a point in a journey or enterprise at which it becomes essential or more practical to continue to the end. point of order a query in a debate etc. as to whether correct procedure is being followed. point-of-sale (usu. attrib.) denoting publicity etc. associated with the place at which goods are retailed. point of view 1 a position from which a thing is viewed. 2 a particular way of considering a matter. point out (often foll. by that + clause) indicate, show; draw attention to. point-to-point a steeplechase over a marked course for horses used regularly in hunting. point up emphasize; show as important. score points off get the better of in an argument etc. take a person's point concede that a person has made a valid contention. to the point relevant or relevantly. up to a point to some extent but not completely. win on points Boxing win by scoring more points, not by a knockout. [ME f. OF point, pointer f. L punctum f. pungere punct- prick] point-blank adj. & adv. --adj. 1 a (of a shot) aimed or fired horizontally at a range very close to the target. b (of a distance or range) very close. 2 (of a remark, question, etc.) blunt, direct. --adv. 1 at very close range. 2 directly, bluntly. [prob. f. POINT + BLANK = white spot in the centre of a target] pointedadj. 1 sharpened or tapering to a point. 2 (of a remark etc.) having point; penetrating, cutting. 3 emphasized; made evident. pointedly adv. pointedness n. pointern. 1 a thing that points, e.g. the index hand of a gauge etc. 2 a rod for pointing to features on a map, chart, etc. 3 colloq. a hint, clue, or indication. 4 a a dog of a breed that on scenting game stands rigid looking towards it. b this breed. 5 (in pl.) two stars in the Great Bear in line with the pole star. pointillism n. Art a technique of impressionist painting using tiny dots of various pure colours, which become blended in the viewer's eye. pointillist n. & adj. pointillistic adj. [F pointillisme f. pointiller mark with dots] pointingn. 1 cement or mortar filling the joints of brickwork. 2 facing produced by this. 3 the process of producing this. pointlessadj. 1 without a point. 2 lacking force, purpose, or meaning. 3 (in games) without a point scored. pointlessly adv. pointlessness n. pointsmann. (pl. -men) Brit. 1 a person in charge of railway points. 2 a policeman or traffic warden on point-duty. pointyadj. (pointier, pointiest) having a noticeably sharp end; pointed. poisen. & v. --n. 1 composure or self-possession of manner. 2 equilibrium; a stable state. 3 carriage (of the head etc.). --v. 1 tr. balance; hold suspended or supported. 2 tr. carry (one's head etc. in a specified way). 3 intr. be balanced; hover in the air etc. [ME f. OF pois, peis, peser ult. f. L pensum weight f. pendere pens- weigh] n. Physics a unit of dynamic viscosity, such that a tangential force of one dyne per square centimetre causes a velocity change one centimetre per second between two parallel planes in a liquid separated by one centimetre. [J. L. M. Poiseuille, Fr. physician d. 1869] poisedadj. 1 composed, self-assured. 2 (often foll. by for, or to + infin.) ready for action. poisonn. & v. --n. 1 a substance that when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism causes death or injury, esp. one that kills by rapid action even in a small quantity. 2 colloq. a harmful influence or principle etc. 3 Physics & Chem. a substance that interferes with the normal progress of a nuclear reaction, chain reaction, catalytic reaction, etc. --v.tr. 1 administer poison to (a person or animal). 2 kill or injure or infect with poison. 3 infect (air, water, etc.) with poison. 4 (esp. as poisoned adj.) treat (a weapon) with poison. 5 corrupt or pervert (a person or mind). 6 spoil or destroy (a person's pleasure etc.). 7 render (land etc.) foul and unfit for its purpose by a noxious application etc. poison gas = GAS n. 4. poison ivy a N. American climbing plant, Rhus toxicodendron, secreting an irritant oil from its leaves. poison-pen letter an anonymous libellous or abusive letter. poisoner n. poisonous adj. poisonously adv. [ME f. OF poison, poisonner (as POTION)] Poisson distribution n. Statistics a discrete frequency distribution which gives the probability of events occurring in a fixed time. [S. D. Poisson, French mathematician d. 1840] pokev. & n. --v. 1 (foll. by in, up, down, etc.) a tr. thrust or push with the hand, point of a stick, etc. b intr. be thrust forward. 2 intr. (foll. by at etc.) make thrusts with a stick etc. 3 tr. thrust the end of a finger etc. against. 4 tr. (foll. by in) produce (a hole etc. in a thing) by poking. 5 tr. thrust forward, esp. obtrusively. 6 tr. stir (a fire) with a poker. 7 intr. a (often foll. by about, around) move or act desultorily; potter. b (foll. by about, into) pry; search casually. 8 tr. coarse sl. have sexual intercourse with. 9 tr. (foll. by up) colloq. confine (esp. oneself) in a poky place. --n. 1 the act or an instance of poking. 2 a thrust or nudge. 3 a device fastened on cattle etc. to prevent them breaking through fences. 4 a a projecting brim or front of a woman's bonnet or hat. b (in full poke-bonnet) a bonnet having this. poke fun at ridicule, tease. poke one's nose into colloq. pry or intrude into (esp. a person's affairs). [ME f. MDu. and MLG poken, of unkn. orig.] n. dial. a bag or sack. buy a pig in a poke see PIG. [ME f. ONF poke, poque = OF poche: cf. POUCH] pokern. a stiff metal rod with a handle for stirring an open fire. poker-work 1 the technique of burning designs on white wood etc. with a heated metal rod. 2 a design made in this way. n. a card-game in which bluff is used as players bet on the value of their hands. poker-dice dice with card designs from ace to nine instead of spots. poker-face 1 the impassive countenance appropriate to a poker-player. 2 a person with this. poker-faced having a poker-face. [19th c.: orig. unkn.: cf. G pochen to brag, Pochspiel bragging game] pokeweedn. a tall hardy American plant, Phytolacca americana, with spikes of cream flowers and purple berries that yield emetics and purgatives. [poke, Amer. Ind. word + WEED] pokeyn. US sl. prison. [perh. f. POKY] pokyadj. (pokier, pokiest) (of a room etc.) small and cramped. pokily adv. pokiness n. [POKE (in colloq. sense 'confine') + -Y] polackn. US sl. offens. a person of Polish origin. [F Polaque and G Polack f. Pol. Polak] polar1 adj. a of or near a pole of the earth or a celestial body, or of the celestial sphere. b (of a species or variety) living in the north polar region. 2 having magnetic polarity. 3 a (of a molecule) having a positive charge at one end and a negative charge at the other. b (of a compound) having electric charges. 4 Geom. of or relating to a pole. 5 directly opposite in character or tendency. polar bear a white bear, Ursus maritimus, of the Arctic regions. polar body a small cell produced from an oocyte during the formation of an ovum, which does not develop further. polar circle each of the circles parallel to the equator at a distance of 23ø 27° from either pole. polar coordinates a system by which a point can be located with reference to two angles. polar curve a curve related in a particular way to a given curve and to a fixed point called a pole. polar distance the angular distance of a point on a sphere from the nearest pole. polar star = POLESTAR. polarly adv. [F polaire or mod.L polaris (as POLE)] polari-comb. form polar. [mod.L polaris (as POLAR)] polarimeter n. an instrument used to measure the polarization of light or the effect of a substance on the rotation of the plane of polarized light. polarimetric adj. polarimetry n. polariscope n. = POLARIMETER. polariscopic adj. polarityn. (pl. -ies) 1 the tendency of a lodestone, magnetized bar, etc., to point with its extremities to the magnetic poles of the earth. 2 the condition of having two poles with contrary qualities. 3 the state of having two opposite tendencies, opinions, etc. 4 the electrical condition of a body (positive or negative). 5 a magnetic attraction towards an object or person. polarizev. (also -ise) 1 tr. restrict the vibrations of (a transverse wave, esp. light) to one direction. 2 tr. give magnetic or electric polarity to (a substance or body). 3 tr. reduce the voltage of (an electric cell) by the action of electrolysis products. 4 tr. & intr. divide into two groups of opposing opinion etc. polarizable adj. polarization n. polarizer n. polarography n. Chem. the analysis by measurement of current-voltage relationships in electrolysis between mercury electrodes. polarographic adj. Polaroidn. propr. 1 material in thin plastic sheets that produces a high degree of plane polarization in light passing through it. 2 a type of camera with internal processing that produces a finished print rapidly after each exposure. 3 (in pl.) sunglasses with lenses made from Polaroid. [POLARI- + -OID] poldern. a piece of low-lying land reclaimed from the sea or a river, esp. in the Netherlands. [MDu. polre, Du. polder] Polen. 1 a native or national of Poland. 2 a person of Polish descent. [G f. Pol. Polanie, lit. field-dwellers f. pole field] polen. & v. --n. 1 a long slender rounded piece of wood or metal, esp. with the end placed in the ground as a support etc. 2 a wooden shaft fitted to the front of a vehicle and attached to the yokes or collars of the draught animals. 3 = PERCH. --v.tr. 1 provide with poles. 2 (usu. foll. by off) push off (a punt etc.) with a pole. pole position the most favourable position at the start of a motor race (orig. next to the inside boundary-fence). pole-vault (or -jump) n. the athletic sport of vaulting over a high bar with the aid of a long flexible pole held in the hands and giving extra spring. --v.intr. take part in this sport. pole-vaulter a person who pole-vaults. under bare poles Naut. with no sail set. up the pole sl. 1 crazy, eccentric. 2 in difficulty. [OE pal ult. f. L palus stake] n. 1 (in full north pole, south pole) a each of the two points in the celestial sphere about which the stars appear to revolve. b each of the extremities of the axis of rotation of the earth or another body. c see magnetic pole. °The spelling is North Pole and South Pole when used as geographical designations. 2 each of the two opposite points on the surface of a magnet at which magnetic forces are strongest. 3 each of two terminals (positive and negative) of an electric cell or battery etc. 4 each of two opposed principles or ideas. 5 Geom. each of two points in which the axis of a circle cuts the surface of a sphere. 6 a fixed point to which others are referred. 7 Biol. an extremity of the main axis of any spherical or oval organ. be poles apart differ greatly, esp. in nature or opinion. poleward adj. polewards adj. & adv. [ME f. L polus f. Gk polos pivot, axis, sky] poleaxen. & v. --n. 1 a battleaxe. 2 a butcher's axe. --v.tr. hit or kill with or as if with a poleaxe . [ME pol(l)ax, -ex f. MDu. pol(l)aex, MLG pol(l)exe (as POLL, AXE)] polecatn. 1 Brit. a small European brownish-black fetid flesh-eating mammal, Mustela putorius, of the weasel family. 2 US a skunk. [pole (unexplained) + CAT] polemicn. & adj. --n. 1 a controversial discussion. 2 Polit. a verbal or written attack, esp. on a political opponent. --adj. (also polemical) involving dispute; controversial. polemically adv. polemicist n. polemicize v.tr. (also -ise). polemize v.tr. (also -ise). [med.L polemicus f. Gk polemikos f. polemos war] polemicsn.pl. the art or practice of controversial discussion. polentan. porridge made of maize meal etc. [It. f. L, = pearl barley] polestarn. 1 Astron. a star in Ursa Minor now about 1ø distant from the celestial north pole. 2 a a thing or principle serving as a guide. b a centre of attraction. policen. & v. --n. 1 (usu. prec. by the) the civil force of a State, responsible for maintaining public order. 2 (as pl.) the members of a police force (several hundred police). 3 a force with similar functions of enforcing regulations (military police; railway police). --v.tr. 1 control (a country or area) by means of police. 2 provide with police. 3 keep order in; control. police constable see CONSTABLE. police dog a dog, esp. an Alsatian, used in police work. police officer a policeman or policewoman. police State a totalitarian State controlled by political police supervising the citizens' activities. police station the office of a local police force. [F f. med.L politia POLICY] policemann. (pl. -men; fem. policewoman, pl. -women) a member of a police force. policyn. (pl. -ies) 1 a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual etc. 2 prudent conduct; sagacity. [ME f. OF policie f. L politia f. Gk politeia citizenship f. polites citizen f. polis city] n. (pl. -ies) 1 a contract of insurance. 2 a document containing this. [F police bill of lading, contract of insurance, f. Prov. poliss(i)a prob. f. med.L apodissa, apodixa, f. L apodixis f. Gk apodeixis evidence, proof (as APO-, deiknumi show)] policyholder n. a person or body holding an insurance policy. polion. = POLIOMYELITIS. [abbr.] poliomyelitis n. Med. an infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and which can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. [mod.L f. Gk polios grey + muelos marrow] Polishadj. & n. --adj. 1 of or relating to Poland. 2 of the Poles or their language. --n. the language of Poland. Polish notation Math. a system of formula notation without brackets and punctuation. [POLE + -ISH] polishv. & n. --v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become smooth or glossy by rubbing. 2 (esp. as polished adj.) refine or improve; add finishing touches to. --n. 1 a substance used for polishing. 2 smoothness or glossiness produced by friction. 3 the act or an instance of polishing. 4 refinement or elegance of manner, conduct, etc. polish off finish (esp. food) quickly. polish up revise or improve (a skill etc.). polishable adj. polisher n. [ME f. OF polir f. L polire polit-] politburon. (pl. -os) the principal policy-making committee of a Communist party, esp. in the USSR. [Rus. politbyuro f. polit¡cheskoe byur¢ political bureau] politeadj. (politer, politest) 1 having good manners; courteous. 2 cultivated, cultured. 3 refined, elegant (polite letters). politely adv. politeness n. [L politus (as POLISH)] politessen. formal politeness. [F f. It. politezza, pulitezza f. pulito polite] politicadj. & v. --adj. 1 (of an action) judicious, expedient. 2 (of a person) prudent, sagacious. 3 political (now only in body politic). --v.intr. (politicked, politicking) engage in politics. politicly adv. [ME f. OF politique f. L politicus f. Gk politikos f. polites citizen f. polis city] politicaladj. 1 a of or concerning the State or its government, or public affairs generally. b of, relating to, or engaged in politics. c belonging to or forming part of a civil administration. 2 having an organized form of society or government. 3 taking or belonging to a side in politics. 4 relating to or affecting interests of status or authority in an organization rather than matters of principle (a political decision). political asylum see ASYLUM. political economist a student of or expert in political economy. political economy the study of the economic aspects of government. political geography that dealing with boundaries and the possessions of States. political prisoner a person imprisoned for political beliefs or actions. political science the study of the State and systems of government. political scientist a specialist in political science. politically adv. [L politicus (as POLITIC)] politician n. 1 a person engaged in or concerned with politics, esp. as a practitioner. 2 a person skilled in politics. 3 US derog. a person with self-interested political concerns. politicize v. (also -ise) 1 tr. a give a political character to. b make politically aware. 2 intr. engage in or talk politics. politicization n. politicon. (pl. -os) colloq. a politician or political enthusiast. [Sp. or It. (as POLITIC)] politico-comb. form 1 politically. 2 political and (politico-social). [Gk politikos: see POLITIC] politicsn.pl. 1 (treated as sing. or pl.) a the art and science of government. b public life and affairs as involving authority and government. 2 (usu. treated as pl.) a a particular set of ideas, principles, or commitments in politics (what are their politics?). b activities concerned with the acquisition or exercise of authority or government. c an organizational process or principle affecting authority, status, etc. (the politics of the decision). polityn. (pl. -ies) 1 a form or process of civil government or constitution. 2 an organized society; a State as a political entity. [L politia f. Gk politeia f. polites citizen f. polis city] polkan. & v. --n. 1 a lively dance of Bohemian origin in duple time. 2 the music for this. --v.intr. (polkas, polkaed or polka'd, polkaing) dance the polka. polka dot a round dot as one of many forming a regular pattern on a textile fabric etc. [F and G f. Czech pulka half-step f. pul half] polln. & v. --n. 1 a the process of voting at an election. b the counting of votes at an election. c the result of voting. d the number of votes recorded (a heavy poll). 2 = GALLUP POLL, opinion poll. 3 a a human head. b the part of this on which hair grows (flaxen poll). 4 a hornless animal, esp. one of a breed of hornless cattle. --v. 1 tr. a take the vote or votes of. b (in passive) have one's vote taken. c (of a candidate) receive (so many votes). d give (a vote). 2 tr. record the opinion of (a person or group) in an opinion poll. 3 intr. give one's vote. 4 tr. cut off the top of (a tree or plant), esp. make a pollard of. 5 tr. (esp. as polled adj.) cut the horns off (cattle). 6 tr. Computing check the status of (a computer system) at intervals. poll tax 1 hist. a tax levied on every adult. 2 = community charge. pollee n. (in sense 2 of n.). pollster n. [ME, perh. f. LG or Du.] n. a tame parrot (Pretty poll!). poll parrot a user of conventional or clich‚d phrases and arguments. [Poll, a conventional name for a parrot, alt. f. Moll, a familiar form of Mary] pollackn. (also pollock) a European marine fish, Pollachius pollachius, with a characteristic protruding lower jaw, used for food. [earlier (Sc.) podlock: orig. unkn.] pollann. a freshwater fish, Coregonus pollan, found in Irish lakes. [perh. f. Ir. poll deep water] pollardn. & v. --n. 1 an animal that has lost or cast its horns; an ox, sheep, or goat of a hornless breed. 2 a tree whose branches have been cut off to encourage the growth of new young branches, esp. a riverside willow. 3 a the bran sifted from flour. b a fine bran containing some flour. --v.tr. make (a tree) a pollard. [POLL + -ARD] pollenn. the fine dustlike grains discharged from the male part of a flower containing the gamete that fertilizes the female ovule. pollen analysis = PALYNOLOGY. pollen count an index of the amount of pollen in the air, published esp. for the benefit of those allergic to it. pollenless adj. pollinic adj. [L pollen pollinis fine flour, dust] pollexn. (pl. pollices) the innermost digit of a forelimb, usu. the thumb in primates. [L, = thumb or big toe] pollievar. of POLLY. pollinatev.tr. (also absol.) sprinkle (a stigma) with pollen. pollination n. pollinator n. pollingn. the registering or casting of votes. polling-booth a compartment in which a voter stands to mark the ballot-paper. polling-day the day of a local or general election. polling-station a building, often a school, where voting takes place during an election. pollinicsee POLLEN. polliniferous adj. bearing or producing pollen. polliwogn. (also pollywog) US dial. a tadpole. [earlier polwigge, polwygle f. POLL + WIGGLE] pollockvar. of POLLACK. pollutev.tr. 1 contaminate or defile (the environment). 2 make foul or filthy. 3 destroy the purity or sanctity of. pollutant adj. & n. polluter n. pollution n. [ME f. L polluere pollut-] pollyn. (pl. -ies) colloq. a bottle or glass of Apollinaris water. [abbr.] n. (also pollie) (pl. -ies) Austral. & US a politician. [abbr.] Pollyannan. a cheerful optimist; an excessively cheerful person. Pollyannaish adj. Pollyannaism n. [character in a novel (1913) by E. Porter] pollywogvar. of POLLIWOG. polon. a game of Eastern origin like hockey played on horseback with a long-handled mallet. polo-neck a high round turned-over collar. polo-stick a mallet for playing polo. [Balti, = ball] polonaisen. & adj. --n. 1 a dance of Polish origin in triple time. 2 the music for this. 3 hist. a woman's dress consisting of a bodice and a skirt open from the waist downwards to show an underskirt. --adj. cooked in a Polish style. [F, fem. of polonais Polish f. med.L Polonia Poland] poloniumn. Chem. a rare radioactive metallic element, occurring naturally in uranium ores. °Symb.: Po. [F & mod.L f. med.L Polonia Poland (the discoverer's native country) + -IUM] polonyn. (pl. -ies) Brit. = BOLOGNA SAUSAGE. [app. corrupt.] poltergeist n. a noisy mischievous ghost, esp. one manifesting itself by physical damage. [G f. poltern create a disturbance + Geist GHOST] poltroonn. a spiritless coward. poltroonery n. [F poltron f. It. poltrone perh. f. poltro sluggard] polyn. (pl. polys) colloq. polytechnic. [abbr.] poly-comb. form denoting many or much. [Gk polu- f. polus much, polloi many] comb. form Chem. polymerized (polyunsaturated). [POLYMER] polyadelphous adj. Bot. having numerous stamens grouped into three or more bundles. polyamiden. Chem. any of a class of condensation polymers produced from the interaction of an amino group of one molecule and a carboxylic acid group of another, and which includes many synthetic fibres such as nylon. polyandryn. 1 polygamy in which a woman has more than one husband. 2 Bot. the state of having numerous stamens. polyandrous adj. [POLY- + andry f. Gk aner andros male] polyanthus n. (pl. polyanthuses) a flower cultivated from hybridized primulas. [mod.L, formed as POLY- + Gk anthos flower] polycarbonate n. any of a class of polymers in which the units are linked through a carbonate group, mainly used as moulding materials. polychaete n. any aquatic annelid worm of the class Polychaeta, including lugworms and ragworms, having numerous bristles on the fleshy lobes of each body segment. polychaetan adj. polychaetous adj. polychromatic adj. 1 many coloured. 2 (of radiation) containing more than one wavelength. polychromatism n. polychrome adj. & n. --adj. painted, printed, or decorated in many colours. --n. 1 a work of art in several colours, esp. a coloured statue. 2 varied colouring. polychromic adj. polychromous adj. [F f. Gk polukhromos as POLY-, khroma colour] polychromy n. the art of painting in several colours, esp. as applied to ancient pottery, architecture, etc. [F polychromie (as POLYCHROME)] polyclinic n. a clinic devoted to various diseases; a general hospital. polycrystalline adj. (of a solid substance) consisting of many crystalline parts at various orientations, e.g. a metal casting. polycyclic adj. Chem. having more than one ring of atoms in the molecule. polydactyl adj. & n. --adj. (of an animal) having more than five fingers or toes. --n. a polydactyl animal. polyestern. any of a group of condensation polymers used to form synthetic fibres such as Terylene or to make resins. polyethene n. Chem. = POLYTHENE. polyethylene n. = POLYTHENE. polygamous adj. 1 having more than one wife or husband at the same time. 2 having more than one mate. 3 bearing some flowers with stamens only, some with pistils only, some with both, on the same or different plants. polygamic adj. polygamist n. polygamously adv. polygamy n. [Gk polugamos (as POLY-, -gamos marrying)] polygenen. Biol. each of a group of independent genes that collectively affect a characteristic. polygenesis n. the (usu. postulated) origination of a race or species from several independent stocks. polygenetic adj. polygenyn. the theory that mankind originated from several independent pairs of ancestors. polygenism n. polygenist n. polyglotadj. & n. --adj. 1 of many languages. 2 (of a person) speaking or writing several languages. 3 (of a book, esp. the Bible) with the text translated into several languages. --n. 1 a polyglot person. 2 a polyglot book, esp. a Bible. polyglottal adj. polyglottic adj. polyglottism n. [F polyglotte f. Gk poluglottos (as POLY-, glotta tongue)] polygonn. a plane figure with many (usu. a minimum of three) sides and angles. polygon of forces a polygon that represents by the length and direction of its sides all the forces acting on a body or point. polygonal adj. [LL polygonum f. Gk polugonon (neut. adj.) (as POLY- + - gonos angled)] polygonumn. any plant of the genus Polygonum, with small bell-shaped flowers. Also called KNOTGRASS, KNOTWEED. [mod.L f. Gk polugonon] polygraphn. a machine designed to detect and record changes in physiological characteristics (e.g. rates of pulse and breathing), used esp. as a lie-detector. polygynyn. polygamy in which a man has more than one wife. polygynous adj. [POLY- + gyny f. Gk gune woman] polyhedron n. (pl. polyhedra) a solid figure with many (usu. more than six) faces. polyhedral adj. polyhedric adj. [Gk poluedron neut. of poluedros (as POLY-, hedra base)] polyhistor n. = POLYMATH. polymathn. 1 a person of much or varied learning. 2 a great scholar. polymathic adj. polymathy n. [Gk polumathes (as POLY-, math- stem manthano learn)] polymern. a compound composed of one or more large molecules that are formed from repeated units of smaller molecules. polymeric adj. polymerism n. polymerize v.intr. & tr. (also -ise). polymerization n. [G f. Gk polumeros having many parts (as POLY-, meros share)] polymerous adj. Biol. having many parts. polymorphism n. 1 a Biol. the existence of various different forms in the successive stages of the development of an organism. b = PLEOMORPHISM. 2 Chem. = ALLOTROPY. polymorphic adj. polymorphous adj. Polynesian adj. & n. --adj. of or relating to Polynesia, a group of Pacific islands including New Zealand, Hawaii, Samoa, etc. --n. 1 a a native of Polynesia. b a person of Polynesian descent. 2 the family of languages including Maori, Hawaiian, and Samoan. [as POLY- + Gk nesos island] polyneuritis n. any disorder that affects many of the peripheral nerves. polyneuritic adj. polynomial n. & adj. Math. --n. an expression of more than two algebraic terms, esp. the sum of several terms that contain different powers of the same variable(s). --adj. of or being a polynomial. [POLY- after multinomial] polynyan. a stretch of open water surrounded by ice, esp. in the Arctic seas. [Russ. f. pole field] polypn. 1 Zool. an individual coelenterate. 2 Med. a small usu. benign growth protruding from a mucous membrane. [F polype (as POLYPUS)] polyparyn. (pl. -ies) the common stem or support of a colony of polyps. [mod.L polyparium (as POLYPUS)] polypeptide n. Biochem. a peptide formed by the combination of about ten or more amino acids. [G Polypeptid (as POLY-, PEPTONE)] polyphagous adj. Zool. able to feed on various kinds of food. polyphaseadj. Electr. (of a device or circuit) designed to supply or use simultaneously several alternating currents of the same voltage but with different phases. polyphonen. Phonet. a symbol or letter that represents several different sounds. polyphonic adj. 1 Mus. (of vocal music etc.) in two or more relatively independent parts; contrapuntal. 2 Phonet. (of a letter etc.) representing more than one sound. polyphonically adv. [Gk poluphonos (as POLY-, phone voice, sound)] polyphonyn. (pl. -ies) 1 Mus. a polyphonic style in musical composition; counterpoint. b a composition written in this style. 2 Philol. the symbolization of different vocal sounds by the same letter or character. polyphonous adj. polypipl. of POLYPUS. polyploidn. & adj. Biol. --n. a nucleus or organism that contains more than two sets of chromosomes. --adj. of or being a polyploid. polyploidy n. [G (as POLY-, -PLOID)] polypodadj. & n. Zool. --adj. having many feet. --n. a polypod animal. [F polypode (adj.) f. Gk (as POLYPUS)] polypodyn. (pl. -ies) any fern of the genus Polypodium, usu. found in woods growing on trees, walls, and stones. [ME f. L polypodium f. Gk polupodion (as POLYPUS)] polypoidadj. of or like a polyp. polypous adj. polypropene n. = POLYPROPYLENE. polypropylene n. Chem. any of various polymers of propylene including thermoplastic materials used for films, fibres, or moulding materials. Also called POLYPROPENE. polypusn. (pl. polypi or polypuses) Med. = POLYP 2. [ME f. L polypus f. Gk polupos, polupous cuttlefish, polyp (as POLY-, pous podos foot)] polysaccharide n. any of a group of carbohydrates whose molecules consist of long chains of monosaccharides. polysemyn. Philol. the existence of many meanings (of a word etc.). polysemic adj. polysemous adj. [POLY- + Gk sema sign] polystyrene n. a thermoplastic polymer of styrene, usu. hard and colourless or expanded with a gas to produce a lightweight rigid white substance, used for insulation and in packaging. polysyllabic adj. 1 (of a word) having many syllables. 2 characterized by the use of words of many syllables. polysyllabically adv. polysyllable n. a polysyllabic word. polytechnic n. & adj. --n. an institution of higher education offering courses in many (esp. vocational) subjects at degree level or below. --adj. dealing with or devoted to various vocational or technical subjects. [F polytechnique f. Gk polutekhnos (as POLY- tekhne art)] polytetrafluoroethylene n. Chem. a tough translucent polymer resistant to chemicals and used to coat cooking utensils etc. °Abbr.: PTFE. [POLY- + TETRA- + FLUORO- + ETHYLENE] polytheism n. the belief in or worship of more than one god. polytheist n. polytheistic adj. [F polyth‚isme f. Gk polutheos of many gods (as POLY-, theos god)] polythenen. Chem. a tough light thermoplastic polymer of ethylene, usu. translucent and flexible or opaque and rigid, used for packaging and insulating materials. Also called POLYETHYLENE, POLYETHENE. polytonality n. Mus. the simultaneous use of two or more keys in a composition. polytonal adj. polyunsaturated adj. Chem. (of a compound, esp. a fat or oil molecule) containing several double or triple bonds and therefore capable of further reaction. polyurethane n. any polymer containing the urethane group, used in adhesives, paints, plastics, rubbers, foams, etc. polyvalent adj. Chem. having a valency of more than two, or several valencies. polyvalence n. polyvinylacetate n. Chem. a soft plastic polymer used in paints and adhesives. °Abbr.: PVA. polyvinylchloride n. a tough transparent solid polymer of vinyl chloride, easily coloured and used for a wide variety of products including pipes, flooring, etc. °Abbr.: PVC. polyzoann. = BRYOZOAN. pomn. 1 a Pomeranian dog. 2 Austral. & NZ sl. offens. = POMMY. [abbr.] pomacen. 1 the mass of crushed apples in cider-making before or after the juice is pressed out. 2 the refuse of fish etc. after the oil has been extracted, generally used as a fertilizer. [ME f. med.L pomacium cider f. L pomum apple] pomaden. & v. --n. scented dressing for the hair and the skin of the head. --v.tr. anoint with pomade. [F pommade f. It. pomata f. med.L f. L pomum apple (from which it was orig. made)] pomandern. 1 a ball of mixed aromatic substances placed in a cupboard etc. or hist. carried in a box, bag, etc. as a protection against infection. 2 a (usu. spherical) container for this. 3 a spiced orange etc. similarly used. [earlier pom(e)amber f. AF f. OF pome d'embre f. med.L pomum de ambra apple of ambergris] pomatumn. & v.tr. = POMADE. [mod.L f. L pomum apple] pomen. a firm-fleshed fruit in which the carpels from the central core enclose the seeds, e.g. the apple, pear, and quince. pomiferous adj. [ME f. OF ult. f. poma pl. of L pomum fruit, apple] pomegranate n. 1 a an orange-sized fruit with a tough golden-orange outer skin containing many seeds in a red pulp. b the tree bearing this fruit, Punica granatum, native to N. Africa and W. Asia. 2 an ornamental representation of a pomegranate. [ME f. OF pome grenate (as POME, L granatum having many seeds f. granum seed)] pomelon. (pl. -os) 1 = SHADDOCK. 2 US = GRAPEFRUIT. [19th c.: orig. unkn.] Pomeranian n. 1 a small dog with long silky hair, a pointed muzzle, and pricked ears. 2 this breed. [Pomerania in Germany and Poland] pomfretn. 1 any of various fish of the family Stromateidae of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 2 a dark-coloured deep-bodied marine fish, Brama brama, used as food. [app. f. Port. pampo] pomfret-cake n. (also Pontefract-cake) Brit. a small round flat liquorice sweetmeat orig. made at Pontefract (earlier Pomfret) in Yorkshire. pomiculture n. fruit-growing. [L pomum fruit + CULTURE] pommeln. & v. --n. 1 a knob, esp. at the end of a sword-hilt. 2 the upward projecting front part of a saddle. --v.tr. (pommelled, pommelling; US pommeled, pommeling) = PUMMEL. pommel horse a vaulting horse fitted with a pair of curved handgrips . [ME f. OF pomel f. Rmc pomellum (unrecorded), dimin. of L pomum fruit, apple] pommyn. (also pommie) (pl. -ies) Austral. & NZ sl. offens. a British person, esp. a recent immigrant. [20th c.: orig. uncert.] pomologyn. the science of fruit-growing. pomological adj. pomologist n. [L pomum fruit + -LOGY] pompn. 1 a splendid display; splendour. 2 (often in pl.) vainglory (the pomps and vanities of this wicked world). [ME f. OF pompe f. L pompa f. Gk pompe procession, pomp f. pempo send] pompadourn. a woman's hairstyle with the hair in a high turned-back roll round the face. [f. Marquise de Pompadour, the mistress of Louis XV of France d. 1764] pompanon. (pl. -os) any of various fish of the family Carangidae or Stromateidae of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, used as food. [Sp. p mpano] pom-pomn. an automatic quick-firing gun esp. on a ship. [imit.] pomponn. (also pompom) 1 an ornamental ball or bobble made of wool, silk, or ribbons, usu. worn on women's or children's hats or clothing. 2 the round tuft on a soldier's cap, the front of a shako, etc. 3 (often attrib.) a dahlia or chrysanthemum with small tightly-clustered petals. [F, of unkn. orig.] pompousn. 1 self-important, affectedly grand or solemn. 2 (of language) pretentious; unduly grand in style. 3 archaic magnificent; splendid. pomposity n. (pl. -ies). pompously adv. pompousness n. [ME f. OF pompeux f. LL pomposus (as POMP)] 'ponprep. archaic = UPON. [abbr.] poncen. & v. Brit. sl. --n. 1 a man who lives off a prostitute's earnings; a pimp. 2 offens. a homosexual; an effeminate man. --v.intr. act as a ponce. ponce about move about effeminately or ineffectually. poncey adj. (also poncy) (in sense 2 of n.). [perh. f. POUNCE] ponchon. (pl. -os) 1 a S. American cloak made of a blanket-like piece of cloth with a slit in the middle for the head. 2 a garment in this style. [S.Amer. Sp., f. Araucanian] pondn. & v. --n. 1 a fairly small body of still water formed naturally or by hollowing or embanking. 2 joc. the sea. --v. 1 tr. hold back, dam up (a stream etc.). 2 intr. form a pond. pond-life animals (esp. invertebrates) that live in ponds. [ME var. of POUND] ponderv. 1 tr. weigh mentally; think over; consider. 2 intr. (usu. foll. by on, over) think; muse. [ME f. OF ponderer f. L ponderare f. pondus -eris weight] ponderable adj. literary having appreciable weight or significance. ponderability n. [LL ponderabilis (as PONDER)] ponderation n. literary the act or an instance of weighing, balancing, or considering. [L ponderatio (as PONDER)] ponderosan. US 1 a N. American pine-tree, Pinus ponderosa. 2 the red timber of this tree. [mod.L, fem. of L ponderosus: see PONDEROUS] ponderousadj. 1 heavy; unwieldy. 2 laborious. 3 (of style etc.) dull; tedious. ponderosity n. ponderously adv. ponderousness n. [ME f. L ponderosus f. pondus -eris weight] pondweedn. any of various aquatic plants, esp. of the genus Potamogeton, growing in still or running water. ponen. US 1 unleavened maize bread, esp. as made by N. American Indians. 2 a fine light bread made with milk, eggs, etc. 3 a cake or loaf of this. [Algonquian, = bread] n. the dealer's opponent in two-handed card games. [L, 2nd sing. imper. of ponere place] pongn. & v. Brit. colloq. --n. an unpleasant smell. --v.intr. stink. pongy adj. (pongier, pongiest). [20th c.: orig. unkn.] pongaln. 1 the Tamil New Year festival at which new rice is cooked. 2 a dish of cooked rice. [Tamil ponkal boiling] pongeen. 1 a soft usu. unbleached type of Chinese silk fabric. 2 an imitation of this in cotton etc. [perh. f. Chin. dial. pun-chi own loom, i.e. home-made] pongidn. & adj. --n. any ape of the family Pongidae, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and orang-utans. --adj. of or relating to this family. [mod.L Pongidae f. Pongo the genus-name: see PONGO] pongon. (pl. -os) 1 an orang-utan. 2 Naut. sl. a soldier. [Congolese mpongo, orig. of African apes] n. (pl. -os) Austral. & NZ sl. offens. an Englishman. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] poniardn. literary a small slim dagger. [F poignard f. OF poignal f. med.L pugnale f. L pugnus fist] ponsn. (pl. pontes) Anat. (in full pons Varolii) the part of the brain stem that links the medulla oblongata and the thalamus. pons asinorum any difficult proposition, orig. a rule of geometry from Euclid ('bridge of asses'). [L, = bridge: Varolii f. C. Varoli, It. anatomist d. 1575] pontn. S.Afr. a flat-bottomed ferry-boat. [Du.] Pontefract-cake var. of POMFRET-CAKE. pontespl. of PONS. pontifexn. (pl. pontifices) 1 = PONTIFF. 2 Rom. Antiq. a member of the principal college of priests in Rome. Pontifex Maximus the head of this. [L pontifex -ficis f. pons pontis bridge + -fex f. facere make] pontiffn. RC Ch. (in full sovereign or supreme pontiff) the Pope. [F pontife (as PONTIFEX)] pontifical adj. & n. --adj. 1 RC Ch. of or befitting a pontiff; papal. 2 pompously dogmatic; with an attitude of infallibility. --n. 1 an office-book of the Western Church containing rites to be performed by the Pope or bishops. 2 (in pl.) the vestments and insignia of a bishop, cardinal, or abbot. pontifical mass a high mass, usu. celebrated by a cardinal, bishop, etc. pontifically adv. [ME f. F pontifical or L pontificalis (as PONTIFEX)] pontificate v. & n. --v.intr. 1 a play the pontiff; pretend to be infallible. b be pompously dogmatic. 2 RC Ch. officiate as bishop, esp. at mass. --n. 1 the office of pontifex, bishop, or pope. 2 the period of this. [L pontificatus (as PONTIFEX)] pontifices pl. of PONTIFEX. pontoonn. Brit. 1 a card-game in which players try to acquire cards with a face value totalling 21 and no more. 2 = NATURAL n. 4a. [prob. corrupt.] n. & v. --n. 1 a flat-bottomed boat. 2 each of several boats, hollow metal cylinders, etc., used to support a temporary bridge. 3 = CAISSON 1, 2. --v.tr. cross (a river) by means of pontoons. [F ponton f. L ponto -onis f. pons pontis bridge] ponyn. (pl. -ies) 1 a horse of any small breed. 2 a small drinking-glass. 3 (in pl.) sl. racehorses. 4 Brit. sl. œ25. pony-tail a person's hair drawn back, tied, and hanging down like a pony's tail. pony-trekker a person who travels across country on a pony for pleasure. pony-trekking this as a hobby or activity. [perh. f. poulney (unrecorded) f. F poulenet dimin. of poulain foal] poochn. esp. US sl. a dog. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] poodlen. 1 a a dog of a breed with a curly coat that is usually clipped. b this breed. 2 a lackey or servile follower. [G Pudel(hund) f. LG pud(d)eln splash in water: cf. PUDDLE] poofn. (also pouf, poove) Brit. sl. derog. 1 an effeminate man. 2 a male homosexual. poofy adj. [19th c.: cf. PUFF in sense 'braggart'] pooftern. sl. derog. = POOF. poohint. & n. --int. expressing impatience or contempt. --n. sl. excrement. [imit.] Pooh-Bahn. (also pooh-bah) a holder of many offices at once. [a character in W. S. Gilbert's The Mikado (1885)] pooh-poohv.tr. express contempt for; ridicule; dismiss (an idea etc.) scornfully. [redupl. of POOH] poojavar. of PUJA. pookan. Ir. a hobgoblin. [Ir. p£ca] pooln. & v. --n. 1 a small body of still water, usu. of natural formation. 2 a small shallow body of any liquid. 3 = swimming-pool (see SWIM). 4 a deep place in a river. --v. 1 tr. form into a pool. 2 intr. (of blood) become static. [OE pol, MLG, MDu. pol, OHG pfuol f. WG] n. & v. --n. 1 a (often attrib.) a common supply of persons, vehicles, commodities, etc. for sharing by a group of people (a typing pool; a pool car). b a group of persons sharing duties etc. 2 a the collective amount of players' stakes in gambling etc. b a receptacle for this. 3 a a joint commercial venture, esp. an arrangement between competing parties to fix prices and share business to eliminate competition. b the common funding for this. 4 a US a game on a billiard-table with usu. 16 balls. b Brit. a game on a billiard-table in which each player has a ball of a different colour with which he tries to pocket the others in fixed order, the winner taking all of the stakes. 5 a group of contestants who compete against each other in a tournament for the right to advance to the next round. --v.tr. 1 put (resources etc.) into a common fund. 2 share (things) in common. 3 (of transport or organizations etc.) share (traffic, receipts). 4 Austral. sl. a involve (a person) in a scheme etc., often by deception. b implicate, inform on. the pools Brit. = football pool. [F poule (= hen) in same sense: assoc. with POOL] poolroomn. US 1 a betting shop. 2 a place for playing pool. poonn. any E. Indian tree of the genus Calophyllum. poon oil an oil from the seeds of this tree, used in medicine and for lamps. [Sinh. puna] poopn. & v. --n. the stern of a ship; the aftermost and highest deck. --v.tr. 1 (of a wave) break over the stern of (a ship). 2 (of a ship) receive (a wave) over the stern. [ME f. OF pupe, pope ult. f. L puppis] v.tr. (esp. as pooped adj.) US colloq. exhaust; tire out. [20th c.: orig. unkn.] pooradj. 1 lacking adequate money or means to live comfortably. 2 (foll. by in) deficient in (a possession or quality) (the poor in spirit). 3 a scanty, inadequate (a poor crop). b less good than is usual or expected (poor visibility; is a poor driver; in poor health). c paltry; inferior (poor condition; came a poor third). 4 a deserving pity or sympathy; unfortunate (you poor thing). b with reference to a dead person (as my poor father used to say). 5 spiritless; despicable (is a poor creature). 6 often iron. or joc. humble; insignificant (in my poor opinion). poor-box a collection-box, esp. in church, for the relief of the poor. poor law hist. a law relating to the support of paupers. poor man's an inferior or cheaper substitute for. poor man's weather-glass the pimpernel. poor-rate hist. a rate or assessment for relief or support of the poor. poor relation an inferior or subordinate member of a family or any other group. poor-spirited timid; cowardly. poor White offens. (esp. used by Blacks) a member of a socially inferior group of White people. take a poor view of regard with disfavour or pessimism. [ME & OF pov(e)re, poure f. L pauper] poorhousen. hist. = WORKHOUSE 1. poorlyadv. & adj. --adv. 1 scantily; defectively. 2 with no great success. 3 meanly; contemptibly. --predic.adj. unwell. poornessn. 1 defectiveness. 2 the lack of some good quality or constituent. poovevar. of POOF. POPabbr. Post Office Preferred (size of envelopes etc.). popn., v., & adv. --n. 1 a sudden sharp explosive sound as of a cork when drawn. 2 colloq. an effervescent sweet drink. --v. (popped, popping) 1 intr. & tr. make or cause to make a pop. 2 intr. & tr. (foll. by in, out, up, down, etc.) go, move, come, or put unexpectedly or in a quick or hasty manner (pop out to the shops; pop in for a visit; pop it on your head). 3 a intr. & tr. burst, making a popping sound. b tr. heat (popcorn etc.) until it pops. 4 intr. (often foll. by at) colloq. fire a gun (at birds etc.). 5 tr. sl. pawn. 6 tr. sl. inject (a drug etc.). 7 intr. (often foll. by up) (of a cricket-ball) rise sharply off the pitch. --adv. with the sound of a pop (heard it go pop). in pop Brit. sl. in pawn. pop off colloq. 1 die. 2 quietly slip away (cf. sense 2 of v.). pop the question colloq. propose marriage. pop-shop Brit. sl. a pawnbroker's shop. pop-up 1 (of a toaster etc.) operating so as to move the object (toast when ready etc.) quickly upwards. 2 (of a book, greetings card, etc.) containing three-dimensional figures, illustrations, etc., that rise up when the page is turned. 3 Computing (of a menu) able to be superimposed on the screen being worked on and suppressed rapidly. [ME: imit.] adj. & n. colloq. --adj. 1 in a popular or modern style. 2 performing popular music etc. (pop group; pop star). --n. 1 pop music. 2 a pop record or song (top of the pops). pop art art based on modern popular culture and the mass media, esp. as a critical comment on traditional fine art values. pop festival a festival at which popular music etc. is performed. [abbr.] n. esp. US colloq. father. [abbr. of POPPA] pop.abbr. population. popadamvar. of POPPADAM. popcornn. 1 Indian corn which bursts open when heated. 2 these kernels when popped. popen. 1 (as title usu. Pope) the head of the Roman Catholic Church (also called the Bishop of Rome). 2 the head of the Coptic Church. 3 = RUFF. pope's eye 1 a lymphatic gland surrounded with fat in the middle of a sheep's leg. 2 Sc. a cut of steak. popedom n. popeless adj. [OE f. eccl.L papa bishop, pope f. eccl.Gk papas = Gk pappas father: cf. PAPA] n. a parish priest of the Orthodox Church in Russia etc. [Russ. pop f. OSlav. popu f. WG f. eccl.Gk (as POPE)] poperyn. derog. the papal system; the Roman Catholic Church. pop-eyedadj. colloq. 1 having bulging eyes. 2 wide-eyed (with surprise etc.). popgunn. 1 a child's toy gun which shoots a pellet etc. by the compression of air with a piston. 2 derog. an inefficient firearm. popinjayn. 1 a fop, a conceited person, a coxcomb. 2 a archaic a parrot. b hist. a figure of a parrot on a pole as a mark to shoot at. [ME f. AF papeiaye, OF papingay etc. f. Sp. papagayo f. Arab. babaga: assim. to JAY] popishadj. derog. Roman Catholic. popishly adv. poplarn. 1 any tree of the genus Populus, with a usu. rapidly growing trunk and tremulous leaves. 2 US = tulip-tree. [ME f. AF popler, OF poplier f. pople f. L populus] poplinn. a plain-woven fabric usu. of cotton, with a corded surface. [obs. F papeline perh. f. It. papalina (fem.) PAPAL, f. the papal town Avignon where it was made] poplitealadj. of the hollow at the back of the knee. [mod.L popliteus f. L poples -itis this hollow] poppan. US colloq. father (esp. as a child's word). [var. of PAPA] poppadamn. (also poppadom, popadam) Ind. a thin, crisp, spiced bread eaten with curry etc. [Tamil pappadam] poppern. 1 Brit. colloq. a press-stud. 2 a person or thing that pops. 3 colloq. a small vial of amyl nitrite used for inhalation. poppetn. 1 Brit. colloq. (esp. as a term of endearment) a small or dainty person. 2 (in full poppet-head) the head of a lathe. 3 a small square piece of wood fitted inside the gunwale or washstrake of a boat. poppet-head Brit. the frame at the top of a mine-shaft supporting pulleys for the ropes used in hoisting. poppet-valve Engin. a mushroom-shaped valve, lifted bodily from its seat rather than hinged. [ME popet(te), ult. f. L pup(p)a: cf. PUPPET] popping-crease n. Cricket a line four feet in front of and parallel to the wicket, within which the batsman must keep the bat or one foot grounded to avoid the risk of being stumped. [POP, perh. in obs. sense 'strike'] popplev. & n. --v.intr. (of water) tumble about, toss to and fro. --n. the act or an instance of rolling, tossing, or rippling of water. popply adj. [ME prob. f. MDu. popelen murmur, quiver, of imit. orig.] poppyn. (pl. -ies) any plant of the genus Papaver, with showy often red flowers and a milky sap with narcotic properties. Poppy Day = Remembrance Sunday. poppy-head 1 the seed capsule of the poppy. 2 an ornamental top on the end of a church pew. poppied adj. [OE popig, pap‘g, etc. f. med.L papauum f. L papaver] poppycockn. sl. nonsense. [Du. dial. pappekak] popsyn. (also popsie) (pl. -ies) colloq. (usu. as a term of endearment) a young woman. [shortening of POPPET] populacen. 1 the common people. 2 derog. the rabble. [F f. It. popolaccio f. popolo people + -accio pejorative suffix] popularadj. 1 liked or admired by many people or by a specified group (popular teachers; a popular hero). 2 a of or carried on by the general public (popular meetings). b prevalent among the general public (popular discontent). 3 adapted to the understanding, taste, or means of the people (popular science; popular medicine). popular front a party or coalition representing left-wing elements. popular music songs, folk tunes, etc., appealing to popular tastes. popularism n. popularity n. popularly adv. [ME f. AF populer, OF populeir or L popularis f. populus people] popularize v.tr. (also -ise) 1 make popular. 2 cause (a person, principle, etc.) to be generally known or liked. 3 present (a technical subject, specialized vocabulary, etc.) in a popular or readily understandable form. popularization n. popularizer n. populatev.tr. 1 inhabit; form the population of (a town, country, etc.). 2 supply with inhabitants; people (a densely populated district). [med.L populare populat- (as PEOPLE)] population n. 1 a the inhabitants of a place, country, etc. referred to collectively. b any specified group within this (the Irish population of Liverpool). 2 the total number of any of these (a population of eight million; the seal population). 3 the act or process of supplying with inhabitants (the population of forest areas). 4 Statistics any finite or infinite collection of items under consideration. population explosion a sudden large increase of population. [LL populatio (as PEOPLE)] populistn. & adj. --n. a member or adherent of a political party seeking support mainly from the ordinary people. --adj. of or relating to such a political party. populism n. populistic adj. [L populus people] populousadj. thickly inhabited. populously adv. populousness n. [ME f. LL populosus (as PEOPLE)] porbeaglen. a large shark, Lamna nasus, having a pointed snout. [18th-c. Corn. dial., of unkn. orig.] porcelainn. 1 a hard vitrified translucent ceramic. 2 objects made of this. porcelain clay kaolin. porcelain-shell cowrie. porcellaneous adj. porcellanous adj. [F porcelaine cowrie, porcelain f. It. porcellana f. porcella dimin. of porca sow (a cowrie being perh. likened to a sow's vulva) f. L porca fem. of porcus pig] porchn. 1 a covered shelter for the entrance of a building. 2 US a veranda. 3 (the Porch) = the Stoa (see STOA 2). porched adj. porchless adj. [ME f. OF porche f. L porticus (transl. Gk stoa) f. porta passage] porcineadj. of or like pigs. [F porcin or f. L porcinus f. porcus pig] porcupinen. 1 any rodent of the family Hystricidae native to Africa, Asia, and SE Europe, or the family Erethizontidae native to America, having defensive spines or quills. 2 (attrib.) denoting any of various animals or other organisms with spines. porcupine fish a marine fish, Diodon hystrix, covered with sharp spines and often distending itself into a spherical shape. porcupinish adj. porcupiny adj. [ME f. OF porc espin f. Prov. porc espi(n) ult. f. L porcus pig + spina thorn] poren. esp. Biol. a minute opening in a surface through which gases, liquids, or fine solids may pass. [ME f. OF f. L porus f. Gk poros passage, pore] v.intr. (foll. by over) 1 be absorbed in studying (a book etc.). 2 meditate on, think intently about (a subject). [ME pure etc. perh. f. OE purian (unrecorded): cf. PEER] porgyn. (pl. -ies) US any usu. marine fish of the family Sparidae, used as food. Also called sea bream. [18th c.: orig. uncert.: cf. Sp. & Port. pargo] porifern. any aquatic invertebrate of the phylum Porifera, including sponges. [mod.L Porifera f. L porus PORE + - fer bearing] porkn. the (esp. unsalted) flesh of a pig, used as food. pork-barrel US colloq. government funds as a source of political benefit. pork-butcher a person who slaughters pigs for sale, or who sells pork rather than other meats. pork pie a pie of minced pork etc. eaten cold. pork pie hat a hat with a flat crown and a brim turned up all round. [ME porc f. OF porc f. L porcus pig] porkern. 1 a pig raised for food. 2 a young fattened pig. porklingn. a young or small pig. porkyadj. (porkier, porkiest) 1 colloq. fleshy, fat. 2 of or like pork. n. (pl. -ies) US colloq. a porcupine. [abbr.] pornn. colloq. pornography. [abbr.] pornon. & adj. colloq. --n. pornography. --adj. pornographic. [abbr.] pornography n. 1 the explicit description or exhibition of sexual activity in literature, films, etc., intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings. 2 literature etc. characterized by this. pornographer n. pornographic adj. pornographically adv. [Gk pornographos writing of harlots f. porne prostitute + grapho write] porousadj. 1 full of pores. 2 letting through air, water, etc. 3 (of an argument, security system, etc.) leaky, admitting infiltration. porosity n. porously adv. porousness n. [ME f. OF poreux f. med.L porosus f. L porus PORE] porphyrian. any of a group of genetic disorders associated with abnormal metabolism of various pigments. [mod.L f. porphyrin purple substance excreted by porphyria patients f. Gk porphura purple] porphyryn. (pl. -ies) 1 a hard rock quarried in ancient Egypt, composed of crystals of white or red feldspar in a red matrix. 2 Geol. an igneous rock with large crystals scattered in a matrix of much smaller crystals. porphyritic adj. [ME ult. f. med.L porphyreum f. Gk porphurites f. porphura purple] porpoisen. any of various small toothed whales of the family Phocaenidae, esp. of the genus Phocaena, with a low triangular dorsal fin and a blunt rounded snout. [ME porpays etc. f. OF po(u)rpois etc. ult. f. L porcus pig + piscis fish] porridgen. 1 a dish consisting of oatmeal or another meal or cereal boiled in water or milk. 2 sl. imprisonment. porridgy adj. [16th c.: alt. of POTTAGE] porringern. a small bowl, often with a handle, for soup, stew, etc. [earlier pottinger f. OF potager f. potage (see POTTAGE): -n- as in messenger etc.] portn. 1 a harbour. 2 a place of refuge. 3 a town or place possessing a harbour, esp. one where customs officers are stationed. port of call a place where a ship or a person stops on a journey. Port of London Authority the corporate body controlling the London harbour and docks. [OE f. L portus & ME prob. f. OF f. L portus] n. (in full port wine) a strong, sweet, dark-red (occas. brown or white) fortified wine of Portugal. [shortened form of Oporto, city in Portugal from which port is shipped] n. & v. --n. the left-hand side (looking forward) of a ship, boat, or aircraft (cf. STARBOARD). --v.tr. (also absol.) turn (the helm) to port. port tack see TACK 4. port watch see WATCH n. 3b. [prob. orig. the side turned towards PORT] n. 1 a an opening in the side of a ship for entrance, loading, etc. b a porthole. 2 an aperture for the passage of steam, water, etc. 3 Electr. a socket or aperture in an electronic circuit, esp. in a computer network, where connections can be made with peripheral equipment. 4 an aperture in a wall etc. for a gun to be fired through. 5 esp. Sc. a gate or gateway, esp. of a walled town. [ME & OF porte f. L porta] v. & n. --v.tr. Mil. carry (a rifle, or other weapon) diagonally across and close to the body with the barrel etc. near the left shoulder (esp. port arms!). --n. 1 Mil. this position. 2 external deportment; carriage; bearing. [ME f. OF port ult. f. L portare carry] n. Austral. 1 a suitcase or travelling bag. 2 a shopping bag, sugar bag, etc. [abbr. of PORTMANTEAU] portableadj. & n. --adj. 1 easily movable, convenient for carrying (portable TV; portable computer). 2 (of a right, privilege, etc.) capable of being transferred or adapted in altered circumstances (portable pension). --n. a portable object, e.g. a radio, typewriter, etc. (decided to buy a portable). portability n. portableness n. portably adv. [ME f. OF portable or LL portabilis f. L portare carry] portagen. & v. --n. 1 the carrying of boats or goods between two navigable waters. 2 a place at which this is necessary. 3 a the act or an instance of carrying or transporting. b the cost of this. --v.tr. convey (a boat or goods) between navigable waters. [ME f. OF f. porter: see PORT] Portakabin n. propr. a portable room or building designed for quick assembly. [PORTABLE + CABIN] portaln. a doorway or gate etc., esp. a large and elaborate one. [ME f. OF f. med.L portale (neut. adj.): see PORTAL] adj. 1 of or relating to an aperture in an organ through which its associated vessels pass. 2 of or relating to the portal vein. portal vein a vein conveying blood to the liver from the spleen, stomach, pancreas, and intestines. [mod.L portalis f. L porta gate] portamento n. (pl. portamenti) Mus. 1 the act or an instance of gliding from one note to another in singing, playing the violin, etc. 2 piano-playing in a manner intermediate between legato and staccato. [It., = carrying] portativeadj. 1 serving to carry or support. 2 Mus. hist. (esp. of a small pipe-organ) portable. [ME f. OF portatif, app. alt. of portatil f. med.L portatilis f. L portare carry] portcullis n. 1 a strong heavy grating sliding up and down in vertical grooves, lowered to block a gateway in a fortress etc. 2 (Portcullis) Heraldry one of the four pursuivants of the English College of Arms, with this as a badge. portcullised adj. [ME f. OF porte cole‹ce sliding door f. porte door f. L porta + col(e)‹ce fem. of coule‹s sliding ult. f. L colare filter] Porten. (in full the Sublime or Ottoman Porte) hist. the Ottoman court at Constantinople. [F (la Sublime Porte = the exalted gate), transl. of Turk. title of the central office of the Ottoman government] porte-cochŠre n. 1 a porch large enough for vehicles to pass through, usu. into a courtyard. 2 US a roofed structure extending from the entrance of a building over a place where vehicles stop to discharge passengers. [F f. porte PORT + cochŠre (fem. adj.) f. coche COACH] portendv.tr. 1 foreshadow as an omen. 2 give warning of. [ME f. L portendere portent- f. por- PRO- + tendere stretch] portentn. 1 an omen, a significant sign of something to come. 2 a prodigy; a marvellous thing. [L portentum (as PORTEND)] portentous adj. 1 like or serving as a portent. 2 pompously solemn. portentously adv. portern. 1 a a person employed to carry luggage etc., esp. a railway, airport, or hotel employee. b a hospital employee who moves equipment, trolleys, etc. 2 a dark-brown bitter beer brewed from charred or browned malt (app. orig. made esp. for porters). 3 US a sleeping-car attendant. porterage n. [ME f. OF port(e)our f. med.L portator -oris f. portare carry] n. Brit. a gatekeeper or doorkeeper, esp. of a large building. [ME & AF, OF portier f. LL portarius f. porta door] porterhouse n. esp. US 1 hist. a house at which porter and other drinks were retailed. 2 a house where steaks, chops, etc. were served. porterhouse steak a thick steak cut from the thick end of a sirloin. portfiren. a device for firing rockets, igniting explosives in mining, etc. [after F porte-feu f. porter carry + feu fire] portfolion. (pl. -os) 1 a case for keeping loose sheets of paper, drawings, etc. 2 a range of investments held by a person, a company, etc. 3 the office of a minister of State (cf. minister without portfolio). 4 samples of an artist's work. [It. portafogli f. portare carry + foglio leaf f. L folium] portholen. 1 an (esp. glazed) aperture in a ship's or aircraft's side for the admission of light. 2 hist. an aperture for pointing a cannon through. porticon. (pl. -oes or -os) a colonnade; a roof supported by columns at regular intervals usu. attached as a porch to a building. [It. f. L porticus PORCH] portiŠren. a curtain hung over a door or doorway. [F f. porte door f. L porta] portionn. & v. --n. 1 a part or share. 2 the amount of food allotted to one person. 3 a specified or limited quantity. 4 one's destiny or lot. 5 a dowry. --v.tr. 1 divide (a thing) into portions. 2 (foll. by out) distribute. 3 give a dowry to. 4 (foll. by to) assign (a thing) to (a person). portionless adj. (in sense 5 of n.). [ME f. OF porcion portion f. L portio -onis] Portland cement n. a cement manufactured from chalk and clay which when hard resembles Portland stone in colour. Portland stone n. a limestone from the Isle of Portland in Dorset, used in building. portlyadj. (portlier, portliest) 1 corpulent; stout. 2 archaic of a stately appearance. portliness n. [PORT (in the sense 'bearing') + -LY] portmanteau n. (pl. portmanteaus or portmanteaux) a leather trunk for clothes etc., opening into two equal parts. portmanteau word a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of two others, e.g. motel, Oxbridge. [F portmanteau f. porter carry f. L portare + manteau MANTLE] portolann. (also portolano) (pl. portolans or portolanos) hist. a book of sailing directions with charts, descriptions of harbours, etc. [It. portolano f. porto PORT] portraitn. 1 a representation of a person or animal, esp. of the face, made by drawing, painting, photography, etc. 2 a verbal picture; a graphic description. 3 a person etc. resembling or typifying another (is the portrait of his father). 4 (in graphic design etc.) a format in which the height of an illustration etc. is greater than the width (cf. LANDSCAPE). [F, past part. of OF portraire PORTRAY] portraitist n. a person who takes or paints portraits. portraiture n. 1 the art of painting or taking portraits. 2 graphic description. 3 a portrait. [ME f. OF (as PORTRAIT)] portrayv.tr. 1 make a likeness of. 2 describe graphically. portrayable adj. portrayal n. port