COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Collins Cobuild)

2 N‑COUNT The crossbar of a man's or boy's bicycle is the horizontal metal bar between the handlebars and the saddle.

cross|bones /krɒ sboʊnz, [AM ] krɔː s-/ → see skull and crossbones

cro ss-bo rder

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Cross-border trade occurs between companies in different countries. □ Currency-conversion costs remain one of the biggest obstacles to cross-border trade.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cross-border attacks involve people crossing a border and going a short way into another country. □ …a cross-border raid into Zambian territory.

cross|bow /krɒ sboʊ, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossbows ) N‑COUNT A crossbow is a weapon consisting of a small, powerful bow that is fixed across a piece of wood, and aimed like a gun.

cro ss-breed (cross-breeds , cross-breeding , cross-bred ) also crossbreed

1 VERB If one species of animal or plant cross-breeds with another, they reproduce, and new or different animals or plants are produced. You can also say that someone cross-breeds something such as an animal or plant. □ [V + with ] By cross-breeding with our native red deer, the skia deer have affected the gene pool. □ [V n + with ] Unfortunately attempts to crossbreed it with other potatoes have been unsuccessful. □ [V n] More farmers are creating hybrid crops by cross-breeding existing fruits. □ [V -ed] …a cross-bred labrador. [Also V ]

2 N‑COUNT A cross-breed is an animal that is the result of cross-breeding.

cro ss-Cha nnel also cross-channel ADJ [ADJ n] Cross-Channel travel is travel across the English Channel, especially by boat. □ …the cross-channel ferry. □ Dieppe has plenty to attract cross-Channel visitors.

cro ss-che ck (cross-checks , cross-checking , cross-checked ) VERB If you cross-check information, you check that it is correct using a different method or source from the one originally used to obtain it. □ [V n] You have to scrupulously check and cross-check everything you hear. □ [be V -ed + against ] His version will later be cross-checked against that of the university. □ [V + with ] They want to ensure such claims are justified by cross-checking with other records. [Also V , V n + with ]

cro ss-cou ntry

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cross-country is the sport of running, riding, or skiing across open countryside rather than along roads or around a running track. □ She finished third in the world cross-country championships in Antwerp.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] A cross-country journey involves less important roads or railway lines, or takes you from one side of a country to the other. □ …cross-country rail services. ● ADV [ADV after v] Cross-country is also an adverb. □ They drove cross-country in his van.

cro ss-cu ltural ADJ [ADJ n] Cross-cultural means involving two or more different cultures. □ What would any World Cup be without a cross-cultural experience?

cro ss-current (cross-currents ) in AM, also use crosscurrent 1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A cross-current is a current in a river or sea that flows across another current. □ Cross-currents can sweep the strongest swimmer helplessly away.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] You can refer to conflicting ideas or traditions as cross-currents . □ …the cross-currents within the Conservative Party.

cro ss-dre ss (cross-dresses , cross-dressing , cross-dressed ) VERB If someone cross-dresses , they wear the clothes of the opposite sex, especially for sexual pleasure. □ [V ] If they want to cross-dress, that's fine. ● cross-dresser (cross-dressers ) N‑COUNT □ He finds it impossible to join in with other cross-dressers and so resorts to dressing in secret. ● cross-dressing N‑UNCOUNT □ Cross-dressing is far more common than we realise.

cro ss-exa mine (cross-examines , cross-examining , cross-examined ) VERB When a lawyer cross-examines someone during a trial or hearing, he or she questions them about the evidence that they have already given. □ [V n] The accused's lawyers will get a chance to cross-examine him. □ [be V -ed + about ] You know you are liable to be cross-examined mercilessly about the assault. [Also V n + about ] ● cross-examination (cross-examinations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …during the cross-examination of a witness in a murder case. □ Under cross-examination, he admitted he had lied to the police.

cro ss-eyed ADJ Someone who is cross-eyed has eyes that seem to look towards each other.

cross|fire /krɒ sfa I ə ^r , [AM ] krɔː s-/ also cross-fire

1 N‑UNCOUNT Crossfire is gunfire, for example in a battle, that comes from two or more different directions and passes through the same area.

2 PHRASE If you are caught in the crossfire , you become involved in an unpleasant situation in which people are arguing with each other, although you do not want to be involved or say which person you agree with. □ [+ between ] They are caught in the crossfire between the education establishment and the government.

cross|ing /krɒ s I ŋ, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossings )

1 N‑COUNT A crossing is a journey by boat or ship to a place on the other side of a sea, river, or lake. □ The vessel docked in Swansea after a ten-hour crossing.

2 N‑COUNT A crossing is a place where two roads, paths, or lines cross.

3 N‑COUNT A crossing is the same as a pedestrian crossing . [BRIT ] □ A car hit her on a crossing. in AM, use crosswalk 4 → see also pelican crossing , zebra crossing

5 N‑COUNT A crossing is the same as a grade crossing or a level crossing .

cro ss-le gged ADV [ADV after v] If someone is sitting cross-legged , they are sitting on the floor with their legs bent so that their knees point outwards. □ He sat cross-legged on the floor.

cross|over /krɒ soʊvə ^r , [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossovers )

1 N‑VAR [oft N n] A crossover of one style and another, especially in music or fashion, is a combination of the two different styles. □ [+ of ] …the contemporary crossover of pop, jazz and funk.

2 N‑SING In music or fashion, if someone makes a crossover from one style to another, they become successful outside the style they were originally known for. □ [+ from/to ] I told her the crossover from actress to singer is easier than singer to actress.

cro ss-pa rty ADJ Cross-party activities involve two or more political parties. A cross-party group consists of members from two or more political parties. □ Special election procedures allow cross-party voting. □ Decisions are being made by cross-party committees.

cro ss-pu rposes also cross purposes PHRASE If people are at cross-purposes , they do not understand each other because they are working towards or talking about different things without realizing it. □ [+ with ] The two friends find themselves at cross-purposes with the officials.

cro ss-que stion (cross-questions , cross-questioning , cross-questioned ) VERB If you cross-question someone, you ask them a lot of questions about something. □ [V n] The police came back and cross-questioned Des again.

cro ss-re ference (cross-references , cross-referencing , cross-referenced )

1 N‑COUNT A cross-reference is a note in a book which tells you that there is relevant or more detailed information in another part of the book.

2 VERB [usu passive] If something such as a book is cross-referenced , cross-references are put in it. □ [be V -ed] Nearly 2,300 plant lists have been checked and cross-referenced. □ [V -ed] …an index of products and services which is cross-referenced to the supplying companies.

cross|roads /krɒ sroʊdz, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crossroads )

1 N‑COUNT A crossroads is a place where two roads meet and cross each other. □ Turn right at the first crossroads.

2 N‑SING [oft at a N ] If you say that something is at a crossroads , you mean that it has reached a very important stage in its development where it could go one way or another. □ The company was clearly at a crossroads.

cro ss-section (cross-sections ) also cross section

1 N‑COUNT If you refer to a cross-section of particular things or people, you mean a group of them that you think is typical or representative of all of them. □ [+ of ] I was surprised at the cross-section of people there. □ [+ of ] It is good that there is a wide cross-section of sport on television.

2 N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A cross-section of an object is what you would see if you could cut straight through the middle of it. □ [+ of ] …a cross-section of an airplane. □ The hall is square in cross-section.

cro ss-stitch also cross stitch N‑UNCOUNT Cross-stitch is a type of decorative sewing where one stitch crosses another.

cross|walk /krɒ swɔːk, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crosswalks ) N‑COUNT A crosswalk is a place where pedestrians can cross a street and where drivers must stop to let them cross. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use pedestrian crossing

cross|wind /krɒ sw I nd, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crosswinds ) also cross-wind N‑COUNT A crosswind is a strong wind that blows across the direction that vehicles, boats, or aircraft are travelling in, and that makes it difficult for them to keep moving steadily forward.

cross|wise /krɒ swa I z, [AM ] krɔː s-/ in AM, also use crossways ADV [ADV after v] Crosswise means diagonally across something. □ Rinse and slice the courgettes crosswise.

cross|word /krɒ swɜː ^r d, [AM ] krɔː s-/ (crosswords ) N‑COUNT A crossword or crossword puzzle is a word game in which you work out the answers and write them in the white squares of a pattern of small black and white squares.

crotch /krɒ tʃ/ (crotches )

1 N‑COUNT Your crotch is the part of your body between the tops of your legs. □ Glover kicked him hard in the crotch.

2 N‑COUNT The crotch of something such as a pair of trousers is the part that covers the area between the tops of your legs. □ They were too long in the crotch.

crotch|et /krɒ tʃ I t/ (crotchets ) N‑COUNT A crotchet is a musical note that has a time value equal to two quavers. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use quarter note

crotch|ety /krɒ tʃ I ti/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A crotchety person is bad-tempered and easily irritated. [INFORMAL ] □ …a crotchety old man.

crouch /kraʊ tʃ/ (crouches , crouching , crouched ) VERB If you are crouching , your legs are bent under you so that you are close to the ground and leaning forward slightly. □ [V prep/adv] We were crouching in the bushes. □ [V -ed] The man was crouched behind the Mercedes. ● N‑SING Crouch is also a noun. □ They walked in a crouch, each bent over close to the ground. ● PHRASAL VERB Crouch down means the same as crouch . □ [V P ] He crouched down and reached under the mattress. □ [V P prep/adv] He crouched down beside him.

croup /kruː p/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] Croup is a disease which children sometimes suffer from that makes it difficult for them to breathe and causes them to cough a lot.

crou|pi|er /kruː pie I , [AM ] -iər/ (croupiers ) N‑COUNT A croupier is the person in charge of a gambling table in a casino, who collects the bets and pays money to the people who have won.

crou|ton /kruː tɒn/ (croutons ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Croutons are small pieces of toasted or fried bread that are added to soup just before you eat it.

crow /kroʊ / (crows , crowing , crowed )

1 N‑COUNT A crow is a large black bird which makes a loud, harsh noise.

2 VERB When a cock crows , it makes a loud sound, often early in the morning. □ [V ] The cock crows and the dawn chorus begins.

3 VERB If you say that someone is crowing about something they have achieved or are pleased about, you disapprove of them because they keep telling people proudly about it. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V + about/over ] Edwards is already crowing about his assured victory. □ [V that] We've seen them all crowing that the movement is dead.

4 PHRASE If you say that a place is a particular distance away as the crow flies , you mean that it is that distance away measured in a straight line. □ It was 150 miles inland from Boston as the crow flies.

crow|bar /kroʊ bɑː ^r / (crowbars ) N‑COUNT A crowbar is a heavy iron bar which is used as a lever.

crowd ◆◆◇ /kraʊ d/ (crowds , crowding , crowded )

1 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A crowd is a large group of people who have gathered together, for example to watch or listen to something interesting, or to protest about something. □ A huge crowd gathered in a square outside the Kremlin walls. □ The crowd were enormously enthusiastic. □ [+ of ] The explosions took place in shopping centres as crowds of people were shopping for Mother's Day.

2 N‑COUNT A particular crowd is a group of friends, or a set of people who share the same interests or job. [INFORMAL ] □ All the old crowd have come out for this occasion.

3 VERB When people crowd around someone or something, they gather closely together around them. □ [V + round/around n] The hungry refugees crowded around the tractors. □ [V round/around ] Police blocked off the road as hotel staff and guests crowded around.

4 VERB If people crowd into a place or are crowded into a place, large numbers of them enter it so that it becomes very full. □ [V + into ] Hundreds of thousands of people have crowded into the centre of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. □ [be V -ed + into ] One group of journalists were crowded into a minibus. □ [V -ed] 'Bravo, bravo,' chanted party workers crowded in the main hall. [Also V n into n]

5 VERB If a group of people crowd a place, there are so many of them there that it is full. □ [V n] Thousands of demonstrators crowded the streets shouting slogans.

6 VERB If people crowd you, they stand very closely around you trying to see or speak to you, so that you feel uncomfortable. □ [V n] It had been a tense day with people crowding her all the time.

▸ crowd in PHRASAL VERB If problems or thoughts crowd in on you, a lot of them happen to you or affect you at the same time, so that they occupy all your attention and make you feel unable to escape. □ [V P + on ] Everything is crowding in on me. □ [V P ] She tried to sleep, but thoughts crowded in and images flashed into her mind.

▸ crowd out PHRASAL VERB If one thing crowds out another, it is so successful or common that the other thing does not have the opportunity to be successful or exist. □ [V P n] My busy schedule crowded out nearly all time for reflection. [Also V n P ]

crowd|ed /kraʊ d I d/

1 ADJ If a place is crowded , it is full of people. □ He peered slowly around the small crowded room. [Also + with ]

2 ADJ If a place is crowded , a lot of people live there. □ …a crowded city of 2 million.

3 ADJ If your timetable, your life, or your mind is crowded , it is full of events, activities, or thoughts. □ Never before has a summit had such a crowded agenda. [Also + with ]

crowd|fund /kraʊ dfʌnd/ (crowdfunds , crowdfunding , crowdfunded ) VERB If you crowdfund a project, you get the money to pay for it by asking a large number of people to each give money. □ [V n] She crowdfunded her first book. □ [V -ed] Their crowdfunded legal fund has already collected more than $150,000.

crowd|fund|ing /kraʊ dfʌnd I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Crowdfunding is when a large number of people each give an amount of money to pay for a project, especially by using a website to collect the money. □ The project was financed through crowdfunding.

cro wd-pleaser (crowd-pleasers ) also crowd pleaser N‑COUNT If you describe a performer, politician, or sports player as a crowd-pleaser , you mean they always please their audience. You can also describe an action or event as a crowd-pleaser . □ He gets spectacular goals and is a real crowd pleaser.

cro wd-puller (crowd-pullers ) also crowd puller N‑COUNT If you describe a performer or event as a crowd-puller , you mean that they attract a large audience. □ The exhibition is hardly a crowd-puller.

crowd|sourc|ing /kraʊ dsɔː ^r s I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Crowdsourcing is the practice of getting ideas or help on a project from a large number of people, usually through the internet. □ We used crowdsourcing to develop the software.

crown ◆◇◇ /kraʊ n/ (crowns , crowning , crowned )

1 N‑COUNT A crown is a circular ornament, usually made of gold and jewels, which a king or queen wears on their head at official ceremonies. You can also use crown to refer to anything circular that is worn on someone's head. □ [+ of ] …a crown of flowers.

2 N‑PROPER The government of a country that has a king or queen is sometimes referred to as the Crown . In British criminal cases the prosecutor is the Crown . □ She says the sovereignty of the Crown must be preserved. □ …a Minister of the Crown. □ …chief witness for the Crown.

3 VERB [usu passive] When a king or queen is crowned , a crown is placed on their head as part of a ceremony in which they are officially made king or queen. □ [be V -ed] Elizabeth was crowned in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. □ [be V -ed n] Two days later, Juan Carlos was crowned king. □ [V -ed] …the newly-crowned King.

4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Your crown is the top part of your head, at the back. □ [+ of ] He laid his hand gently on the crown of her head.

5 N‑COUNT A crown is an artificial top piece fixed over a broken or decayed tooth.

6 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] In sport, winning an important competition is sometimes referred to as a crown . □ …his dream of a fourth Wimbledon crown.

7 VERB An achievement or event that crowns something makes it perfect, successful, or complete. □ [be V -ed by ] The summit was crowned by the signing of the historic START treaty. □ [V -ing] …the crowning achievement of his career.

Cro wn Cou rt (Crown Courts ) N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in names] In England and Wales, a Crown Court is a court in which criminal cases are tried by a judge and jury rather than by a magistrate. □ He appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday on a drink-driving charge.

cro wn je w|el (crown jewels ) N‑PLURAL The Crown Jewels are the crown, sceptre, and other precious objects which are used on important official occasions by the King or Queen.

Cro wn Pri nce (Crown Princes ) N‑COUNT A Crown Prince is a prince who will be king of his country when the present king or queen dies. □ …the crown prince's palace. □ …Sultan Mahmood's son, Crown Prince Ibrahim Mahmood.

Cro wn Pri n|cess (Crown Princesses ) N‑COUNT A Crown Princess is a princess who is the wife of a Crown Prince, or will be queen of her country when the present king or queen dies. □ …his second wife, Crown Princess Catherine.

cro wn pro s|ecu|tor (crown prosecutors ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] In Britain, a crown prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the state and who prosecutes people who are accused of crimes.

cro w's feet N‑PLURAL Crow's feet are wrinkles which some older people have at the outside corners of their eyes.

cro w's nest N‑SING On a ship, the crow's nest is a small platform high up on the mast, where a person can go to look in all directions.

cru|cial ◆◇◇ /kruː ʃ ^ə l/ ADJ If you describe something as crucial , you mean it is extremely important. □ He had administrators under him but took the crucial decisions himself. □ [+ to ] Improved consumer confidence is crucial to an economic recovery. ● cru|cial|ly ADV □ Chewing properly is crucially important. □ Crucially, though, it failed to secure the backing of the banks.

cru|ci|ate liga|ment /kruː ʃ I I t l I gəmənt, -e I t -/ (cruciate ligaments ) N‑COUNT A cruciate ligament is either of a pair of ligaments that cross at the knee. □ He will be out of the team for the rest of the season after damaging his cruciate ligaments.

cru|ci|ble /kruː s I b ^ə l/ (crucibles )

1 N‑COUNT A crucible is a pot in which metals or other substances can be melted or heated up to very high temperatures.

2 N‑SING Crucible is used to refer to a situation in which something is tested or a conflict takes place, often one which produces something new. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] …a system in which ideas are tested in the crucible of party contention.

cru|ci|fix /kruː s I f I ks/ (crucifixes ) N‑COUNT A crucifix is a cross with a figure of Christ on it.

cru|ci|fix|ion /kruː s I f I kʃ ^ə n/ (crucifixions )

1 N‑VAR Crucifixion is a way of killing people which was common in the Roman Empire, in which they were tied or nailed to a cross and left to die. □ [+ of ] …her historical novel about the crucifixion of Christians in Rome.

2 N‑PROPER The Crucifixion is the crucifixion of Christ. □ …the central message of the Crucifixion.

cru|ci|form /kruː s I fɔː ^r m/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cruciform building or object is shaped like a cross. [FORMAL ] □ …a cruciform tower.

cru|ci|fy /kru ːs I fa I / (crucifies , crucifying , crucified )

1 VERB [usu passive] If someone is crucified , they are killed by being tied or nailed to a cross and left to die. □ [be V -ed] …the day that Christ was crucified.

2 VERB To crucify someone means to criticize or punish them severely. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] She'll crucify me if she finds you still here.

crude /kruː d/ (cruder , crudest , crudes )

1 ADJ A crude method or measurement is not exact or detailed, but may be useful or correct in a rough, general way. □ Measurements of blood pressure are a crude way of assessing the risk of heart disease. ● crude|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ The donors can be split–a little crudely–into two groups.

2 ADJ If you describe an object that someone has made as crude , you mean that it has been made in a very simple way or from very simple parts. □ …crude wooden boxes. ● crude|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □ …a crudely-carved wooden form.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as crude , you disapprove of them because they speak or behave in a rude, offensive, or unsophisticated way. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Nev! Must you be quite so crude? □ …crude language. ● crude|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ He hated it when she spoke so crudely.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] Crude substances are in a natural or unrefined state, and have not yet been used in manufacturing processes. □ …8.5 million tonnes of crude steel.

5 N‑VAR Crude is the same as crude oil .

cru de oi l N‑UNCOUNT Crude oil is oil in its natural state before it has been processed or refined.

crudi|tés /kruː d I te I , [AM ] -te I / N‑PLURAL Crudités are pieces of raw vegetable, often served before a meal.

cru|el /kruː əl/ (crueller , cruellest ) in AM, use crueler , cruelest 1 ADJ Someone who is cruel deliberately causes pain or distress to people or animals. □ Children can be so cruel. □ Don't you think it's cruel to cage a creature up? ● cru|el|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Douglas was often cruelly tormented by jealous siblings.

2 ADJ A situation or event that is cruel is very harsh and causes people distress. □ …struggling to survive in a cruel world with which they cannot cope. ● cru|el|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ His life has been cruelly shattered by an event not of his own making.

cru|el|ty /kruː əlti/ (cruelties ) N‑VAR Cruelty is behaviour that deliberately causes pain or distress to people or animals. □ [+ to ] Britain had laws against cruelty to animals but none to protect children. □ [+ of ] He had been unable to escape the cruelties of war.

cru|et /kruː I t/ (cruets )

1 N‑COUNT A cruet is a small container, or set of containers, for salt, pepper, or mustard which is used at meals. [BRIT ] □ …a cruet set.

2 N‑COUNT A cruet is a small glass bottle that contains oil or vinegar and is used at the table at meals. [AM ]

cruise ◆◇◇ /kruː z/ (cruises , cruising , cruised )

1 N‑COUNT A cruise is a holiday during which you travel on a ship or boat and visit a number of places. □ He and his wife were planning to go on a world cruise.

2 VERB If you cruise a sea, river, or canal, you travel around it or along it on a cruise. □ [V n] She wants to cruise the canals of France in a barge. □ [V prep/adv] Try cruising around the Greek islands in a traditional fishing boat.

3 VERB If a car, ship, or aircraft cruises somewhere, it moves there at a steady comfortable speed. □ [V prep/adv] A black and white police car cruised past.

4 VERB If a team or sports player cruises to victory, they win easily. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V + to ] Williams looked in awesome form as she cruised to an easy victory.

crui se mi s|sile (cruise missiles ) N‑COUNT A cruise missile is a missile which carries a nuclear warhead and which is guided by a computer.

cruis|er /kruː zə ^r / (cruisers )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A cruiser is a motor boat which has an area for people to live or sleep in. □ …a motor cruiser.

2 → see also cabin cruiser

3 N‑COUNT A cruiser is a large fast warship. □ Italy had lost three cruisers and two destroyers.

4 N‑COUNT A cruiser is a police car. [AM ]

cruiser|weight /kruː zə ^r we I t/ (cruiserweights ) N‑COUNT A cruiserweight is another name for a light heavyweight . [mainly BRIT ]

cru ise ship (cruise ships ) N‑COUNT A cruise ship is a large ship which takes people from place to place on a cruise holiday, and on which entertainment, food, and drink are provided. □ He got a job as a singer on a cruise ship.

crumb /krʌ m/ (crumbs )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Crumbs are tiny pieces that fall from bread, biscuits, or cake when you cut it or eat it. □ I stood up, brushing crumbs from my trousers.

2 N‑COUNT A crumb of something, for example information, is a very small amount of it. □ [+ of ] At last Andrew gave them a crumb of information.

crum|ble /krʌ mb ^ə l/ (crumbles , crumbling , crumbled )

1 VERB If something crumbles , or if you crumble it, it breaks into a lot of small pieces. □ [V ] Under the pressure, the flint crumbled into fragments. □ [V n] Roughly crumble the cheese into a bowl.

2 VERB If an old building or piece of land is crumbling , parts of it keep breaking off. □ [V ] The high- and low-rise apartment blocks built in the 1960s are crumbling. □ [V prep/adv] The cliffs were estimated to be crumbling into the sea at the rate of 10ft an hour. ● PHRASAL VERB Crumble away means the same as crumble . □ [V P ] Britain's coastline stretches 4000 kilometres and much of it is crumbling away.

3 VERB If something such as a system, relationship, or hope crumbles , it comes to an end. □ [V ] Their economy crumbled under the weight of sanctions. ● PHRASAL VERB Crumble away means the same as crumble . □ [V P ] Opposition more or less crumbled away.

4 VERB If someone crumbles , they stop resisting or trying to win, or become unable to cope. □ [V ] He is a skilled and ruthless leader who isn't likely to crumble under pressure.

5 N‑VAR [usu n N ] A crumble is a baked pudding made from fruit covered with a mixture of flour, butter, and sugar. [BRIT ] □ …apple crumble.

▸ crumble away → see crumble 2 , crumble 3

crum|bly /krʌ mbli/ (crumblier , crumbliest ) ADJ Something that is crumbly is easily broken into a lot of little pieces. □ …crumbly cheese.

crum|my /krʌ mi/ (crummier , crummiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is crummy is unpleasant, of very poor quality, or not good enough. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ When I first came here, I had a crummy flat.

crum|pet /krʌ mp I t/ (crumpets )

1 N‑COUNT Crumpets are round, flat pieces of a substance like bread or batter with small holes in them. You toast them and eat them with butter. [mainly BRIT ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT Some men refer to attractive women as crumpet . This use could cause offence. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

crum|ple /krʌ mp ^ə l/ (crumples , crumpling , crumpled )

1 VERB If you crumple something such as paper or cloth, or if it crumples , it is squashed and becomes full of untidy creases and folds. □ [V n] She crumpled the paper in her hand. □ [V ] The front and rear of the car will crumple during a collision. ● PHRASAL VERB Crumple up means the same as crumple . □ [V P n] She crumpled up her coffee cup. □ [V n P ] Nancy crumpled up the note and threw it in the bin. ● crum|pled ADJ □ His uniform was crumpled, untidy, splashed with mud.

2 VERB If someone crumples , they collapse, for example when they have received a shock. [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] His body crumpled. □ [V prep] He immediately crumpled to the floor. □ [V -ed] Chance McAllister lay crumpled on the floor.

▸ crumple up → see crumple 1

crunch /krʌ ntʃ/ (crunches , crunching , crunched )

1 VERB If you crunch something hard, such as a sweet, you crush it noisily between your teeth. □ [V n] She sucked an ice cube into her mouth, and crunched it loudly. □ [V + into/on ] Richard crunched into the apple.

2 VERB If something crunches or if you crunch it, it makes a breaking or crushing noise, for example when you step on it. □ [V ] A piece of china crunched under my foot. □ [V n] He crunched the sheets of paper in his hands. ● N‑COUNT Crunch is also a noun. □ [+ of ] She heard the crunch of tires on the gravel driveway.

3 VERB If you crunch across a surface made of very small stones, you move across it causing it to make a crunching noise. □ [V prep/adv] I crunched across the gravel. □ [V prep/adv] …wheels crunching over a stony surface.

4 N‑SING [oft N n] You can refer to an important time or event, for example when an important decision has to be made, as the crunch . □ He can rely on my support when the crunch comes. □ The Prime Minister is expected to call a crunch meeting on Monday. ● PHRASE If you say that something will happen if or when it comes to the crunch , you mean that it will happen if or when the time comes when something has to be done. □ If it comes to the crunch, I'll resign over this.

5 VERB To crunch numbers means to do a lot of calculations using a calculator or computer. □ [V n] I pored over the books with great enthusiasm, often crunching the numbers until 1:00 a.m.

6 N‑COUNT A situation in which a business or economy has very little money can be referred to as a crunch . [BUSINESS ] □ …a financial crunch that could threaten the company's future.

7 N‑COUNT Crunches are exercises that you do to strengthen your stomach muscles. They involve sitting up from a lying position with your legs straight, bent, or raised. □ He spends hours doing crunches and squats in the gym.

crunchy /krʌ ntʃi/ (crunchier , crunchiest ) ADJ Food that is crunchy is pleasantly hard or crisp so that it makes a noise when you eat it. [APPROVAL ] □ …fresh, crunchy vegetables.

cru|sade /kruːse I d/ (crusades , crusading , crusaded )

1 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] A crusade is a long and determined attempt to achieve something for a cause that you feel strongly about. □ [+ against/for ] Footballers launched an unprecedented crusade against racism on the terraces.

2 VERB If you crusade for a particular cause, you make a long and determined effort to achieve something for it. □ [V + against/for ] …a newspaper that has crusaded against the country's cocaine traffickers. □ [V -ing] …an adopted boy whose cause is taken up by a crusading lawyer.

3 N‑PROPER‑PLURAL The Crusades were the wars that were fought by Christians in Palestine against the Muslims during the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries.

cru|sad|er /kruːse I də ^r / (crusaders )

1 N‑COUNT A crusader for a cause is someone who does a lot in support of it. □ [+ for ] He has set himself up as a crusader for higher press and broadcasting standards.

2 N‑COUNT A Crusader was a knight who fought in the Crusades.

crush /krʌ ʃ/ (crushes , crushing , crushed )

1 VERB To crush something means to press it very hard so that its shape is destroyed or so that it breaks into pieces. □ [V n] Andrew crushed his empty can. □ [V n] Peel and crush the garlic. □ [V -ed] …crushed ice.

2 VERB To crush a protest or movement, or a group of opponents, means to defeat it completely, usually by force. □ [V n] The military operation was the first step in a plan to crush the uprising. ● crush|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the violent crushing of anti-government demonstrations.

3 VERB [usu passive] If you are crushed by something, it upsets you a great deal. □ [be V -ed] Listen to criticism but don't be crushed by it.

4 VERB [usu passive] If you are crushed against someone or something, you are pushed or pressed against them. □ [be V -ed prep] We were at the front, crushed against the stage.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A crush is a crowd of people close together, in which it is difficult to move. □ Franklin and his thirteen-year-old son somehow got separated in the crush.

6 N‑COUNT If you have a crush on someone, you are in love with them but do not have a relationship with them. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ on ] She had a crush on you, you know.

crush|er /krʌ ʃə ^r / (crushers ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A crusher is a piece of equipment used for crushing things. □ …a garlic crusher.

crush|ing /krʌ ʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A crushing defeat, burden, or disappointment is a very great or severe one. [EMPHASIS ] □ His loss would be a crushing blow to Liverpool's title hopes.

crush|ing|ly /krʌ ʃ I ŋli/ ADV [ADV adj] You can use crushingly to emphasize the degree of a negative quality. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a collection of crushingly bad jokes.

crust /krʌ st/ (crusts )

1 N‑COUNT The crust on a loaf of bread is the outside part.

2 N‑COUNT A pie's crust is its cooked pastry.

3 N‑COUNT A crust is a hard layer of something, especially on top of a softer or wetter substance. □ [+ of ] As the water evaporates, a crust of salt is left on the surface of the soil.

4 N‑COUNT The Earth's crust is its outer layer. □ Earthquakes leave scars in the Earth's crust.

5 → see also upper crust

crus|ta|cean /krʌste I ʃ ^ə n/ (crustaceans ) N‑COUNT A crustacean is an animal with a hard shell and several pairs of legs, which usually lives in water. Crabs, lobsters, and shrimps are crustaceans.

crust|ed /krʌ st I d/ ADJ If something is crusted with a substance, it is covered with a hard or thick layer of that substance. [LITERARY ] □ [+ with ] …flat grey stones crusted with lichen. ● COMB Crusted is also a combining form. □ He sat down to remove his mud-crusted boots.

crusty /krʌ sti/ (crustier , crustiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crusty bread has a hard, crisp outside. □ …crusty French loaves.

crutch /krʌ tʃ/ (crutches )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft on N ] A crutch is a stick whose top fits round or under the user's arm, which someone with an injured foot or leg uses to support their weight when walking. □ I can walk without the aid of crutches. □ I was on crutches for a while.

2 N‑SING If you refer to someone or something as a crutch , you mean that they give you help or support. □ [+ of ] He gave up the crutch of alcohol.

3 N‑COUNT Your crutch is the same as your crotch . [mainly BRIT ] □ He kicked him in the crutch.

crux /krʌ ks/ N‑SING The crux of a problem or argument is the most important or difficult part of it which affects everything else. □ [+ of ] He said the crux of the matter was economic policy.

cry ◆◆◇ /kra I / (cries , crying , cried )

1 VERB When you cry , tears come from your eyes, usually because you are unhappy or hurt. □ [V ] I hung up the phone and started to cry. □ [V ] Please don't cry. □ [V + with ] He cried with anger and frustration. □ [V -ing] …a crying baby. ● N‑SING Cry is also a noun. □ A nurse patted me on the shoulder and said, 'You have a good cry, dear.' ● cry|ing N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □ She had been unable to sleep for three days because of her 13-week-old son's crying.

2 VERB If you cry something, you shout it or say it loudly. □ [V with quote] 'Nancy Drew,' she cried, 'you're under arrest!'. [Also V that] ● PHRASAL VERB Cry out means the same as cry . □ [V P with quote] 'You're wrong, quite wrong!' Henry cried out, suddenly excited. □ [V P that] She cried out that no storm was going to stop her. [Also V P n]

3 N‑COUNT A cry is a loud, high sound that you make when you feel a strong emotion such as fear, pain, or pleasure. □ [+ of ] A cry of horror broke from me. □ With a cry, she rushed forward.

4 N‑COUNT A cry is a shouted word or phrase, usually one that is intended to attract someone's attention. □ [+ of ] Thousands of people burst into cries of 'bravo' on the steps of the parliament. □ [+ for ] Passers-by heard his cries for help.

5 → see also battle cry , rallying cry

6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a public protest about something or an appeal for something as a cry of some kind. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ of ] There have been cries of outrage about this expenditure. [Also+ for ]

7 N‑COUNT A bird's or animal's cry is the loud, high sound that it makes. □ [+ of ] …the cry of a seagull.

8 → see also crying

9 PHRASE Something that is a far cry from something else is very different from it. □ Their lives are a far cry from his own poor childhood.

10 EXCLAM You use the expression for crying out loud in order to show that you are annoyed or impatient, or to add force to a question or request. [INFORMAL , SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □ I mean, what's he ever done in his life, for crying out loud?

11 to cry your eyes out → see eye

12 a shoulder to cry on → see shoulder

▸ cry off PHRASAL VERB If you cry off , you tell someone that you cannot do something that you have agreed or arranged to do. □ [V P ] She was invited to a party but had to cry off at the last minute.

▸ cry out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cry out , you call out loudly because you are frightened, unhappy, or in pain. □ [V P + in ] He was crying out in pain on the ground when the ambulance arrived. □ [V P ] Hart cried out as his head struck rock.

2 → see also cry 2

▸ cry out for PHRASAL VERB If you say that something cries out for a particular thing or action, you mean that it needs that thing or action very much. □ [V P P n] This is a disgraceful state of affairs and cries out for a thorough investigation. COLLOCATIONS cry NOUN 3

adjective + cry : anguished, plaintive, loud, shrill

verb + cry : hear; give, utter VERB 1

cry + adverb : hysterically, uncontrollably; quietly, silently; openly

cry|baby /kra I be I bi/ (crybabies ) also cry baby , cry-baby N‑COUNT If someone calls a child a crybaby , they mean that the child cries a lot for no good reason. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

cry|ing /kra I I ŋ/

1 PHRASE If you say that there is a crying need for something, you mean that there is a very great need for it. □ There is a crying need for more magistrates from the ethnic minority communities.

2 PHRASE You can say that something is a crying shame if you are annoyed and upset about it. [FEELINGS ] □ It's a crying shame that police have to put up with these mindless attacks.

3 → see also cry

cryo|gen|ics /kra I oʊdʒe n I ks/ The form cryogenic is used as a modifier. N‑PLURAL Cryogenics is a branch of physics that studies what happens to things at extremely low temperatures.

crypt /kr I pt/ (crypts ) N‑COUNT A crypt is an underground room underneath a church or cathedral. □ …people buried in the crypt of an old London church.

cryp|tic /kr I pt I k/ ADJ A cryptic remark or message contains a hidden meaning or is difficult to understand. □ He has issued a short, cryptic statement denying the spying charges. □ My father's notes are more cryptic here. ● cryp|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'Not necessarily,' she says cryptically.

crypto- /kr I ptoʊ-/ COMB Crypto- is added to adjectives and nouns to form other adjectives and nouns which refer to people who have hidden beliefs and principles.

crys|tal ◆◇◇ /kr I st ^ə l/ (crystals )

1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A crystal is a small piece of a substance that has formed naturally into a regular symmetrical shape. □ …salt crystals. □ …a single crystal of silicon.

2 → see also liquid crystal , liquid crystal display

3 N‑VAR Crystal is a transparent rock that is used to make jewellery and ornaments. □ …a strand of crystal beads.

4 N‑UNCOUNT Crystal is a high-quality glass, usually with patterns cut into its surface. □ Some of the finest drinking glasses are made from lead crystal. □ …crystal glasses.

5 N‑UNCOUNT Glasses and other containers made of crystal are referred to as crystal . □ Get out your best china and crystal.

cry s|tal ba ll (crystal balls ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone, especially an expert, looks into a crystal ball , you mean that they are trying to predict the future. Crystal balls are traditionally used by fortune-tellers. □ Local economists have looked into their crystal balls and seen something rather nasty.

cry s|tal clea r

1 ADJ Water that is crystal clear is absolutely clear and transparent like glass. □ The cliffs, lapped by a crystal-clear sea, remind her of Capri.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you say that a message or statement is crystal clear , you are emphasizing that it is very easy to understand. [EMPHASIS ] □ The message is crystal clear–if you lose weight, you will feel better.

crys|tal|line /kr I st ^ə la I n/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A crystalline substance is in the form of crystals or contains crystals. □ Diamond is the crystalline form of the element carbon.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crystalline means clear or bright. [LITERARY ] □ …a huge plain dotted with crystalline lakes.

crys|tal|lize /kr I st ^ə la I z/ (crystallizes , crystallizing , crystallized ) in BRIT, also use crystallise 1 VERB If you crystallize an opinion or idea, or if it crystallizes , it becomes fixed and definite in someone's mind. □ [V n] He has managed to crystallise the feelings of millions of ordinary people. □ [V ] Now my thoughts really began to crystallise.

2 VERB If a substance crystallizes , or something crystallizes it, it turns into crystals. □ [V ] Don't stir or the sugar will crystallise. □ [V n] …a 19th-century technique that actually crystallizes the tin.

crys|tal|lized /kr I st ^ə la I zd/ in BRIT, also use crystallised ADJ [usu ADJ n] Crystallized fruits and sweets are covered in sugar which has been melted and then allowed to go hard.

C S ga s N‑UNCOUNT CS gas is a gas which causes you to cry and makes breathing painful. It is sometimes used by the police to control a crowd which is rioting. [BRIT ]

cub /kʌ b/ (cubs ) The spelling Cub is also used for meanings 2 and 3 . 1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A cub is a young wild animal such as a lion, wolf, or bear. □ …three five-week-old lion cubs.

2 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Cubs or the Cub Scouts is a version of the Scouts for boys between the ages of eight and ten.

3 N‑COUNT A cub or a cub scout is a boy who is a member of the Cubs.

Cu|ban /kjuː bən/ (Cubans )

1 ADJ Cuban means belonging or relating to Cuba, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Cuban is a Cuban citizen, or a person of Cuban origin.

cubby-hole /kʌ bi hoʊl/ (cubby-holes ) also cubbyhole N‑COUNT A cubby-hole is a very small room or space for storing things. □ It's in the cubby-hole under the stairs.

cube /kjuː b/ (cubes , cubing , cubed )

1 N‑COUNT A cube is a solid object with six square surfaces which are all the same size. □ …cold water with ice cubes in it. □ The cabinet comes with locks and key and is shaped like a cube.

2 VERB When you cube food, you cut it into cube-shaped pieces. □ [V n] Remove the seeds and stones and cube the flesh. □ [V -ed] Serve with cubed bread.

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The cube of a number is another number that is produced by multiplying the first number by itself twice. For example, the cube of 2 is 8.

cu be roo t (cube roots ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The cube root of a number is another number that makes the first number when it is multiplied by itself twice. For example, the cube root of 8 is 2.

cu|bic /kjuː b I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Cubic is used in front of units of length to form units of volume such as 'cubic metre' and 'cubic foot'. □ …3 billion cubic metres of soil.

cu|bi|cle /kjuː b I k ^ə l/ (cubicles ) N‑COUNT A cubicle is a very small enclosed area, for example one where you can have a shower or change your clothes. □ …a separate shower cubicle.

Cub|ism /kjuː b I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Cubism is a style of art, begun in the early twentieth century, in which objects are represented as if they could be seen from several different positions at the same time, using many lines and geometric shapes.

Cub|ist /kjuː b I st/ (Cubists )

1 N‑COUNT A Cubist is an artist who painted in the style of Cubism.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cubist art is art in the style of Cubism. □ …Picasso's seminal Cubist painting, 'The Poet'.

cu|boid /kjuː bɔ I d/ (cuboids ) N‑COUNT A cuboid is a solid shape with six rectangular surfaces or four rectangular and two square surfaces. □ Instead of a cylindrical tin, the chocolates will come in a cardboard cuboid. ● ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cuboid is also an adjective. □ The building consists of five interlinked cuboid galleries.

cu b re|port|er (cub reporters ) N‑COUNT A cub reporter is a young newspaper journalist who is still being trained. □ He had been a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star.

cu b scout → see cub

cuck|old /kʌ koʊld/ (cuckolds , cuckolding , cuckolded )

1 N‑COUNT A cuckold is a man whose wife is having an affair with another man. [LITERARY ]

2 VERB If a married woman is having an affair, she and her lover are cuckolding her husband. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] His wife had cuckolded him.

cuckoo /kʊ kuː/ (cuckoos ) N‑COUNT A cuckoo is a bird that has a call of two quick notes, and lays its eggs in other birds' nests.

cu ckoo clock (cuckoo clocks ) N‑COUNT A cuckoo clock is a clock with a door from which a toy cuckoo comes out and makes noises like a cuckoo every hour or half hour.

cu|cum|ber /kjuː kʌmbə ^r / (cucumbers )

1 N‑VAR A cucumber is a long thin vegetable with a hard green skin and wet transparent flesh. It is eaten raw in salads.

2 PHRASE If you say that someone is as cool as a cucumber , you are emphasizing that they are very calm and relaxed, especially when you would not expect them to be. [EMPHASIS ] □ You can hardly be held responsible for Darrow waltzing in, cool as a cucumber, and demanding thousands of pounds.

cud /kʌ d/ PHRASE When animals such as cows or sheep chew the cud , they slowly chew their partly-digested food over and over again in their mouth before finally swallowing it.

cud|dle /kʌ d ^ə l/ (cuddles , cuddling , cuddled ) VERB If you cuddle someone, you put your arms round them and hold them close as a way of showing your affection. □ [V n] He cuddled the newborn girl. □ [V ] They used to kiss and cuddle in front of everyone. ● N‑COUNT Cuddle is also a noun. □ Give her a cuddle.

cud|dly /kʌ d ^ə li/ (cuddlier , cuddliest )

1 ADJ A cuddly person or animal makes you want to cuddle them. [APPROVAL ] □ He is a small, cuddly man with spectacles.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cuddly toys are soft toys that look like animals.

cudg|el /kʌ dʒ ^ə l/ (cudgels )

1 N‑COUNT A cudgel is a thick, short stick that is used as a weapon.

2 PHRASE If you take up the cudgels for someone or something, you speak or fight in support of them. □ [+ for/against ] The trade unions took up the cudgels for the 367 staff made redundant.

cue ◆◇◇ /kjuː / (cues , cueing , cued )

1 N‑COUNT [oft with poss] In the theatre or in a musical performance, a performer's cue is something another performer says or does that is a signal for them to begin speaking, playing, or doing something. □ I had never known him miss a cue.

2 VERB If one performer cues another, they say or do something which is a signal for the second performer to begin speaking, playing, or doing something. □ [V n] He read the scene, with Seaton cueing him.

3 N‑COUNT [N to-inf] If you say that something that happens is a cue for an action, you mean that people start doing that action when it happens. □ [+ for ] That was the cue for several months of intense bargaining.

4 N‑COUNT A cue is a long, thin wooden stick that is used to hit the ball in games such as snooker, billiards, and pool.

5 PHRASE If you say that something happened on cue or as if on cue , you mean that it happened just when it was expected to happen, or just at the right time. □ Kevin arrived right on cue to care for Harry.

6 PHRASE If you take your cue from someone or something, you do something similar in a particular situation. □ [+ from ] Taking his cue from his companion, he apologized for his earlier display of temper. COLLOCATIONS cue NOUN 1

verb + cue : take; miss; provide

cuff /kʌ f/ (cuffs , cuffing , cuffed )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The cuffs of a shirt or dress are the parts at the ends of the sleeves, which are thicker than the rest of the sleeve. □ …a pale blue shirt with white collar and cuffs.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The cuffs on a pair of pants or trousers are the parts at the ends of the legs, which are folded up. [AM ] □ [+ of ] …the cuffs of his jeans. in BRIT, use turn-up 3 VERB If the police cuff someone, they put handcuffs on them. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] She hoped they wouldn't cuff her hands behind her back.

4 PHRASE An off-the-cuff remark is made without being prepared or thought about in advance. □ I didn't mean any offence. It was a flippant, off-the-cuff remark.

cuff|link /kʌ fl I ŋk/ (cufflinks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Cufflinks are small decorative objects used for holding together shirt cuffs around the wrist. □ …a pair of gold cufflinks.

cui|sine /kw I ziː n/ (cuisines )

1 N‑VAR The cuisine of a country or district is the style of cooking that is characteristic of that place. □ [+ of ] The cuisine of Japan is low in fat. □ …traditional French cuisine.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The skill or profession of cooking unusual or interesting food can be referred to as cuisine . □ …residential courses in gourmet cuisine.

cul-de-sac /kʌ l d I sæk, [AM ] - sæ k/ (cul-de-sacs ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A cul-de-sac is a short road which is closed off at one end. [mainly BRIT ] □ …a four-bedroom detached house in a quiet cul-de-sac. in AM, usually use dead end

culi|nary /kʌ l I nəri, [AM ] kjuː ləneri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Culinary means concerned with cooking. [FORMAL ] □ She was keen to acquire more advanced culinary skills.

cull /kʌ l/ (culls , culling , culled )

1 VERB If items or ideas are culled from a particular source or number of sources, they are taken and gathered together. □ [be V -ed + from ] All this, needless to say, had been culled second-hand from radio reports. □ [V n + from ] Laura was passing around photographs she'd culled from the albums at home.

2 VERB To cull animals means to kill the weaker animals in a group in order to reduce their numbers. □ [V n] To save remaining herds and habitat, the national parks department is planning to cull 2000 elephants. ● N‑COUNT Cull is also a noun. □ In many South African reserves, annual culls are routine. ● cull|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The culling of seal cubs has led to an outcry from environmental groups.

cul|mi|nate /kʌ lm I ne I t/ (culminates , culminating , culminated ) VERB If you say that an activity, process, or series of events culminates in or with a particular event, you mean that event happens at the end of it. □ [V + in/with ] They had an argument, which culminated in Tom getting drunk.

cul|mi|na|tion /kʌ lm I ne I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑SING Something, especially something important, that is the culmination of an activity, process, or series of events happens at the end of it. □ [+ of ] Their arrest was the culmination of an operation in which 120 other people were detained.

cu|lottes /kjuːlɒ ts, [AM ] kuː-/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Culottes are knee-length women's trousers that look like a skirt.

cul|pable /kʌ lpəb ^ə l/ ADJ If someone or their conduct is culpable , they are responsible for something wrong or bad that has happened. [FORMAL ] □ Their decision to do nothing makes them culpable. □ …manslaughter resulting from culpable negligence. ● cul|pabil|ity /kʌ lpəb I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ He added there was clear culpability on the part of the government.

cul|prit /kʌ lpr I t/ (culprits )

1 N‑COUNT When you are talking about a crime or something wrong that has been done, you can refer to the person who did it as the culprit . □ The culprits in the robbery have not been identified.

2 N‑COUNT When you are talking about a problem or bad situation, you can refer to its cause as the culprit . □ About 10% of Japanese teenagers are overweight. The main culprit is Western fast food.

cult /kʌ lt/ (cults )

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A cult is a fairly small religious group, especially one which is considered strange. □ The teenager may have been abducted by a religious cult. [Also + of ]

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cult is used to describe things that are very popular or fashionable among a particular group of people. □ Since her death, she has become a cult figure. □ The film is destined to become a cult classic.

3 N‑SING Someone or something that is a cult has become very popular or fashionable among a particular group of people. □ Ludlam was responsible for making Ridiculous Theatre something of a cult.

4 N‑COUNT The cult of something is a situation in which people regard that thing as very important or special. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Meanwhile, the personality cult around this campaigner grew.

cul|ti|vate /kʌ lt I ve I t/ (cultivates , cultivating , cultivated )

1 VERB If you cultivate land or crops, you prepare land and grow crops on it. □ [V n] She also cultivated a small garden of her own. □ [V -ed] …the few patches of cultivated land. ● cul|ti|va|tion /kʌ lt I ve I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. □ Farmers with many acres under cultivation profited.

2 VERB If you cultivate an attitude, image, or skill, you try hard to develop it and make it stronger or better. □ [V n] Cultivating a positive mental attitude towards yourself can reap tremendous benefits. ● cul|ti|va|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the cultivation of a positive approach to life and health.

3 VERB If you cultivate someone or cultivate a friendship with them, you try hard to develop a friendship with them. □ [V n] He may be monarch one day so we must cultivate him. □ [V n] The President has carefully cultivated relationships with at least five influential ministers.

cul|ti|vat|ed /kʌ lt I ve I t I d/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as cultivated , you mean they are well educated and have good manners. [FORMAL ] □ His mother was an elegant, cultivated woman.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cultivated plants have been developed for growing on farms or in gardens. □ …a mixture of wild and cultivated varieties.

cul|ti|va|tor /kʌ lt I ve I tə ^r / (cultivators ) N‑COUNT A cultivator is a tool or machine which is used to break up the earth or to remove weeds, for example in a garden or field.

cul|tur|al ◆◇◇ /kʌ ltʃərəl/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cultural means relating to a particular society and its ideas, customs, and art. □ …a deep sense of personal honour which was part of his cultural heritage. □ …the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation which promotes cultural and educational exchanges between Britain and India. ● cul|tur|al|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …an informed guide to culturally- and historically-significant sites. □ Culturally, they have much in common with their neighbours just across the border.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Cultural means involving or concerning the arts. □ …the sponsorship of sports and cultural events by tobacco companies. ● cul|tur|al|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ …one of our better-governed, culturally-active regional centres–Manchester or Birmingham, say.

cu l|tur|al awa re|ness N‑UNCOUNT Someone's cultural awareness is their understanding of the differences between themselves and people from other countries or other backgrounds, especially differences in attitudes and values. □ …programs to promote diversity and cultural awareness within the industry.

cul|ture ◆◆◇ /kʌ ltʃə ^r / (cultures , culturing , cultured )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Culture consists of activities such as the arts and philosophy, which are considered to be important for the development of civilization and of people's minds. □ …aspects of popular culture. □ …France's Minister of Culture and Education.

2 N‑COUNT A culture is a particular society or civilization, especially considered in relation to its beliefs, way of life, or art. □ …people from different cultures. □ We live in a culture that is competitive.

3 N‑COUNT The culture of a particular organization or group consists of the habits of the people in it and the way they generally behave. □ [+ of ] The benefits system creates a culture of dependency.

4 N‑COUNT In science, a culture is a group of bacteria or cells which are grown, usually in a laboratory as part of an experiment. [TECHNICAL ] □ [+ of ] …a culture of human cells.

5 VERB In science, to culture a group of bacteria or cells means to grow them, usually in a laboratory as part of an experiment. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] To confirm the diagnosis, the hospital laboratory must culture a colony of bacteria. SYNONYMS culture NOUN 3

lifestyle: They enjoyed an income and lifestyle that many people would envy.

way of life: Mining activities have totally disrupted the traditional way of life of these people.

cul|tured /kʌ ltʃə ^r d/ ADJ If you describe someone as cultured , you mean that they have good manners, are well educated, and know a lot about the arts. □ He is a cultured man with a wide circle of friends.

cu l|tured pea rl (cultured pearls ) N‑COUNT A cultured pearl is a pearl that is created by putting sand or grit into an oyster.

cu l|ture shock N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Culture shock is a feeling of anxiety, loneliness, and confusion that people sometimes experience when they first arrive in another country. □ Callum, recently arrived in Glasgow, is jobless, homeless, friendless, and suffering from culture shock.

cul|vert /kʌ lvə ^r t/ (culverts ) N‑COUNT A culvert is a water pipe or sewer that crosses under a road or railway.

-cum- /-kʌm-/ COMB -cum- is put between two nouns to form a noun referring to something or someone that is partly one thing and partly another. □ …a dining-room-cum-study.

cum|ber|some /kʌ mbə ^r səm/

1 ADJ Something that is cumbersome is large and heavy and therefore difficult to carry, wear, or handle. □ Although the machine looks cumbersome, it is actually easy to use.

2 ADJ A cumbersome system or process is very complicated and inefficient. □ …an old and cumbersome computer system.

cum|in /kʌ m I n/ N‑UNCOUNT Cumin is a sweet-smelling spice, and is popular in Indian cooking.

cum|mer|bund /kʌ mə ^r bʌnd/ (cummerbunds ) N‑COUNT A cummerbund is a wide piece of cloth worn round the waist as part of a man's evening dress.

cu|mu|la|tive /kjuː mjʊlət I v/ ADJ If a series of events have a cumulative effect, each event makes the effect greater. □ Simple pleasures, such as a walk on a sunny day, have a cumulative effect on our mood. ● cu|mu|la|tive|ly ADV □ His administration was plagued by one petty scandal after another, cumulatively very damaging.

cu|mu|lus /kjuː mjʊləs/ (cumuli /kjuː mjʊla I /) N‑VAR Cumulus is a type of thick white cloud formed when hot air rises very quickly. □ …huge cumulus clouds.

cun|ni|lin|gus /kʌ n I l I ŋgəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Cunnilingus is oral sex which involves someone using their mouth to stimulate a woman's genitals.

cun|ning /kʌ n I ŋ/

1 ADJ Someone who is cunning has the ability to achieve things in a clever way, often by deceiving other people. □ These disturbed kids can be cunning. □ The clever folk in management came up with a cunning plan. ● cun|ning|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ They were cunningly disguised in golf clothes.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cunning is the ability to achieve things in a clever way, often by deceiving other people. □ [+ of ] …one more example of the cunning of today's art thieves.

cunt /kʌ nt/ (cunts )

1 N‑COUNT Cunt is an offensive word that some people use to refer to a woman's vagina. [VERY RUDE ]

2 N‑COUNT If someone calls another person a cunt , they are expressing contempt for that person. [VERY OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]

cup ◆◆◆ /kʌ p/ (cups , cupping , cupped )

1 N‑COUNT A cup is a small round container that you drink from. Cups usually have handles and are made from china or plastic. □ …cups and saucers. ● N‑COUNT A cup of something is the amount of something contained in a cup. □ [+ of ] Mix about four cups of white flour with a pinch of salt.

2 N‑COUNT Things, or parts of things, that are small, round, and hollow in shape can be referred to as cups . □ [+ of ] …the brass cups of the small chandelier.

3 N‑COUNT A cup is a large metal cup with two handles that is given to the winner of a game or competition.

4 N‑COUNT Cup is used in the names of some sports competitions in which the prize is a cup. □ Sri Lanka's cricket team will play India in the final of the Asia Cup.

5 VERB If you cup your hands , you make them into a curved shape like a cup. □ [V n prep] He cupped his hands around his mouth and called out for Diane. □ [V n] David knelt, cupped his hands and splashed river water on to his face. □ [V -ed] She held it in her cupped hands for us to see.

6 VERB If you cup something in your hands, you make your hands into a curved dish-like shape and support it or hold it gently. □ [V n prep] He cupped her chin in the palm of his hand. □ [V n] He cradled the baby in his arms, his hands cupping her tiny skull.

7 not your cup of tea → see tea

cup|board /kʌ bə ^r d/ (cupboards )

1 N‑COUNT A cupboard is a piece of furniture that has one or two doors, usually contains shelves, and is used to store things. In British English, cupboard refers to all kinds of furniture like this. In American English, closet is usually used instead to refer to larger pieces of furniture. □ The kitchen cupboard was stocked with tins of soup and food.

2 N‑COUNT A cupboard is a very small room that is used to store things, especially one without windows. [BRIT ] in AM, use closet 3 a skeleton in the cupboard → see skeleton

cup|cake /kʌ pke I k/ (cupcakes ) N‑COUNT Cupcakes are small iced cakes for one person.

cup|ful /kʌ pfʊl/ (cupfuls ) N‑COUNT A cupful of something is the amount of something a cup can contain. □ [+ of ] …a cupful of warm milk.

cu|pid /kjuː p I d/ (cupids ) also Cupid N‑PROPER Cupid is the Roman god of love. He is usually shown as a baby boy with wings and a bow and arrow. ● PHRASE If you say that someone is playing cupid , you mean that they are trying to bring two people together to start a romantic relationship. □ …the aristocrat who played Cupid to the Duke and Duchess.

cu|po|la /kjuː pələ/ (cupolas ) N‑COUNT A cupola is a roof or part of a roof that is shaped like a dome. [FORMAL ]

cup|pa /kʌ pə/ (cuppas ) N‑COUNT A cuppa is a cup of tea. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Have you time for a cuppa?

cu p tie (cup ties ) also cup-tie N‑COUNT In sports, especially football, a cup tie is a match between two teams who are taking part in a competition in which the prize is a cup. [BRIT ]

cur /kɜː ^r / (curs ) N‑COUNT A cur is an unfriendly dog, especially a mongrel. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

cur|able /kjʊə rəb ^ə l/ ADJ If a disease or illness is curable , it can be cured. □ Most skin cancers are completely curable if detected in the early stages.

cu|rate (curates , curating , curated ) The noun is pronounced /kjʊə rət/. The verb is pronounced /kjʊre I t/. 1 N‑COUNT A curate is a clergyman in the Anglican Church who helps the priest.

2 VERB [usu passive] If an exhibition is curated by someone, they organize it. □ [be V -ed + by ] The Hayward exhibition has been curated by the artist Bernard Luthi.

cu|ra|tive /kjʊə rət I v/ ADJ Something that has curative properties can cure people's illnesses. [FORMAL ] □ Ancient civilizations believed in the curative powers of fresh air and sunlight.

cu|ra|tor /kjʊre I tə ^r / (curators ) N‑COUNT A curator is someone who is in charge of the objects or works of art in a museum or art gallery.

cu|ra|to|rial /kjʊ rətɔː riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Curatorial means relating to curators and their work. [FORMAL ] □ …the museum's curatorial team.

curb /kɜː ^r b/ (curbs , curbing , curbed )

1 VERB If you curb something, you control it and keep it within limits. □ [V n] …advertisements aimed at curbing the spread of the disease. □ [be V -ed] He called for energy consumption to be curbed. ● N‑COUNT Curb is also a noun. □ [+ on ] He called for much stricter curbs on immigration.

2 VERB If you curb an emotion or your behaviour, you keep it under control. □ [V n] He curbed his temper.

3 → see kerb

curd /kɜː ^r d/ (curds ) N‑VAR [usu pl] The thick white substance which is formed when milk turns sour can be referred to as curds .

cur|dle /kɜː ^r d ^ə l/ (curdles , curdling , curdled ) VERB If milk or eggs curdle or if you curdle them, they separate into different bits. □ [V ] The sauce should not boil or the egg yolk will curdle. □ [V n] The herb has been used for centuries to curdle milk.

cure ◆◇◇ /kjʊə ^r / (cures , curing , cured )

1 VERB If doctors or medical treatments cure an illness or injury, they cause it to end or disappear. □ [be V -ed] Her cancer can only be controlled, not cured.

2 VERB If doctors or medical treatments cure a person, they make the person well again after an illness or injury. □ [V n] MDT is an effective treatment and could cure all the leprosy sufferers worldwide. □ [be V -ed] Almost overnight I was cured. □ [V n + of ] Now doctors believe they have cured him of the disease.

3 N‑COUNT A cure for an illness is a medicine or other treatment that cures the illness. □ [+ for ] Atkinson has been told rest is the only cure for his ankle injury.

4 VERB If someone or something cures a problem, they bring it to an end. □ [V n] Private firms are willing to make large-scale investments to help cure Russia's economic troubles.

5 N‑COUNT A cure for a problem is something that will bring it to an end. □ [+ for ] The magic cure for inflation does not exist.

6 VERB If an action or event cures someone of a habit or an attitude, it makes them stop having it. □ [V n + of ] The experience was a detestable ordeal, and it cured him of any ambitions to direct again. □ [V n] He went to a clinic to cure his drinking and overeating.

7 VERB [usu passive] When food, tobacco, or animal skin is cured , it is dried, smoked, or salted so that it will last for a long time. □ [be V -ed] Legs of pork were cured and smoked over the fire. □ [V -ed] …sliced cured ham. COLLOCATIONS cure VERB

1

cure + noun : ailment, cancer, disease; hangover

2

cure + noun : patient

cure + adverb : completely, fully, miraculously NOUN

3

adjective + cure : effective, miraculous

verb + cure : develop, discover, find; research, seek

5

adjective + cure : magic, quick

cu re-all (cure-alls ) N‑COUNT A cure-all is something that is believed, usually wrongly, to be able to solve all the problems someone or something has, or to cure a wide range of illnesses. □ [+ for ] The introduction of market discipline to the economy was not a magic cure-all.

cur|few /kɜː ^r fjuː/ (curfews ) N‑VAR A curfew is a law stating that people must stay inside their houses after a particular time at night, for example during a war. □ The village was placed under curfew. □ Crowds of people defied the curfew to celebrate on the streets.

cu|rio /kjʊə rioʊ/ (curios ) N‑COUNT A curio is an object such as a small ornament which is unusual and fairly rare. □ …Oriental curios. □ …antique and curio shops.

cu|ri|os|ity /kjʊə riɒ s I ti/ (curiosities )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Curiosity is a desire to know about something. □ Ryle accepted more out of curiosity than anything else. □ To satisfy our own curiosity we traveled to Baltimore.

2 N‑COUNT A curiosity is something that is unusual, interesting, and fairly rare. □ There is much to see in the way of castles, curiosities, and museums.

cu|ri|ous ◆◇◇ /kjʊə riəs/

1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are curious about something, you are interested in it and want to know more about it. □ [+ about ] Steve was intensely curious about the world I came from. □ …a group of curious villagers. ● cu|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ The woman in the shop had looked at them curiously.

2 ADJ If you describe something as curious , you mean that it is unusual or difficult to understand. □ The pageant promises to be a curious mixture of the ancient and modern. □ The naval high command's response to these developments is rather curious. ● cu|ri|ous|ly ADV [ADV adj] □ Harry was curiously silent through all this.

curl /kɜː ^r l/ (curls , curling , curled )

1 N‑COUNT If you have curls , your hair is in the form of tight curves and spirals. □ …the little girl with blonde curls.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If your hair has curl , it is full of curls. □ Dry curly hair naturally for maximum curl and shine.

3 VERB If your hair curls or if you curl it, it is full of curls. □ [V ] She has hair that refuses to curl. □ [V n] Maria had curled her hair for the event. □ [V -ed] Afro hair is short and tightly curled.

4 N‑COUNT A curl of something is a piece or quantity of it that is curved or spiral in shape. □ [+ of ] A thin curl of smoke rose from a rusty stove. □ [+ of ] …curls of lemon peel.

5 VERB If your toes, fingers, or other parts of your body curl , or if you curl them, they form a curved or round shape. □ [V prep/adv] His fingers curled gently round her wrist. □ [V n] Raise one foot, curl the toes and point the foot downwards. □ [V -ed] She sat with her legs curled under her. [Also V , V n prep/adv]

6 VERB If something curls somewhere, or if you curl it there, it moves there in a spiral or curve. □ [V prep/adv] Smoke was curling up the chimney. □ [V n prep/adv] He curled the ball into the net.

7 VERB If a person or animal curls into a ball, they move into a position in which their body makes a rounded shape. □ [V + into ] He wanted to curl into a tiny ball. □ [V -ed] The kitten was curled on a cushion on the sofa. ● PHRASAL VERB Curl up means the same as curl . □ [V P + into ] In colder weather, your cat will curl up into a tight, heat-conserving ball. □ [V P ] She curled up next to him. □ [V -ed P ] He was asleep there, curled up in the fetal position.

8 VERB When a leaf, a piece of paper, or another flat object curls , its edges bend towards the centre. □ [V ] The rose leaves have curled because of an attack by grubs. ● PHRASAL VERB Curl up means the same as curl . □ [V P ] The corners of the lino were curling up.

▸ curl up → see curl 7 , curl 8

curl|er /kɜː ^r lə ^r / (curlers ) N‑COUNT Curlers are small plastic or metal tubes that women roll their hair round in order to make it curly. □ …a woman with her hair in curlers.

cur|lew /kɜː ^r ljuː/ (curlews ) N‑COUNT A curlew is a large brown bird with long legs and a long curved beak. Curlews live near water and have a very distinctive cry.

cur|li|cue /kɜː ^r l I kjuː/ (curlicues ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Curlicues are decorative twists and curls, usually carved or made with a pen. [LITERARY ] □ …the gothic curlicues of cottages and churches.

curly /kɜː ^r li/ (curlier , curliest )

1 ADJ Curly hair is full of curls. □ I've got naturally curly hair. □ Her hair was dark and curly.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Curly is sometimes used to describe things that are curved or spiral in shape. □ …cauliflowers with extra-long curly leaves. □ …dragons with curly tails.

cur|mudg|eon /kə ^r mʌ dʒən/ (curmudgeons ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a curmudgeon , you do not like them because they are mean or bad-tempered. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …such a terrible old curmudgeon.

cur|mudg|eon|ly /kə ^r mʌ dʒənli/ ADJ If you describe someone as curmudgeonly , you do not like them because they are mean or bad-tempered. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ]

cur|rant /kʌ rənt, [AM ] kɜː r-/ (currants )

1 N‑COUNT Currants are small dried black grapes, used especially in cakes.

2 N‑COUNT Currants are bushes which produce edible red, black, or white berries. The berries are also called currants .

3 → see also blackcurrant , redcurrant

cur|ren|cy ◆◇◇ /kʌ rənsi, [AM ] kɜː r-/ (currencies )

1 N‑VAR The money used in a particular country is referred to as its currency . □ Tourism is the country's top earner of foreign currency. □ A deficit is likely to lead to a fall in the value of a currency.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If a custom, idea, or word has currency , it is used and accepted by a lot of people at a particular time. [FORMAL ] □ 'Loop' is one of those computer words that has gained currency in society.

3 → see also common currency

cur|rent ◆◆◆ /kʌ rənt, [AM ] kɜ ːr-/ (currents )

1 N‑COUNT A current is a steady and continuous flowing movement of some of the water in a river, lake, or sea. □ [+ of ] Under normal conditions, the ocean currents of the tropical Pacific travel from east to west. □ The couple were swept away by the strong current.

2 N‑COUNT A current is a steady flowing movement of air. □ [+ of ] I felt a current of cool air blowing in my face.

3 N‑COUNT An electric current is a flow of electricity through a wire or circuit. □ A powerful electric current is passed through a piece of graphite.

4 N‑COUNT A particular current is a particular feeling, idea, or quality that exists within a group of people. □ [+ of ] Each party represents a distinct current of thought.

5 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Current means happening, being used, or being done at the present time. □ The current situation is very different to that in 1990. □ He plans to repeal a number of current policies. ● cur|rent|ly ADV [ADV before v] □ Twelve potential vaccines are currently being tested on human volunteers.

6 ADJ Ideas and customs that are current are generally accepted and used by most people. □ Current thinking suggests that toxins play only a small part in the build up of cellulite.

7 → see also alternating current , direct current SYNONYMS current ADJ 5

present: …the government's present economic difficulties.

ongoing: There is an ongoing debate on the issue.

contemporary: Only the names are ancient; the characters are modern and contemporary.

present-day: …present-day champions of the cause.

modern: …the problem of materialism in modern society.

cu r|rent ac|cou nt (current accounts )

1 N‑COUNT A current account is a personal bank account which you can take money out of at any time using your cheque book or cash card. [BRIT ] □ His current account was seriously overdrawn. in AM, use checking account 2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] A country's current account is the difference in value between its exports and imports over a particular period of time. [BUSINESS ] □ We will probably have a small current-account surplus for this year.

cu r|rent af|fai rs N‑PLURAL If you refer to current affairs , you are referring to political events and problems in society which are discussed in newspapers, and on television and radio. □ …the BBC's current affairs programme 'Panorama'.

cu r|rent a s|sets (current assets ) N‑COUNT Current assets are assets which a company does not use on a continuous basis, such as stocks and debts, but which can be converted into cash within one year. [BUSINESS ] □ The company lists its current assets at $56.9 million.

cur|ricu|lum /kər I kjʊləm/ (curriculums or curricula /kər I kjʊlə/)

1 N‑COUNT A curriculum is all the different courses of study that are taught in a school, college, or university. □ Russian is the one compulsory foreign language on the school curriculum.

2 → see also National Curriculum

3 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A particular curriculum is one particular course of study that is taught in a school, college, or university. □ …the history curriculum.

cur|ricu|lum vitae /kər I kjʊləm viː ta I , [AM ] -ti/ N‑SING A curriculum vitae is the same as a CV . [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use résumé

cur|ried /kʌ rid, [AM ] kɜː rid/ ADJ [ADJ n] Curried meat or vegetables have been flavoured with hot spices.

cur|ry /kʌ ri, [AM ] kɜː ri/ (curries , currying , curried )

1 N‑VAR Curry is a dish composed of meat and vegetables, or just vegetables, in a sauce containing hot spices. It is usually eaten with rice and is one of the main dishes of India. □ …vegetable curry. □ I went for a curry last night.

2 PHRASE If one person tries to curry favour with another, they do things in order to try to gain their support or co-operation. □ [+ with ] Politicians are eager to promote their 'happy family' image to curry favour with voters.

cu r|ry pow|der (curry powders ) N‑VAR Curry powder is a powder made from a mixture of spices. It is used in cooking, especially when making curry.

curse /kɜː ^r s/ (curses , cursing , cursed )

1 VERB If you curse , you use rude or offensive language, usually because you are angry about something. [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] I cursed and hobbled to my feet. ● N‑COUNT Curse is also a noun. □ He shot her an angry look and a curse.

2 VERB If you curse someone, you say insulting things to them because you are angry with them. □ [V n] Grandma protested, but he cursed her and rudely pushed her aside. □ [V pron-refl] He cursed himself for having been so careless.

3 VERB If you curse something, you complain angrily about it, especially using rude language. □ [V n] So we set off again, cursing the delay, towards the west.

4 N‑COUNT If you say that there is a curse on someone, you mean that there seems to be a supernatural power causing unpleasant things to happen to them. □ [+ on/upon ] Maybe there is a curse on my family.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can refer to something that causes a great deal of trouble or harm as a curse . □ [+ of ] Apathy is the long-standing curse of British local democracy.

curs|ed /kɜː ^r st/

1 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If you are cursed with something, you are very unlucky in having it. □ [+ with ] Bulman was cursed with a poor memory for names.

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone or something that is cursed is suffering as the result of a curse. □ The whole family seemed cursed.

cur|sor /kɜː ^r sə ^r / (cursors ) N‑COUNT On a computer screen, the cursor is a small shape that indicates where anything that is typed by the user will appear. [COMPUTING ]

cur|sory /kɜː ^r səri/ ADJ [ADJ n] A cursory glance or examination is a brief one in which you do not pay much attention to detail. □ Burke cast a cursory glance at the menu, then flapped it shut.

curt /kɜː ^r t/ ADJ If you describe someone as curt , you mean that they speak or reply in a brief and rather rude way. □ Her tone of voice was curt. □ 'The matter is closed,' was the curt reply. ● curt|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'I'm leaving,' she said curtly.

cur|tail /kɜː ^r te I l/ (curtails , curtailing , curtailed ) VERB If you curtail something, you reduce or limit it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] NATO plans to curtail the number of troops being sent to the region.

cur|tail|ment /kɜː ^r te I lmənt/ N‑SING The curtailment of something is the act of reducing or limiting it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the curtailment of presidential power.

cur|tain ◆◇◇ /kɜː ^r t ^ə n/ (curtains )

1 N‑COUNT Curtains are large pieces of material which you hang from the top of a window. [mainly BRIT ] □ Her bedroom curtains were drawn. in AM, usually use drapes 2 N‑COUNT Curtains are pieces of very thin material which you hang in front of windows in order to prevent people from seeing in. [AM ] in BRIT, use net curtains 3 N‑SING In a theatre, the curtain is the large piece of material that hangs in front of the stage until a performance begins. □ The curtain rises toward the end of the Prelude.

4 N‑SING You can refer to something as a curtain when it is thick and difficult to see through or get past. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] Something dark disappeared behind the curtain of leaves.

5 → see also Iron Curtain

6 PHRASE If something brings down the curtain on an event or situation, it causes or marks the end of it. □ …management changes that will finally bring down the curtain on Lord Forte's extraordinary working life

cu r|tain call (curtain calls ) also curtain-call N‑COUNT In a theatre, when actors or performers take a curtain call , they come forward to the front of the stage after a performance in order to receive the applause of the audience. □ They took 23 curtain calls.

cur|tained /kɜː ^r t ^ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A curtained window, door, or other opening has a curtain hanging across it. □ …heavily-curtained windows.

cu rtain-raiser (curtain-raisers ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A curtain-raiser is an event, especially a sporting event or a performance, that takes place before a more important one, or starts off a series of events. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ to ] The game is the curtain-raiser to the National Football League season.

curt|sy /kɜː ^r tsi/ (curtsies , curtsying , curtsied ) also curtsey VERB If a woman or a girl curtsies , she lowers her body briefly, bending her knees and sometimes holding her skirt with both hands, as a way of showing respect for an important person. □ [V + to ] We were taught how to curtsy to the Queen. □ [V ] Ingrid shook the Duchess's hand and curtsied. ● N‑COUNT Curtsy is also a noun. □ She gave a curtsy.

cur|va|ceous /kɜː ^r ve I ʃəs/ ADJ If someone describes a woman as curvaceous , they think she is attractive because of the curves of her body. [APPROVAL ] □ …a curvaceous blonde.

cur|va|ture /kɜː ^r vətʃə ^r / N‑UNCOUNT The curvature of something is its curved shape, especially when this shape is part of the circumference of a circle. [TECHNICAL ] □ [+ of ] …the curvature of the Earth.

curve /kɜː ^r v/ (curves , curving , curved )

1 N‑COUNT A curve is a smooth, gradually bending line, for example part of the edge of a circle. □ [+ of ] …the curve of his lips. □ [+ in ] …a curve in the road.

2 VERB If something curves , or if someone or something curves it, it has the shape of a curve. □ [V ] Her spine curved. □ [V adv/prep] The track curved away below him. □ [V -ing] …a knife with a slightly curving blade. □ [V n] A small, unobtrusive smile curved the cook's thin lips.

3 VERB If something curves , it moves in a curve, for example through the air. □ [V ] The ball curved strangely in the air.

4 N‑COUNT You can refer to a change in something as a particular curve , especially when it is represented on a graph. □ Each firm will face a downward-sloping demand curve.

5 → see also learning curve

6 PHRASE If someone throws you a curve or if they throw you a curve ball , they surprise you by doing something you do not expect. [mainly AM ] □ At the last minute, I threw them a curve ball by saying, 'We're going to bring spouses'.

7 PHRASE People, products or ideas that are ahead of the curve are more advanced or modern than others of their kind. □ Her fashion designs were always ahead of the curve.

curved /kɜː ^r vd/ ADJ A curved object has the shape of a curve or has a smoothly bending surface. □ …a small, curved staircase. □ …the curved lines of the chairs.

curvy /kɜː ^r vi/ ADJ If someone describes a woman as curvy , they think she is attractive because of the curves of her body. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ]

cush|ion /kʊ ʃ ^ə n/ (cushions , cushioning , cushioned )

1 N‑COUNT A cushion is a fabric case filled with soft material, which you put on a seat to make it more comfortable. □ …a velvet cushion.

2 N‑COUNT A cushion is a soft pad or barrier, especially one that protects something. □ The company provides a styrofoam cushion to protect the tablets during shipping.

3 VERB Something that cushions an object when it hits something protects it by reducing the force of the impact. □ [V n] …a giant airbag to cushion your landing. □ [V n + from ] The suspension is designed to cushion passengers from the effects of rough roads.

4 VERB To cushion the effect of something unpleasant means to reduce it. □ [V n] He was trying to cushion the blow of this terrible news. □ [V n + against ] The subsidies are designed to cushion farmers against unpredictable weather.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a cushion against something unpleasant reduces its effect. □ [+ against ] Housing benefit provides a cushion against hardship.

cush|ion|ing /kʊ ʃən I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cushioning is something soft that protects an object when it hits something. □ Running shoes have extra cushioning.

cushy /kʊ ʃi/ (cushier , cushiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] A cushy job or situation is pleasant because it does not involve much work or effort. [INFORMAL ] □ …a cushy job in the civil service.

cusp /kʌ sp/ PHRASE If you say that someone or something is on the cusp , you mean they are between two states, or are about to be in a particular state. □ [+ of ] I am sitting on the cusp of middle age.

cuss /kʌ s/ (cusses , cussing , cussed ) VERB If someone cusses , they swear at someone or use bad language. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ [V ] Tosh was known to be a man who would cuss and shout. □ [V + at ] He rails and cusses at those pop stars. [Also V n]

cus|tard /kʌ stə ^r d/ (custards ) N‑VAR Custard is a sweet yellow sauce made from milk and eggs or from milk and a powder. It is eaten with fruit and puddings. □ …bananas and custard.

cu s|tard pie (custard pies ) N‑COUNT Custard pies are artificial pies which people sometimes throw at each other as a joke. □ …a custard pie fight.

cus|to|dial /kʌstoʊ diəl/

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Custodial means relating to keeping people in prison. [mainly BRIT , FORMAL ] □ If he is caught again he will be given a custodial sentence.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] If a child's parents are divorced or separated, the custodial parent is the parent who has custody of the child. [LEGAL ]

cus|to|dian /kʌstoʊ diən/ (custodians ) N‑COUNT The custodian of an official building, a companies' assets, or something else valuable is the person who is officially in charge of it. □ [+ of ] …the custodian of the holy shrines in Mecca and Medina.

cus|to|dy /kʌ stədi/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Custody is the legal right to keep and look after a child, especially the right given to a child's mother or father when they get divorced. □ [+ of ] I'm going to go to court to get custody of the children. □ Child custody is normally granted to the mother.

2 PHRASE Someone who is in custody or has been taken into custody has been arrested and is being kept in prison until they can be tried in a court. □ Three people appeared in court and two of them were remanded in custody. □ She was taken into custody later that day.

3 N‑UNCOUNT If someone is being held in a particular type of custody , they are being kept in a place that is similar to a prison. □ Barrett was taken into protective custody.

cus|tom /kʌ stəm/ (customs )

1 N‑VAR A custom is an activity, a way of behaving, or an event which is usual or traditional in a particular society or in particular circumstances. □ [+ of ] The custom of lighting the famous flame goes back centuries. □ Chung has tried to adapt to local customs.

2 N‑SING [oft with poss] If it is your custom to do something, you usually do it in particular circumstances. □ It was his custom to approach every problem cautiously.

3 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If a shop has your custom , you regularly buy things there. [BRIT , FORMAL ] □ You have the right to withhold your custom if you so wish.

4 → see also customs

cus|tom|ary /kʌ stəmri, [AM ] -meri/

1 ADJ Customary is used to describe things that people usually do in a particular society or in particular circumstances. [FORMAL ] □ It is customary to offer a drink or a snack to guests.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Customary is used to describe something that a particular person usually does or has. □ Yvonne took her customary seat behind her desk.

cu stom-bui lt V-PASSIVE If something is custom-built , it is built according to someone's special requirements. □ [be V -ed] The machine was custom-built by Steve Roberts. □ [V -ed] …a custom-built kitchen.

cus|tom|er ◆◆◇ /kʌ stəmə ^r / (customers )

1 N‑COUNT A customer is someone who buys goods or services, especially from a shop. □ Our customers have very tight budgets. □ …the quality of customer service.

2 N‑COUNT [adj N ] You can use customer in expressions such as a cool customer or a tough customer to indicate what someone's behaviour or character is like. [INFORMAL ] □ …two pretty awkward customers. COLLOCATIONS customer NOUN

1

adjective + customer : happy, loyal, regular, satisfied; potential, valued

verb + customer : attract, help, offer, serve; charge; lose

2

adjective + customer : cool, slippery, tough

cu s|tom|er base (customer bases ) N‑COUNT A business's customer base is all its regular customers, considered as a group. [BUSINESS ] □ [+ of ] …Halifax's customer base of 21 million people.

cu s|tom|er re|la |tions

1 N‑PLURAL Customer relations are the relationships that a business has with its customers and the way in which it treats them. [BUSINESS ] □ Good customer relations require courtesy, professionalism and effective response.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Customer relations is the department within a company that deals with complaints from customers. [BUSINESS ] □ …Tucson Electric's customer-relations department.

cu s|tom|er sa t|is|fa c|tion N‑UNCOUNT When customers are pleased with the goods or services they have bought, you can refer to customer satisfaction . □ I really believe that it is possible to both improve customer satisfaction and reduce costs. □ [+ with ] Customer satisfaction with their mobile service runs at more than 90 per cent.

cu s|tom|er se r|vice N‑UNCOUNT Customer service refers to the way that companies behave towards their customers, for example how well they treat them. [BUSINESS ] □ …a mail-order business with a strong reputation for customer service. □ The firm has an excellent customer service department.

cus|tom|ize /kʌ stəma I z/ (customizes , customizing , customized ) in BRIT, also use customise VERB If you customize something, you change its appearance or features to suit your tastes or needs. □ [V n] …a control that allows photographers to customise the camera's basic settings. □ [V -ed] …customized software.

cu stom-ma de V-PASSIVE If something is custom-made , it is made according to someone's special requirements. □ [be V -ed] Furniture can also be custom-made to suit your own requirements. □ [V -ed] …a custom-made suit.

cus|toms /kʌ stəmz/

1 N‑PROPER [oft N n] Customs is the official organization responsible for collecting taxes on goods coming into a country and preventing illegal goods from being brought in. □ …components similar to those seized by British customs. □ …customs officers.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Customs is the place where people arriving from a foreign country have to declare goods that they bring with them. □ He walked through customs.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] Customs duties are taxes that people pay for importing and exporting goods.

4 → see also custom

Cu s|toms and E x|cise N‑PROPER Customs and Excise is a British government department which is responsible for collecting taxes on imported and exported goods. Compare Customs Service .

Cu s|toms Ser|vice N‑PROPER The Customs Service is a United States federal organization which is responsible for collecting taxes on imported and exported goods. Compare Customs and Excise .

cut ◆◆◆ /kʌ t/ (cuts , cutting ) The form cut is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle. 1 VERB If you cut something, you use a knife or a similar tool to divide it into pieces, or to mark it or damage it. If you cut a shape or a hole in something, you make the shape or hole by using a knife or similar tool. □ [V n] Mrs. Haines stood nearby, holding scissors to cut a ribbon. □ [V n prep/adv] The thieves cut a hole in the fence. □ [V n n] Mr. Long was now cutting himself a piece of the pink cake. □ [V + through ] You can hear the saw as it cuts through the bones. □ [V -ed] …thinly-cut cucumber sandwiches. ● N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □ [+ in ] The operation involves making several cuts in the cornea.

2 VERB If you cut yourself or cut a part of your body, you accidentally injure yourself on a sharp object so that you bleed. □ [V pron-refl] Johnson cut himself shaving. □ [V n] I started to cry because I cut my finger. □ [V -ed] Blood from his cut lip trickled over his chin. ● N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □ [+ on ] He had sustained a cut on his left eyebrow. □ …cuts and bruises.

3 VERB If you cut something such as grass, your hair, or your fingernails, you shorten them using scissors or another tool. □ [V n] The most recent tenants hadn't even cut the grass. □ [have n V -ed] You've had your hair cut, it looks great. □ [V -ed] She had dark red hair, cut short. ● N‑SING Cut is also a noun. □ Prices vary from salon to salon, starting at £17 for a cut and blow-dry.

4 VERB [usu passive] The way that clothes are cut is the way they are designed and made. □ [V -ed] …badly-cut blue suits.

5 VERB If you cut across or through a place, you go through it because it is the shortest route to another place. □ [V + across/through ] He decided to cut across the Heath, through Greenwich Park.

6 → see also short cut

7 VERB If you cut something, you reduce it. □ [V n] The first priority is to cut costs. □ [be V -ed + by ] The U.N. force is to be cut by 90%. □ [V amount + from/off ] …a deal to cut 50 billion dollars from the federal deficit. ● N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □ [+ in ] The economy needs an immediate 2 per cent cut in interest rates. □ …the government's plans for tax cuts.

8 VERB If you cut a text, broadcast, or performance, you shorten it. If you cut a part of a text, broadcast, or performance, you do not publish, broadcast, or perform that part. □ [V n] The audience wants more music and less drama, so we've cut some scenes. ● N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □ [+ in ] It has been found necessary to make some cuts in the text.

9 VERB To cut a supply of something means to stop providing it or stop it being provided. □ [V n] They used pressure tactics to force them to return, including cutting food and water supplies. ● N‑COUNT Cut is also a noun. □ [+ in ] The strike had already led to cuts in electricity and water supplies in many areas.

10 VERB If you cut a pack of playing cards, you divide it into two. □ [V n] Place the cards face down on the table and cut them.

11 CONVENTION When the director of a film says ' cut ', they want the actors and the camera crew to stop filming.

12 VERB When a singer or band cuts a CD, they make a recording of their music. □ [V n] She eventually cut her own album.

13 VERB When a child cuts a tooth, a new tooth starts to grow through the gum. □ [V n] Many infants do not cut their first tooth until they are a year old.

14 VERB If a child cuts classes or cuts school, they do not go to classes or to school when they are supposed to. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] Cutting school more than once in three months is a sign of trouble.

15 VERB If you tell someone to cut something, you are telling them in an irritated way to stop it. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ [V n] Why don't you just cut the crap and open the door.

16 N‑COUNT A cut of meat is a piece or type of meat which is cut in a particular way from the animal, or from a particular part of it. □ Use a cheap cut such as spare rib chops.

17 N‑SING [oft poss N ] Someone's cut of the profits or winnings from something, especially ones that have been obtained dishonestly, is their share. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] The lawyers, of course, take their cut of the little guy's winnings.

18 N‑COUNT A cut is a narrow valley which has been cut through a hill so that a road or railroad track can pass through. [AM ] in BRIT, use cutting 19 → see also cutting

20 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is a cut above other people or things of the same kind, you mean they are better than them. [INFORMAL ] □ Joan Smith's detective stories are a cut above the rest.

21 PHRASE If you say that a situation or solution is cut and dried , you mean that it is clear and definite. □ Unfortunately, things cannot be as cut and dried as many people would like. □ We are aiming for guidelines, not cut-and-dried answers.

22 PHRASE If you say that someone can't cut it , you mean that they do not have the qualities needed to do a task or cope with a situation. [INFORMAL ] □ He doesn't think English-born players can cut it abroad.

23 PHRASE If you talk about the cut and thrust of an activity, you are talking about the aspects of it that make it exciting and challenging. □ …cut-and-thrust debate between two declared adversaries.

24 PHRASE If you say that something cuts both ways , you mean that it can have two opposite effects, or can have both good and bad effects. □ This publicity cuts both ways. It focuses on us as well as on them.

25 to cut something to the bone → see bone

26 to cut corners → see corner

27 to cut the mustard → see mustard

28 to cut someone to the quick → see quick

29 to cut a long story short → see story

30 to cut your teeth on something → see tooth

▸ cut across PHRASAL VERB If an issue or problem cuts across the division between two or more groups of people, it affects or matters to people in all the groups. □ [V P n] The problem cuts across all socioeconomic lines and affects all age groups.

▸ cut back

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut back something such as expenditure or cut back on it, you reduce it. □ [V P n] They will be concerned to cut back expenditure on unnecessary items. □ [V P + on ] The Government has cut back on defence spending. □ [V P ] We have been cutting back a bit: we did have thirteen horses, but now it's nine. [Also V n P ]

2 → see also cutback

▸ cut down

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut down on something or cut down something, you use or do less of it. □ [V P + on ] He cut down on coffee and ate a balanced diet. □ [V P n] Car owners were asked to cut down travel. □ [V P ] If you spend more than your income, can you try to cut down? [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If you cut down a tree, you cut through its trunk so that it falls to the ground. □ [V P n] A vandal with a chainsaw cut down a tree. [Also V n P ]

▸ cut in PHRASAL VERB If you cut in on someone, you interrupt them when they are speaking. □ [V P + on ] Immediately, Daniel cut in on Joanne's attempts at reassurance. □ [V P with quote] 'Not true,' the Duchess cut in. [Also V P ]

▸ cut off

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut something off , you remove it with a knife or a similar tool. □ [V P n] Mrs Kreutz cut off a generous piece of the meat. □ [V n P n] He cut me off a slice. □ [V n P ] He threatened to cut my hair off.

2 PHRASAL VERB To cut someone or something off means to separate them from things that they are normally connected with. □ [V P n + from ] One of the goals of the campaign is to cut off the enemy from its supplies. □ [V n P ] The storm has cut us off. ● cut off ADJ □ Without a car we still felt very cut off.

3 PHRASAL VERB To cut off a supply of something means to stop providing it or stop it being provided. □ [V P n] The rebels have cut off electricity from the capital. □ [V n P ] Why cut the money off?

4 PHRASAL VERB If you get cut off when you are on the telephone, the line is suddenly disconnected and you can no longer speak to the other person. □ [be V -ed P ] When you do get through, you've got to say your piece quickly before you get cut off. □ [V n P ] I'm going to cut you off now because we've got lots of callers waiting. [Also V P n (not pron)]

5 PHRASAL VERB If you cut someone off when they are speaking, you interrupt them and stop them from speaking. □ [V n P ] 'But, sir, I'm under orders to–' Clark cut him off. 'Don't argue with me.' [Also V P n]

6 → see also cut-off

7 to cut off your nose to spite your face → see nose

▸ cut out

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut something out , you remove or separate it from what surrounds it using scissors or a knife. □ [V P n] Cut out the coupon and send those cheques off today. □ [V n P ] I cut it out and pinned it to my studio wall.

2 PHRASAL VERB If you cut out a part of a text, you do not print, publish, or broadcast that part, because to include it would make the text too long or unacceptable. □ [V P n] I listened to the programme and found they'd cut out all the interesting stuff. □ [V P n + from/of ] Her editors wanted her to cut out the poetry from her novel. [Also V n P ]

3 PHRASAL VERB To cut out something unnecessary or unwanted means to remove it completely from a situation. For example, if you cut out a particular type of food, you stop eating it, usually because it is bad for you. □ [V n P ] I've simply cut egg yolks out entirely. □ [V P n] A guilty plea cuts out the need for a long trial.

4 PHRASAL VERB If you tell someone to cut something out , you are telling them in an irritated way to stop it. [INFORMAL , FEELINGS ] □ [V n P ] Do yourself a favour, and cut that behaviour out. □ [V it P ] 'Cut it out, Chip,' I said. □ [V P n] He had better cut out the nonsense.

5 PHRASAL VERB If you cut someone out of an activity, you do not allow them to be involved in it. If you cut someone out of a will, you do not allow them to share in it. □ [V n P + of ] Environmentalists say this would cut them out of the debate over what to do with public lands. □ [V n P + of ] 'Cut her out of your will,' urged his nephew. □ [be V -ed P ] He felt that he was being cut out. [Also V P n]

6 PHRASAL VERB If an object cuts out the light, it is between you and the light so that you are in the dark. □ [V P n] The curtains were half drawn to cut out the sunlight. [Also V n P ]

7 PHRASAL VERB If an engine cuts out , it suddenly stops working. □ [V P ] The helicopter crash landed when one of its two engines cut out.

8 → see also cut out , cut-out

9 to have your work cut out → see work

▸ cut up

1 PHRASAL VERB If you cut something up , you cut it into several pieces. □ [V P n] He sits in his apartment cutting up magazines. □ [V n P ] Halve the tomatoes, then cut them up coarsely.

2 → see also cut up

3 PHRASAL VERB If one driver cuts another driver up , the first driver goes too close in front of the second one, for example after passing them. □ [V n P ] They were crossing from lane to lane, cutting everyone up. SYNONYMS cut VERB

1

carve: Andrew began to carve the chicken.

slice: Helen sliced the cake.

hack: Matthew desperately hacked through the leather.

chop: Visitors were set to work chopping wood.

pierce: Pierce the skin of the potato with a fork.

3

clip: I saw an old man out clipping his hedge.

mow: He continued to mow the lawn and do other routine chores.

trim: My friend trims my hair every eight weeks.

prune: You have to prune a bush if you want fruit.

8

reduce: Consumption is being reduced by 25 per cent.

lower: The Central Bank has lowered interest rates by 2 percent.

decrease: Gradually decrease the amount of vitamin C you are taking.

diminish: Universities are facing grave problems because of diminishing resources.

slash: Everyone agrees that subsidies have to be slashed.

cu t and drie d → see cut

cut|away /kʌ təwe I / (cutaways ) also cut-away

1 N‑COUNT In a film or video, a cutaway or a cutaway shot is a picture that shows something different from the main thing that is being shown. □ I asked the cameraman to give me some cutaways for the interviews.

2 N‑COUNT A cutaway or a cutaway coat or jacket is one which is cut diagonally from the front to the back, so that the back is longer. [AM ] in BRIT, use tailcoat 3 ADJ [ADJ n] A cutaway picture shows what something such as a machine looks like inside.

cut|back /kʌ tbæk/ (cutbacks ) also cut-back N‑COUNT A cutback is a reduction that is made in something. □ [+ in ] London Underground said it may have to axe 500 signalling jobs because of government cutbacks in its investment.

cute /kjuː t/ (cuter , cutest )

1 ADJ Something or someone that is cute is very pretty or attractive, or is intended to appear pretty or attractive. [INFORMAL ] □ Oh, look at that dog! He's so cute. □ …a cute little baby.

2 ADJ If you describe someone as cute , you think they are sexually attractive. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ There was this girl, and I thought she was really cute.

3 ADJ If you describe someone as cute , you mean that they deal with things cleverly. [AM ] □ That's a cute trick.

cute|sy /kjuː tsi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as cutesy , you dislike them because you think they are unpleasantly pretty and sentimental. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …cutesy paintings of owls.

cu t gla ss also cut-glass N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Cut glass is glass that has patterns cut into its surface. □ …a cut-glass bowl.

cu|ti|cle /kjuː t I k ^ə l/ (cuticles ) N‑COUNT Your cuticles are the skin at the base of each of your fingernails.

cut|lass /kʌ tləs/ (cutlasses ) N‑COUNT A cutlass is a short sword that used to be used by sailors.

cut|lery /kʌ tləri/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cutlery consists of the knives, forks, and spoons that you eat your food with. [BRIT ] □ She arranged plates and cutlery on a small table. in AM, use silverware , flatware 2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to knives and tools used for cutting as cutlery . [AM ]

cut|let /kʌ tlət/ (cutlets ) N‑COUNT A cutlet is a small piece of meat which is usually fried or grilled. □ …grilled lamb cutlets.

cu t-off (cut-offs ) also cutoff

1 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft N n] A cut-off or a cut-off point is the level or limit at which you decide that something should stop happening. □ The cut-off date for registering is yet to be announced. □ On young girls it can look really great, but there is a definite age cut-off on this.

2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The cut-off of a supply or service is the complete stopping of the supply or service. □ [+ of ] A total cut-off of supplies would cripple the country's economy.

cu t ou t ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are not cut out for a particular type of work, you do not have the qualities that are needed to be able to do it well. □ [+ for ] I left medicine anyway. I wasn't really cut out for it.

cu t-out (cut-outs )

1 N‑COUNT A cardboard cut-out is a shape that has been cut from thick card. □ You'd swear he was a cardboard cut-out except that he'd moved his rifle.

2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A cut-out is a device that turns off a machine automatically in particular circumstances. □ Use a kettle with an automatic cut-out so it doesn't boil for longer than necessary.

cu t-price ADJ [ADJ n] Cut-price goods or services are cheaper than usual. [BRIT ] □ …the cut-price clothing chain. □ …cut-price tickets. in AM, use cut-rate

cu t-rate ADJ [ADJ n] Cut-rate goods or services are cheaper than usual. □ …cut-rate auto insurance.

cut|ter /kʌ tə ^r / (cutters )

1 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A cutter is a tool that you use for cutting through something. □ …a pastry cutter. □ …wire cutters.

2 N‑COUNT A cutter is a person who cuts or reduces something. □ He has been using every opportunity to boost his credibility as a budget cutter.

cu t-throat ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a situation as cut-throat , you mean that the people or companies involved all want success and do not care if they harm each other in getting it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …cut-throat competition.

cut|ting ◆◇◇ /kʌ t I ŋ/ (cuttings )

1 N‑COUNT A cutting is a piece of writing which has been cut from a newspaper or magazine. [BRIT ] □ Here are the press cuttings and reviews. in AM, use clipping 2 N‑COUNT A cutting from a plant is a part of the plant that you have cut off so that you can grow a new plant from it. □ [+ from ] Take cuttings from it in July or August.

3 N‑COUNT A cutting is a narrow valley cut through a hill so that a railway line or road can pass through. [BRIT ] in AM, use cut 4 ADJ A cutting remark is unkind and likely to hurt someone's feelings. □ People make cutting remarks to help themselves feel superior or powerful.

cu t|ting board (cutting boards ) N‑COUNT A cutting board is a wooden or plastic board that you chop meat and vegetables on. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use chopping board

cu t|ting e dge The spelling cutting-edge is used for meaning 3 . 1 N‑SING [usu at/on the N of n] If you are at the cutting edge of a particular field of activity, you are involved in its most important or most exciting developments. □ [+ of ] This shipyard is at the cutting edge of world shipbuilding technology.

2 N‑SING If someone or something gives you a cutting edge , they give you an advantage over your competitors. □ He will give the team a cutting edge when it comes to the race for the championship.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Cutting-edge techniques or equipment are the most advanced that there are in a particular field. □ What we are planning is cutting-edge technology never seen in Australia before.

cu t|ting room N‑SING The cutting room in a film production company is the place where the film is edited. □ Her scene ended up on the cutting room floor.

cuttle|fish /kʌ t ^ə lf I ʃ/ (cuttlefish ) N‑COUNT A cuttlefish is a sea animal that has a soft body and a hard shell inside.

cu t u p ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you are cut up about something that has happened, you are very unhappy because of it. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [+ about ] Terry was very cut up about Jim's death.

CV ◆◇◇ /siː viː / (CVs ) N‑COUNT Your CV is a brief written account of your personal details, your education, and the jobs you have had. You can send a CV when you are applying for a job. CV is an abbreviation for 'curriculum vitae'. [mainly BRIT ] □ Send them a copy of your CV. in AM, use résumé

cwt cwt is a written abbreviation for hundredweight .

SUFFIX -cy

forms nouns that refer to a particular state or quality. For example, accuracy is the state or quality of being accurate.

cya|nide /sa I əna I d/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyanide is a highly poisonous substance.

cy|ber|bul|ly|ing /sa I bə ^r bʊli I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyberbullying is the use of the internet to frighten or upset someone, usually by sending them unpleasant messages. □ The girl experienced a high level of cyberbullying.

cy|ber|café /sa I bə ^r kæfe I / (cybercafés ) N‑COUNT A cybercafé is a café where people can pay to use the internet.

cy|ber|crime /sa I bə ^r kra I m/ N‑UNCOUNT Cybercrime is crime committed by means of computers or the internet. □ Security experts say cybercrime and junk mail may increase too.

cy|ber|net|ics /sa I bə ^r ne t I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Cybernetics is science which involves studying the way electronic machines and human brains work, and developing machines that do things or think like people.

cy|ber|punk /sa I bə ^r pʌŋk/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyberpunk is a type of science fiction.

cy|ber|sex /sa I bə ^r seks/ N‑UNCOUNT Cybersex involves using the internet for sexual purposes, especially by exchanging sexual messages with another person. □ He became jealous of his partner's cybersex relationship.

cy|ber|space /sa I bə ^r spe I s/ N‑UNCOUNT In computer technology, cyberspace refers to data banks and networks, considered as a place. [COMPUTING ]

cy|ber|squatting /sa I bə ^r skwɒt I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cybersquatting involves buying an internet domain name that might be wanted by another person, business, or organization with the intention of selling it to them and making a profit. [COMPUTING ] ● cy|ber|squatter (cybersquatters ) N‑COUNT □ The old official club website address has been taken over by cybersquatters.

cy|ber|stalk|ing /sa I bə ^r stɔːk I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyberstalking is the use of the internet to contact someone or find out information about them in a way that is annoying or frightening. □ The man now faces jail for cyberstalking offences.

cy|ber|ter|ror|ism /sa I bə ^r terər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Cyberterrorism is the use of computers and the internet to attack or frighten large numbers of people, usually in order to achieve political aims or to force a government to do something. □ The government has pledged more money to fight cyberterrorism and other online attacks.

cy|borg /sa I bɔː ^r g/ (cyborgs ) N‑COUNT In science fiction, a cyborg is a being that is part human and part machine, or a machine that looks like a human being.

cyc|la|men /s I kləmən/ (cyclamen ) N‑COUNT A cyclamen is a plant with white, pink, or red flowers.

cy|cle ◆◇◇ /sa I k ^ə l/ (cycles , cycling , cycled )

1 VERB If you cycle , you ride a bicycle. □ [V prep/adv] He cycled to Ingwold. □ [V ] Britain could save £4.6 billion a year in road transport costs if more people cycled. □ [V n] Over 1000 riders cycled 100 miles around the Vale of York. ● cy|cling N‑UNCOUNT □ The quiet country roads are ideal for cycling.

2 N‑COUNT A cycle is a bicycle. □ …an eight-mile cycle ride.

3 N‑COUNT A cycle is a motorcycle. [AM ]

4 N‑COUNT A cycle is a series of events or processes that is repeated again and again, always in the same order. □ [+ of ] …the life cycle of the plant.

5 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A cycle is a single complete series of movements in an electrical, electronic, or mechanical process. □ …10 cycles per second. COLLOCATIONS cycle NOUN 4

noun + cycle : sleep

adjective + cycle : business, economic; menstrual, natural

verb + cycle : break, complete, repeat

cy |cle path (cycle paths ) N‑COUNT A cycle path is a special path on which people can travel by bicycle separately from motor vehicles.

cy|cle|way /sa I k ^ə lwe I / (cycleways ) N‑COUNT A cycleway is a road, route, or path for cyclists. [BRIT ] in AM, use bikeway

cy|clic /s I kl I k, sa I k-/ ADJ Cyclic means the same as cyclical .

cy|cli|cal /s I kl I k ^ə l, sa I k-/ ADJ A cyclical process is one in which a series of events happens again and again in the same order. □ …the cyclical nature of the airline business.

cy|clist /sa I kl I st/ (cyclists ) N‑COUNT A cyclist is someone who rides a bicycle, or is riding a bicycle.

cy|clone /sa I kloʊn/ (cyclones ) N‑COUNT A cyclone is a violent tropical storm in which the air goes round and round.

cyg|net /s I gn I t/ (cygnets ) N‑COUNT A cygnet is a young swan.

cyl|in|der /s I l I ndə ^r / (cylinders )

1 N‑COUNT A cylinder is an object with flat circular ends and long straight sides. □ [+ of ] …a cylinder of foam. □ It was recorded on a wax cylinder.

2 N‑COUNT A gas cylinder is a cylinder-shaped container in which gas is kept under pressure. □ …oxygen cylinders.

3 N‑COUNT In an engine, a cylinder is a cylinder-shaped part in which a piston moves backwards and forwards. □ …a 2.5 litre, four-cylinder engine.

cy|lin|dri|cal /s I l I ndr I k ^ə l/ ADJ Something that is cylindrical is in the shape of a cylinder. □ …a cylindrical aluminium container. □ It is cylindrical in shape.

cym|bal /s I mb ^ə l/ (cymbals ) N‑COUNT A cymbal is a flat circular brass object that is used as a musical instrument. You hit it with a stick or hit two cymbals together, making a loud noise.

cyn|ic /s I n I k/ (cynics ) N‑COUNT A cynic is someone who believes that people always act selfishly. □ I have come to be very much of a cynic in these matters.

cyni|cal /s I n I k ^ə l/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as cynical , you mean they believe that people always act selfishly. □ …his cynical view of the world. ● cyni|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ As one former customer said cynically, 'He's probably pocketed the difference!'

2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are cynical about something, you do not believe that it can be successful or that the people involved are honest. □ [+ about ] It's hard not to be cynical about reform.

cyni|cal|ly /s I n I kli/

1 ADV If you say that someone is cynically doing something, you mean they are doing it to benefit themselves and they do not care that they are deceiving, harming, or using people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He accused the mainstream political parties of cynically exploiting this situation.

2 → see also cynical

cyni|cism /s I n I s I zəm/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Cynicism is the belief that people always act selfishly. □ I found Ben's cynicism wearing at times.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Cynicism about something is the belief that it cannot be successful or that the people involved are not honourable. □ [+ about ] This talk betrays a certain cynicism about free trade.

cy|pher /sa I fə ^r / → see cipher

cy|press /sa I prəs/ (cypresses ) N‑VAR A cypress or a cypress tree is a type of conifer .

Cyp|ri|ot /s I priət/ (Cypriots )

1 ADJ Cypriot means belonging or relating to Cyprus, or to its people or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Cypriot is a Cypriot citizen, or a person of Cypriot origin.

Cy|ril|lic /s I r I l I k/ also cyrillic ADJ [ADJ n] The Cyrillic alphabet is the alphabet that is used to write some Slavonic languages, such as Russian and Bulgarian.

cyst /s I st/ (cysts ) N‑COUNT A cyst is a growth containing liquid that appears inside your body or under your skin. □ He had a minor operation to remove a cyst.

cyst|ic fi|bro|sis /s I st I k fa I broʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Cystic fibrosis is a serious disease of the glands which usually affects children and can make breathing difficult.

cys|ti|tis /s I sta I t I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Cystitis is a bladder infection. [MEDICAL ] □ …an attack of cystitis.

czar /zɑː ^r / → see tsar

cza|ri|na /zɑːriː nə/ → see tsarina

czar|ist /zɑː r I st/ → see tsarist

Czech /tʃe k/ (Czechs )

1 ADJ Czech means belonging or relating to the Czech Republic, or to its people, language, or culture.

2 N‑COUNT A Czech is a person who comes from the Czech Republic.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Czech is the language spoken in the Czech Republic.

Czecho|slo|vak /tʃe kəsloʊ væk/ (Czechoslovaks )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Czechoslovak means belonging or relating to the former state of Czechoslovakia.

2 N‑COUNT A Czechoslovak was a person who came from Czechoslovakia.

Czecho|slo|va|kian /tʃe kəsləvæ kiən/ (Czechoslovakians )

1 ADJ Czechoslovakian means the same as Czechoslovak .

2 N‑COUNT A Czechoslovakian was a person who came from Czechoslovakia.