Ee

E , e /iː / (E's, e's )


1 N‑VAR E is the fifth letter of the English alphabet.


2 N‑VAR E is the drug ecstasy, or a tablet of ecstasy. [INFORMAL ]

PREFIX e-


is used to form words that indicate that something happens on or uses the internet. e- is an abbreviation for 'electronic'. For example, an e-book is an electronic book that you can read on a mobile device such as a tablet.

each ◆◆◆ /iː tʃ/


1 DET If you refer to each thing or each person in a group, you are referring to every member of the group and considering them as individuals. □ Each book is beautifully illustrated. □ Each year, hundreds of animals are killed in this way. □ Blend in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one. ● PRON Each is also a pronoun. □ …two bedrooms, each with three beds. □ She began to consult doctors, and each had a different diagnosis. ● PRON Each is also an emphasizing pronoun. □ We each have different needs and interests. ● ADV Each is also an adverb. □ The children were given one each, handed to them or placed on their plates. □ They were selling tickets at six pounds each. ● QUANT Each is also a quantifier. □ He handed each of them a page of photos. □ Each of these exercises takes one or two minutes to do. □ There are three main types of cloud, each of which has many variations.


2 QUANT If you refer to each one of the members of a group, you are emphasizing that something applies to every one of them. [EMPHASIS ] □ He picked up forty of these publications and read each one of them.


3 PHRASE You can refer to each and every member of a group to emphasize that you mean all the members of that group. [EMPHASIS ] □ Each and every person responsible for his murder will be brought to justice. □ They can't destroy truth without destroying each and every one of us.


4 PRON You use each other when you are saying that each member of a group does something to the others or has a particular connection with the others. □ We looked at each other in silence. □ Both sides are willing to make allowances for each other's political sensitivities. □ Uncle Paul and I hardly know each other.

ea ch wa y


1 ADV [ADV after v] If you bet money each way on the result of a horse race or a dog race, you will win some money if the animal you bet on comes first, second, third, or sometimes fourth. [BRIT ] □ In the last race I put £20 each way on two outsiders. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Each way is also an adjective □ …a $10,000 each way bet on Minnehoma at 33-1.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you say that something is a good each way bet, you mean that you think it is a good thing to support or invest in because it is unlikely to fail. [BRIT ] □ Large overseas-based trusts are an excellent each way bet. □ …a good each way investment.

eager ◆◇◇ /iː gə r /


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are eager to do or have something, you want to do or have it very much. □ Robert was eager to talk about life in the Army. □ [+ for ] When my own son was five years old, I became eager for another baby. □ The low prices still pull in crowds of eager buyers. ● eager|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …an eagerness to learn.


2 ADJ If you look or sound eager , you look or sound as if you expect something interesting or enjoyable to happen. □ Arty sneered at the crowd of eager faces around him. □ Her voice was girlish and eager. ● eager|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ 'So what do you think will happen?' he asked eagerly. ● eager|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ …a woman speaking with breathless eagerness. SYNONYMS eager ADJ 1


anxious: He is anxious that there should be no delay.


keen: She's still keen to keep in touch.


impatient: He was impatient to get home.


raring: Sarah's here and raring to meet you.

eagle /iː g ə l/ (eagles )


1 N‑COUNT An eagle is a large bird that lives by eating small animals.


2 PHRASE [usu with poss] If you talk about a person's eagle eye , you mean that they are watching someone or something carefully or are very good at noticing things. □ He did the work under the eagle eye of his teacher. □ The Captain's eagle eye swept the room.

ea gle-eyed ADJ If you describe someone as eagle-eyed , you mean that they watch things very carefully and seem to notice everything. □ She makes a brief appearance that only eagle-eyed viewers will spot.

ear ◆◇◇ / I ə r / (ears )


1 N‑COUNT Your ears are the two parts of your body, one on each side of your head, with which you hear sounds. □ He whispered something in her ear. □ I'm having my ears pierced.


2 N‑SING If you have an ear for music or language, you are able to hear its sounds accurately and to interpret them or reproduce them well. □ [+ for ] Moby certainly has a fine ear for a tune. □ [+ for ] An ear for foreign languages is advantageous.


3 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] Ear is often used to refer to people's willingness to listen to what someone is saying. □ What would cause the masses to give him a far more sympathetic ear? □ They had shut their eyes and ears to everything.


4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The ears of a cereal plant such as wheat or barley are the parts at the top of the stem, which contain the seeds or grains.


5 PHRASE If someone says that they are all ears , they mean that they are ready and eager to listen. [INFORMAL ]


6 PHRASE If a request falls on deaf ears or if the person to whom the request is made turns a deaf ear to it, they take no notice of it. □ I hope that our appeals will not fall on deaf ears. □ He has turned a resolutely deaf ear to American demands for action.


7 PHRASE If you keep or have your ear to the ground , you make sure that you find out about the things that people are doing or saying. □ Jobs in manufacturing are relatively scarce but I keep my ear to the ground.


8 PHRASE If you lend an ear to someone or their problems, you listen to them carefully and sympathetically. □ They are always willing to lend an ear and offer what advice they can.


9 PHRASE If you say that something goes in one ear and out the other , you mean that someone pays no attention to it, or forgets about it immediately. □ That rubbish goes in one ear and out the other.


10 PHRASE If someone says that you will be out on your ear , they mean that you will be forced to leave a job, an organization or a place suddenly. [INFORMAL ] □ We never objected. We'd have been out on our ears looking for another job if we had.


11 PHRASE If you play by ear or play a piece of music by ear , you play music by relying on your memory rather than by reading printed music. □ Neil played, by ear, the music he'd heard his older sister practising.


12 PHRASE If you play it by ear , you decide what to say or do in a situation by responding to events rather than by following a plan which you have decided on in advance.


13 PHRASE If you are up to your ears in something, it is taking up all of your time, attention, or resources. □ He was desperate. He was in debt up to his ears.


14 music to your ears → see music


15 wet behind the ears → see wet

ear|ache / I ə re I k/ (earaches ) N‑VAR Earache is a pain in the inside part of your ear.

ea r ca|nal (ear canals ) N‑COUNT Your ear canal is the tube that opens in your outer ear and leads inside your ear. □ Hearing can be affected by ear wax blocking the ear canal.

ear|drum / I ə r drʌm/ (eardrums ) also ear drum N‑COUNT Your eardrums are the thin pieces of tightly stretched skin inside each ear, which vibrate when sound waves reach them.

ear|ful / I ə r fʊl/ N‑SING If you say that you got an earful , you mean that someone spoke angrily to you for quite a long time. [INFORMAL ] □ I bet Sue gave you an earful when you got home.

earl /ɜː r l/ (earls ) N‑COUNT An earl is a British nobleman. □ …the first Earl of Birkenhead.

earl|dom /ɜː r ldəm/ (earldoms ) N‑COUNT An earldom is the rank or title of an earl.

ear|li|er ◆◆◇ /ɜː r liə r /


1 Earlier is the comparative of early .


2 ADV [ADV with v] Earlier is used to refer to a point or period in time before the present or before the one you are talking about. □ As mentioned earlier, the University supplements this information with an interview. □ Earlier, it had been hoped to use the indoor track. □ …political reforms announced by the President earlier this year. □ Many years earlier, Grundy had given The Beatles their first television break. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Earlier is also an adjective. □ Earlier reports of gunshots have not been substantiated.

ear|li|est /ɜː r li I st/


1 Earliest is the superlative of early .


2 PHRASE At the earliest means not before the date or time mentioned. □ The first official results are not expected until Tuesday at the earliest.

ear|lobe / I ə r loʊb/ (earlobes ) also ear lobe N‑COUNT Your earlobes are the soft parts at the bottom of your ears.

ear|ly ◆◆◆ /ɜː r li/ (earlier , earliest )


1 ADV [ADV after v] Early means before the usual time that a particular event or activity happens. □ I knew I had to get up early. □ Why do we have to go to bed so early? ● ADJ [ADJ n] Early is also an adjective. □ I decided that I was going to take early retirement. □ I planned an early night.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Early means near the beginning of a day, week, year, or other period of time. □ …in the 1970s and the early 1980s. □ …a few weeks in early summer. □ She was in her early teens. □ …the early hours of Saturday morning. ● ADV Early is also an adverb. □ We'll hope to see you some time early next week. □ …early in the season.


3 ADV [ADV after v] Early means before the time that was arranged or expected. □ She arrived early to secure a place at the front. □ The first snow came a month earlier than usual. ● ADJ Early is also an adjective. □ I'm always early.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] Early means near the beginning of a period in history, or in the history of something such as the world, a society, or an activity. □ …the early stages of pregnancy. □ …Fassbinder's early films. □ It's too early to declare his efforts a success.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] Early means near the beginning of something such as a piece of work or a process. □ …the book's early chapters. ● ADV Early is also an adverb. □ …an incident which occurred much earlier in the game.


6 ADJ [ADJ n] Early refers to plants which flower or crop before or at the beginning of the main season. □ …these early cabbages and cauliflowers. ● ADV [ADV with v] Early is also an adverb. □ …early flowering shrubs.


7 ADJ [ADJ n] Early reports or indications of something are the first reports or indications about it. [FORMAL ] □ The early indications look encouraging.


8 PHRASE You can use as early as to emphasize that a particular time or period is surprisingly early. [EMPHASIS ] □ Inflation could fall back into single figures as early as this month.


9 PHRASE If you say about something that might be true that it is early days , you mean that it is too soon for you to be completely sure about it. [INFORMAL ]

ea r|ly bi rd (early birds )


1 N‑COUNT An early bird is someone who does something or goes somewhere very early, especially very early in the morning. □ We've always been early birds, getting up at 5.30 or 6am.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] An early bird deal or offer is one that is available at a reduced price, but which you must buy earlier than you would normally do. □ Early bird discounts are usually available at the beginning of the season.

ea r|ly wa rn|ing also early-warning ADJ [ADJ n] An early warning system warns people that something bad is likely to happen, for example that a machine is about to stop working, or that a country is being attacked.

ear|mark / I ə r mɑː r k/ (earmarks , earmarking , earmarked )


1 VERB If resources such as money are earmarked for a particular purpose, they are reserved for that purpose. □ [be V -ed + for ] …the extra money being earmarked for the new projects. □ [V n + for ] The education department has earmarked £6m for the new school. □ [be V -ed to-inf] Billions of dollars were earmarked to develop the country's infrastructure.


2 VERB [usu passive] If something has been earmarked for closure or disposal, for example, people have decided that it will be closed or got rid of. □ [be V -ed + for ] Their support meant that he was not forced to sell the business which was earmarked for disposal last year.

ear|muffs / I ə r mʌfs/ also ear muffs N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Earmuffs consist of two thick soft pieces of cloth joined by a band, which you wear over your ears to protect them from the cold or from loud noise.

earn ◆◆◇ /ɜː r n/ (earns , earning , earned )


1 VERB If you earn money, you receive money in return for work that you do. □ [V n] What a lovely way to earn a living.


2 VERB If something earns money, it produces money as profit or interest. □ [V n] …a current account which earns little or no interest.


3 VERB If you earn something such as praise, you get it because you deserve it. □ [V n] Companies must earn a reputation for honesty. □ [V n n] I think that's earned him very high admiration. COLLOCATIONS earn VERB


1


earn + noun : income, living, salary, wage


3


earn + noun : praise, reputation, respect, right; victory


earn + adverb : deservedly, rightly SYNONYMS earn VERB 1


get: They get a salary of $21,000 a year.


make: How much did we make?


be paid: Students were paid substantial sums of money to lie in bed all day.


bring in: I have a part-time job, which brings in about £14,000 a year.

earn|er /ɜː r nə r / (earners ) N‑COUNT An earner is someone or something that earns money or produces profit. □ …a typical wage earner. □ Sugar is Fiji's second biggest export earner.

ear|nest /ɜː r n I st/


1 PHRASE If something is done or happens in earnest , it happens to a much greater extent and more seriously than before. □ Campaigning will begin in earnest tomorrow.


2 ADJ Earnest people are very serious and sincere in what they say or do, because they think that their actions and beliefs are important. □ Ella was a pious, earnest woman. ● ear|nest|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He was admired by many for his earnestness.


3 PHRASE If you are in earnest , you are sincere in what you are doing and saying. □ No one could tell whether he was in earnest or in jest.

ear|nest|ly /ɜː r n I stli/


1 ADV [ADV with v] If you say something earnestly , you say it very seriously, often because you believe that it is important or you are trying to persuade someone else to believe it. □ 'Did you?' she asked earnestly.


2 ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] If you do something earnestly , you do it in a thorough and serious way, intending to succeed. □ She always listened earnestly as if this might help her to understand.


3 ADV [ADV before v] If you earnestly hope or wish for something, you hope or wish strongly and sincerely for it. □ I earnestly hope what I learned will serve me well in my new job.

earn|ings ◆◇◇ /ɜː r n I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Your earnings are the sums of money that you earn by working. □ Average weekly earnings rose by 1.5% in July. SYNONYMS earnings NOUN


income: Over a third of their income comes from comedy shows.


pay: …their complaints about their pay and conditions.


wages: His wages have gone up.


salary: The lawyer was paid a huge salary.


takings: The pub said that their takings were fifteen to twenty thousand pounds a week.

ea rnings-rela ted ADJ [usu ADJ n] An earnings-related payment or benefit provides higher or lower payments according to the amount a person was earning while working. [BRIT ]

ear|phone / I ə r foʊn/ (earphones ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Earphones are a small piece of equipment which you wear over or inside your ears so that you can listen to music, the radio, or your phone without anyone else hearing.

ear|piece / I ə r piːs/ (earpieces ) N‑COUNT The earpiece of a telephone receiver, hearing aid, or other device is the part that you hold up to your ear or put into your ear.

ear|plug / I ə r plʌg/ (earplugs ) also ear plug N‑COUNT [usu pl] Earplugs are small pieces of a soft material which you put into your ears to keep out noise, water, or cold air.

ear|ring / I ə r I ŋ/ (earrings ) N‑COUNT Earrings are pieces of jewellery which you attach to your ears.

ear|shot / I ə r ʃɒt/ PHRASE If you are within earshot of someone or something, you are close enough to be able to hear them. If you are out of earshot , you are too far away to hear them. □ [+ of ] It is within earshot of a main road. □ Mark was out of earshot, walking ahead of them.

ea r-splitting ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ear-splitting noise is very loud. □ …ear-splitting screams.

earth ◆◆◇ /ɜː r θ/


1 N‑PROPER Earth or the Earth is the planet on which we live. People usually say Earth when they are referring to the planet as part of the universe, and the Earth when they are talking about the planet as the place where we live. □ The space shuttle returned safely to Earth. □ …a fault in the Earth's crust.


2 N‑SING The earth is the land surface on which we live and move about. □ The earth shook and the walls of neighbouring houses fell around them.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Earth is the substance on the land surface of the earth, for example clay or sand, in which plants grow. □ The road winds for miles through parched earth, scrub and cactus.


4 N‑SING The earth in an electric plug or piece of electrical equipment is the wire through which electricity can pass into the ground, which makes the equipment safe if something goes wrong with it. [BRIT ] □ The earth wire was not connected. in AM, use ground ● earthed ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] □ Light fittings with metal parts should always be earthed.


5 → see also down-to-earth


6 PHRASE On earth is used for emphasis in questions that begin with words such as 'how', 'why', 'what', or 'where'. It is often used to suggest that there is no obvious or easy answer to the question being asked. [EMPHASIS ] □ How on earth did that happen? □ What on earth had Luke done?


7 PHRASE [with neg] On earth is used for emphasis after some negative noun groups, for example 'no reason'. [EMPHASIS ] □ There was no reason on earth why she couldn't have moved in with us. □ There is no feeling on earth like winning for the first time.


8 PHRASE On earth is used for emphasis after a noun group that contains a superlative adjective. [EMPHASIS ] □ He wanted to be the fastest man on earth.


9 PHRASE If you come down to earth or back to earth , you have to face the reality of everyday life after a period of great excitement. □ When he came down to earth after his win he admitted: 'It was an amazing feeling'.


10 PHRASE If you say that something cost the earth or that you paid the earth for it, you are emphasizing that it cost a very large amount of money. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ It must have cost the earth.


11 hell on earth → see hell SYNONYMS earth NOUN


1


globe: 70% of our globe's surface is water.


world: It's a beautiful part of the world.


3


soil: We have the most fertile soil in Europe.


mud: Their lorry got stuck in the mud.


dirt: They all sit on the dirt in the dappled shade of a tree.

earth|bound /ɜː r θbaʊnd/ ADJ If something is earthbound , it is unable to fly, or is on the ground rather than in the air or in space. □ …earthbound telescopes.

earth|en /ɜː r ð ə n/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Earthen containers and objects are made of clay that is baked so that it becomes hard.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] An earthen floor, bank, or mound is made of hard earth.

earthen|ware /ɜː r ð ə nweə r /


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Earthenware bowls, pots, or other objects are made of clay that is baked so that it becomes hard. □ …earthenware pots.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Earthenware objects are referred to as earthenware . □ …colourful Italian china and earthenware.

earth|ling /ɜː r θl I ŋ/ (earthlings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Earthling is used in science fiction to refer to human beings who live on the planet Earth.

earth|ly /ɜː r θli/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Earthly means happening in the material world of our life on Earth and not in any spiritual life or life after death. □ …the need to confront evil during the earthly life.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Earthly is used for emphasis in phrases such as no earthly reason . If you say that there is no earthly reason why something should happen, you are emphasizing that there is no reason at all why it should happen. [EMPHASIS ] □ There is no earthly reason why they should ever change.

ea rth-moving also earthmoving ADJ [ADJ n] Earth-moving equipment is machinery that is used for digging and moving large amounts of soil. □ The earth-moving trucks and cement mixers lay idle.

earth|quake /ɜː r θkwe I k/ (earthquakes ) N‑COUNT An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by movement of the Earth's crust.

ea rth-shattering ADJ Something that is earth-shattering is very surprising or shocking. □ …earth-shattering news.

earth|work /ɜː r θwɜː r k/ (earthworks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Earthworks are large structures of earth that have been built for defence, especially ones which were built a very long time ago.

earth|worm /ɜː r θwɜː r m/ (earthworms ) N‑COUNT An earthworm is a kind of worm which lives in the ground.

earthy /ɜː r θi/ (earthier , earthiest )


1 ADJ If you describe someone as earthy , you mean that they are open and direct, and talk about subjects which other people avoid or feel ashamed about. [APPROVAL ] □ …his extremely earthy humour. ● earthi|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He loved Gerard's peasant earthiness.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as earthy , you mean it looks, smells, or feels like earth. □ I'm attracted to warm, earthy colours.

ear|wig / I ə r w I g/ (earwigs ) N‑COUNT An earwig is a small, thin, brown insect that has a pair of claws at the back end of its body. WORD HISTORY earwig


Earwig comes from Old English earwicga , meaning 'ear insect'. It was once believed that earwigs would creep into people's ears.

ease ◆◇◇ /iː z/ (eases , easing , eased )


1 PHRASE If you do something with ease , you do it easily, without difficulty or effort. □ …the ease with which young people could find work.


2 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the ease of a particular activity, you are referring to the way that it has been made easier to do, or to the fact that it is already easy to do. □ [+ of ] For ease of reference, only the relevant extracts of the regulations are included.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Ease is the state of being very comfortable and able to live as you want, without any worries or problems. □ She lived a life of ease.


4 VERB If something unpleasant eases or if you ease it, it is reduced in degree, speed, or intensity. □ [V ] Tensions had eased. □ [V n] I gave him some brandy to ease the pain. □ [V -ing] …editorials calling for the easing of sanctions.


5 VERB If you ease your way somewhere or ease somewhere, you move there slowly, carefully, and gently. If you ease something somewhere, you move it there slowly, carefully, and gently. □ [V n prep/adv] I eased my way towards the door. □ [V prep/adv] She eased back into the chair and nodded. □ [V n prep/adv] He eased his foot off the accelerator. □ [V pron-refl adv/prep] Leaphorn eased himself silently upward. □ [V n with adj] I eased open the door.


6 PHRASE If you are at ease , you are feeling confident and relaxed, and are able to talk to people without feeling nervous or anxious. If you put someone at their ease , you make them feel at ease. □ It is essential to feel at ease with your therapist. □ Both men were unwelcoming, making little attempt to put Kathryn or her companions at their ease.


7 PHRASE If you are ill at ease , you feel rather uncomfortable, anxious, or worried. □ [+ with ] He appeared embarrassed and ill at ease with the sustained applause that greeted him.


▸ ease off PHRASAL VERB If something eases off , or a person or thing eases it off , it is reduced in degree, speed, or intensity. □ [V P ] These days, the pressure has eased off. □ [V P n] Kelly eased off his pace as they reached the elevator. [Also V n P ]


▸ ease up


1 PHRASAL VERB If something eases up , it is reduced in degree, speed, or intensity. □ [V P ] The rain had eased up.


2 PHRASAL VERB If you ease up , you start to make less effort. □ [V P ] He told supporters not to ease up even though he's leading in the presidential race.


3 PHRASAL VERB If you ease up on someone or something, your behaviour or attitude towards them becomes less severe or strict. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P + on ] Officials have eased up on the press restrictions. COLLOCATIONS ease NOUN 2


adjective + ease : apparent, comparative, consummate, relative VERB


4


ease + noun : burden, congestion, pain, pressure


noun + ease : pain, tension; rain


ease + adverb : gradually, slightly, somewhat


5


ease + adverb : gently, slowly

easel /iː z ə l/ (easels ) N‑COUNT An easel is a wooden frame that supports a picture which an artist is painting or drawing.

easi|ly ◆◇◇ /iː z I li/


1 ADV [oft ADV n/adj] You use easily to emphasize that something is very likely to happen, or is very likely to be true. [EMPHASIS ] □ It could easily be another year before the economy starts to show some improvement.


2 ADV [ADV after v] You use easily to say that something happens more quickly or more often than is usual or normal. □ He had always cried very easily.


3 → see also easy

east ◆◆◆ /iː st/ also East


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The east is the direction which you look towards in the morning in order to see the sun rise. □ [+ of ] …the vast swamps which lie to the east of the River Nile. □ The principal range runs east to west.


2 N‑SING The east of a place, country, or region is the part which is in the east. □ [+ of ] …a village in the east of the country.


3 ADV [ADV after v] If you go east , you travel towards the east. □ To drive, go east on Route 9.


4 ADV Something that is east of a place is positioned to the east of it. □ [+ of ] …just east of the center of town.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] The east edge, corner, or part of a place or country is the part which is towards the east. □ …a low line of hills running along the east coast.


6 ADJ [ADJ n] East is used in the names of some countries, states, and regions in the east of a larger area □ He had been on safari in East Africa with his son.


7 ADJ An east wind is a wind that blows from the east.


8 N‑SING The East is used to refer to the southern and eastern part of Asia, including India, China, and Japan. □ Every so often, a new martial art arrives from the East.


9 → see also Far East , Middle East

east|bound /iː stbaʊnd/ ADJ [ADJ n] Eastbound roads or vehicles lead to or are travelling towards the east. [FORMAL ] □ He caught an eastbound train to Tottenham Court Road.

East|er /iː stə r / (Easters ) N‑VAR [oft N n] Easter is a Christian festival when Jesus Christ's return to life is celebrated. It is celebrated on a Sunday in March or April. □ 'Happy Easter,' he yelled. □ …the first Easter morning.

E a st|er egg (Easter eggs ) N‑COUNT An Easter egg is an egg made of chocolate that is given as a present at Easter. In some countries, Easter eggs are hidden and children then look for them.

east|er|ly /iː stə r li/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An easterly point, area, or direction is to the east or towards the east. □ He progressed slowly along the coast in an easterly direction.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An easterly wind is a wind that blows from the east. □ …the cold easterly winds from Scandinavia.

east|ern ◆◆◇ /iː stə r n/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Eastern means in or from the east of a region, state, or country. □ …Eastern Europe. □ …France's eastern border with Germany.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Eastern means coming from or associated with the people or countries of the East, such as India, China, or Japan. □ In many Eastern countries massage was and is a part of everyday life.


3 → see also Middle Eastern

east|ern|er /iː stə r nə r / (easterners ) N‑COUNT An easterner is a person who was born in or who lives in the eastern part of a place or country, especially an American from the East Coast of the USA. [mainly AM ]

east|ern|most /iː stə r nmoʊst/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] The easternmost part of an area or the easternmost place is the one that is farthest towards the east. [FORMAL ]

E a st|er Su n|day N‑UNCOUNT Easter Sunday is the Sunday in March or April when Easter is celebrated.

E a st Ge r|man (East Germans ) ADJ East German means relating to or belonging to the former German Democratic Republic, or to its people, language, or culture. ● N‑COUNT East Germans were people from the German Democratic Republic.

east|ward /iː stwə r d/ also eastwards ADV [usu ADV after v, oft n ADV ] Eastward or eastwards means towards the east. □ A powerful snow storm is moving eastward. □ They were pressing on eastwards towards the city's small airfield. ● ADJ Eastward is also an adjective. □ …the eastward expansion of London.

easy ◆◆◆ /iː zi/ (easier , easiest )


1 ADJ [ADJ to-inf] If a job or action is easy , you can do it without difficulty or effort, because it is not complicated and causes no problems. □ The shower is easy to install. □ This is not an easy task. ● easi|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ Dress your child in layers of clothes you can remove easily.


2 ADJ If you describe an action or activity as easy , you mean that it is done in a confident, relaxed way. If someone is easy about something, they feel relaxed and confident about it. □ He was an easy person to talk to. □ …when you are both feeling a little easier about the break up of your relationship. ● easi|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ They talked amiably and easily about a range of topics.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you say that someone has an easy life, you mean that they live comfortably without any problems or worries. □ She has not had an easy life.


4 ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you say that something is easy or too easy , you are criticizing someone because they have done the most obvious or least difficult thing, and have not considered the situation carefully enough. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ That's easy for you to say. □ It was all too easy to believe it.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as easy prey or as an easy target , you mean that they can easily be attacked or criticized. □ Tourists have become easy prey. □ Leaders are easy targets for critics, because they have visibility.


6 PHRASE If you tell someone to go easy on something, you are telling them to use only a small amount of it. [INFORMAL ] □ Go easy on the alcohol.


7 PHRASE If you tell someone to go easy on , or be easy on , a particular person, you are telling them not to punish or treat that person very severely. [INFORMAL ] □ 'Go easy on him,' Sam repeated, opening the door.


8 PHRASE If someone tells you to take it easy or take things easy , they mean that you should relax and not do very much at all. [INFORMAL ] □ It is best to take things easy for a week or two.


9 → see also easily SYNONYMS easy ADJ 1


simple: The job itself had been simple enough.


straightforward: Disposable nappies are fairly straightforward to put on.


effortless: …effortless and elegant Italian cooking.

ea sy chair (easy chairs ) N‑COUNT An easy chair is a large, comfortable padded chair.

ea sy-go ing ADJ If you describe someone as easy-going , you mean that they are not easily annoyed, worried, or upset, and you think this is a good quality. [APPROVAL ] □ He was easy-going and good-natured.

ea sy li s|ten|ing N‑UNCOUNT Easy listening is gentle, relaxing music. Some people do not like this kind of music because they do not think that it is very interesting or exciting. □ …an easy listening version of a rock anthem.

eat ◆◆◇ /iː t/ (eats , eating , ate , eaten )


1 VERB When you eat something, you put it into your mouth, chew it, and swallow it. □ [V n] She was eating a sandwich. □ [V ] We took our time and ate slowly.


2 VERB If you eat sensibly or healthily, you eat food that is good for you. □ [V adv] …a campaign to persuade people to eat more healthily.


3 VERB If you eat , you have a meal. □ [V ] Let's go out to eat. □ [V n] We ate lunch together a few times.


4 VERB [only cont] If something is eating you, it is annoying or worrying you. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] 'What the hell's eating you?' he demanded.


5 PHRASE If you have someone eating out of your hand , they are completely under your control. □ She usually has the press eating out of her hand.


6 to have your cake and eat it → see cake


7 dog eat dog → see dog


8 to eat humble pie → see humble


▸ eat away PHRASAL VERB If one thing eats away another or eats away at another, it gradually destroys or uses it up. □ [V P n] Rot is eating away the interior of the house. □ [V P + at ] The recession is eating away at their revenues. [Also V n P ]


▸ eat into


1 PHRASAL VERB If something eats into your time or your resources, it uses them, when they should be used for other things. □ [V P n] Responsibilities at home and work eat into his time.


2 PHRASAL VERB If a substance such as acid or rust eats into something, it destroys or damages its surface. □ [V P n] Ulcers occur when the stomach's natural acids eat into the lining of the stomach.


▸ eat up


1 PHRASAL VERB When you eat up your food, you eat all of it. □ [V P n] Eat up your lunch. □ [V n P ] Some seed fell along the footpath, and the birds came and ate it up.


2 PHRASAL VERB If something eats up money, time, or resources, it uses them or consumes them in great quantities. □ [V P n] Health insurance costs are eating up his income. SYNONYMS eat VERB 1


consume: …serving chocolate ice-creams for the children to consume in the kitchen.


swallow: You are asked to swallow a capsule containing vitamin B.


devour: She devoured half an apple pie.


polish off: No matter what he is offered to eat he polishes it off in an instant. COLLOCATIONS eat VERB 1


eat + adverb : healthily, properly, sensibly, well

eat|en /iː t ə n/ Eaten is the past participle of eat .

ea t|en u p ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If someone is eaten up with jealousy, curiosity, or desire, they feel it very intensely. [INFORMAL ] □ Don't waste your time being eaten up with envy.

eat|er /iː tə r / (eaters ) N‑COUNT [adj N , n N ] You use eater to refer to someone who eats in a particular way or who eats particular kinds of food. □ I've never been a fussy eater. □ …vegetarians and meat eaters.

eat|ery /iː təri/ (eateries ) N‑COUNT An eatery is a place where you can buy and eat food. [JOURNALISM ] □ …one of the most elegant old eateries in town.

ea t|ing ap|ple (eating apples ) N‑COUNT An eating apple is an ordinary apple that is usually eaten raw.

eau de co|logne /oʊ də kəloʊ n/ also eau de Cologne N‑UNCOUNT Eau de cologne is a fairly weak, sweet-smelling perfume.

eaves /iː vz/ N‑PLURAL The eaves of a house are the lower edges of its roof. □ There were icicles hanging from the eaves.

eaves|drop /iː vzdrɒp/ (eavesdrops , eavesdropping , eavesdropped ) VERB If you eavesdrop on someone, you listen secretly to what they are saying. □ [V + on ] The government illegally eavesdropped on his phone conversations. □ [V ] The housemaid eavesdropped from behind the kitchen door. ● eaves|drop|ping N‑UNCOUNT □ …foreign electronic eavesdropping on army communications. ● eaves|drop|per (eavesdroppers ) N‑COUNT □ Modern technology enables eavesdroppers to pick up conversations through windows or walls.

e -bank|ing N‑UNCOUNT E-banking is the use of the internet to operate your bank account. □ How do I sign onto e-banking?

ebb /e b/ (ebbs , ebbing , ebbed )


1 VERB When the tide or the sea ebbs , its level gradually falls. □ [V ] When the tide ebbs it's a rock pool inhabited by crustaceans.


2 N‑COUNT The ebb or the ebb tide is one of the regular periods, usually two per day, when the sea gradually falls to a lower level as the tide moves away from the land. □ …the spring ebb tide.


3 VERB If someone's life, support, or feeling ebbs , it becomes weaker and gradually disappears. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] Were there occasions when enthusiasm ebbed? ● PHRASAL VERB Ebb away means the same as ebb . □ [V P ] Their popular support is ebbing away.


4 PHRASE If someone or something is at a low ebb or at their lowest ebb , they are not being very successful or profitable. □ …a time when everyone is tired and at a low ebb.


5 PHRASE You can use ebb and flow to describe the way that something repeatedly increases and decreases or rises and falls. □ …the ebb and flow of feeling and moods.

Ebola / I boʊ lə, əboʊ lə/ N‑UNCOUNT Ebola is a very serious disease caused by a virus, that causes fever, bleeding inside the body, and usually death. □ 6,000 cases of Ebola were reported in West Africa. □ …the Ebola virus.

eb|ony /e bəni/


1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Ebony is a very hard, heavy, dark-coloured wood. □ …a small ebony cabinet.


2 ADJ Something that is ebony is a very deep black colour. [LITERARY ] □ He had rich, soft ebony hair.

e -book (e-books ) N‑COUNT An e-book is a book which is produced for reading on a computer screen. E-book is an abbreviation for 'electronic book'. □ …reading an e-book by the pool on holiday.

ebul|lient / I bʌ liənt, -bʊ l-/ ADJ If you describe someone as ebullient , you mean that they are lively and full of enthusiasm or excitement about something. [FORMAL ] □ …the ebullient Russian President. ● ebul|lience / I bʌ liəns, -bʊ l-/ N‑UNCOUNT □ His natural ebullience began to return.

e -bu siness (e-businesses )


1 N‑COUNT An e-business is a business which uses the internet to sell goods or services, especially one which does not also have shops or offices that people can visit or phone. [BUSINESS ]


2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] E-business is the buying, selling, and ordering of goods and services using the internet. [BUSINESS ] □ …proven e-business solutions.

e -card (e-cards ) N‑COUNT An e-card is a digital card that you send over the internet on a special occasion. □ She sent me an e-card for my birthday.

ec|cen|tric / I kse ntr I k/ (eccentrics ) ADJ If you say that someone is eccentric , you mean that they behave in a strange way, and have habits or opinions that are different from those of most people. □ He is an eccentric character who likes wearing a beret and dark glasses. ● N‑COUNT An eccentric is an eccentric person. □ On first impressions it would be easy to dismiss Jonathan as an eccentric. ● ec|cen|tri|cal|ly / I kse ntr I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ The painters were eccentrically dressed.

ec|cen|tri|city /e ksentr I s I ti/ (eccentricities )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Eccentricity is unusual behaviour that other people consider strange. □ She is unusual to the point of eccentricity. □ He was known as Mad Shelley partly because of his eccentricity and partly because of his violent temper.


2 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft with poss] Eccentricities are ways of behaving that people think are strange, or habits or opinions that are different from those of most people. □ We all have our eccentricities.

ec|cle|si|as|tic / I kliː ziæ st I k/ (ecclesiastics ) N‑COUNT An ecclesiastic is a priest or clergyman in the Christian Church. [FORMAL ]

ec|cle|si|as|ti|cal / I kliː ziæ st I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ecclesiastical means belonging to or connected with the Christian Church. □ My ambition was to travel upwards in the ecclesiastical hierarchy.

ECG /iː siː dʒiː / (ECGs ) N‑VAR ECG is an abbreviation for electrocardiogram .

eche|lon /e ʃəlɒn/ (echelons ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] An echelon in an organization or society is a level or rank in it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …the lower echelons of society.

echo ◆◇◇ /e koʊ/ (echoes , echoing , echoed )


1 N‑COUNT An echo is a sound which is caused by a noise being reflected off a surface such as a wall. □ [+ of ] He listened and heard nothing but the echoes of his own voice in the cave.


2 VERB If a sound echoes , it is reflected off a surface and can be heard again after the original sound has stopped. □ [V ] His feet echoed on the bare board floor. □ [V prep/adv] The bang came suddenly, echoing across the buildings, shattering glass.


3 VERB In a place that echoes , a sound is reflected off a surface, and is repeated after the original sound has stopped. □ [V ] The room echoed. □ [V + with ] The corridor echoed with the barking of a dozen dogs. □ [V -ing] …the bare stone floors and the echoing hall. [Also + in ]


4 VERB If you echo someone's words, you repeat them or express agreement with their attitude or opinion. □ [V n] Many phrases in the last two chapters echo earlier passages. □ [V n] Their views often echo each other. □ [V with quote] 'That was a truly delicious piece of lamb,' he said. 'Yes, wasn't it?' echoed Penelope.


5 N‑COUNT A detail or feature which reminds you of something else can be referred to as an echo . □ [+ of ] The accident has echoes of past disasters.


6 VERB If one thing echoes another, the first is a copy of a particular detail or feature of the other. □ [V n] Pinks and beiges were chosen to echo the colours of the ceiling.


7 VERB If something echoes , it continues to be discussed and remains important or influential in a particular situation or among a particular group of people. □ [V prep] The old fable continues to echo down the centuries.

echo|lo|ca|tion /e koʊloʊke I ʃ ə n/ also echo-location N‑UNCOUNT Echolocation is a system used by some animals to determine the position of an object by measuring how long it takes for an echo to return from the object. [TECHNICAL ] □ Most bats navigate by echolocation.

e -cigarette (e-cigarettes ) N‑COUNT An e-cigarette is a device shaped like a cigarette, containing a nicotine liquid which is breathed in as steam rather than smoke. E-cigarette is an abbreviation for 'electronic cigarette'.

éclair / I kleə r , [AM ] e I k-/ (éclairs ) also eclair N‑COUNT An éclair is a long thin cake made of very light pastry, which is filled with cream and usually has chocolate on top.

ec|lec|tic / I kle kt I k/ ADJ An eclectic collection of objects, ideas, or beliefs is wide-ranging and comes from many different sources. [FORMAL ] □ …an eclectic collection of paintings, drawings, and prints.

ec|lec|ti|cism / I kle kt I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Eclecticism is the principle or practice of choosing or involving objects, ideas, and beliefs from many different sources. [FORMAL ] □ …her cultural eclecticism.

eclipse / I kl I ps/ (eclipses , eclipsing , eclipsed )


1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An eclipse of the sun is an occasion when the moon is between the Earth and the sun, so that for a short time you cannot see part or all of the sun. An eclipse of the moon is an occasion when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, so that for a short time you cannot see part or all of the moon. □ [+ of ] …an eclipse of the sun. □ …the total lunar eclipse on 10 December.


2 VERB If one thing is eclipsed by a second thing that is bigger, newer, or more important than it, the first thing is no longer noticed because the second thing gets all the attention. □ [be V -ed + by ] The gramophone had been eclipsed by new technology such as the compact disc.

PREFIX eco-


forms nouns and adjectives that refer to something related to the environment. For example, eco-friendly products do not harm the environment.

e co-frie ndly ADJ Eco-friendly products or services are less harmful to the environment than other similar products or services. □ …eco-friendly washing powder.

eco|logi|cal /iː kəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Ecological means involved with or concerning ecology. □ Large dams have harmed Siberia's delicate ecological balance. ● eco|logi|cal|ly /iː kəlɒ dʒ I kli/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ It is economical to run and ecologically sound.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Ecological groups, movements, and people are concerned with preserving the environment and natural resources, so that they can be used in a sensible way, rather than being wasted. □ Ecological groups say that nothing is being done to tackle the problem.

ecolo|gist / I kɒ lədʒ I st/ (ecologists )


1 N‑COUNT An ecologist is a person who studies ecology. □ Ecologists argue that the benefits of treating sewage with disinfectants are doubtful.


2 N‑COUNT An ecologist is a person who believes that the environment and natural resources should be preserved and used in a sensible way, rather than being wasted. □ In the opinion polls the ecologists reached 20 per cent.

ecol|ogy / I kɒ lədʒi/ (ecologies )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Ecology is the study of the relationships between plants, animals, people, and their environment, and the balances between these relationships. □ …a senior lecturer in ecology.


2 N‑VAR When you talk about the ecology of a place, you are referring to the pattern and balance of relationships between plants, animals, people, and the environment in that place. □ [+ of ] …the ecology of the rocky Negev desert in Israel.

e -co mmerce N‑UNCOUNT E-commerce is the same as e-business . [BUSINESS ] □ …the anticipated explosion of e-commerce.

eco|nom|ic ◆◆◆ /iː kənɒ m I k, e k-/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Economic means concerned with the organization of the money, industry, and trade of a country, region, or society. □ …Poland's radical economic reforms. □ The pace of economic growth is picking up. ● eco|nomi|cal|ly /iː kənɒ m I kli, e k-/ ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ …an economically depressed area. □ Economically and politically, this affair couldn't come at a worse time.


2 ADJ If something is economic , it produces a profit. □ The new system may be more economic but will lead to a decline in programme quality. SYNONYMS economic ADJ 1


financial: The company is in financial difficulties.


fiscal: …in 1987, when the government tightened fiscal policy.


monetary: Some countries tighten monetary policy to avoid inflation.


budgetary: There are budgetary pressures on all governments to reduce their armed forces.

eco|nomi|cal /iː kənɒ m I k ə l, e k-/


1 ADJ [oft ADJ to-inf] Something that is economical does not require a lot of money to operate. For example a car that only uses a small amount of petrol is economical . □ …plans to trade in their car for something smaller and more economical. □ It is more economical to wash a full load. ● eco|nomi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Services could be operated more efficiently and economically.


2 ADJ Someone who is economical spends money sensibly and does not want to waste it on things that are unnecessary. A way of life that is economical does not need a lot of money. □ …ideas for economical housekeeping.


3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Economical means using the minimum amount of time, effort, or language that is necessary. □ His gestures were economical, his words generally mild.

eco|nom|ics ◆◇◇ /iː kənɒ m I ks, e k-/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Economics is the study of the way in which money, industry, and trade are organized in a society. □ He gained a first class Honours degree in economics.


2 → see also home economics


3 N‑UNCOUNT The economics of a society or industry is the system of organizing money and trade in it. □ [+ of ] …the economics of the third world. SYNONYMS economics NOUN 1


finance: …a major player in the world of high finance.


commerce: They have made their fortunes from industry and commerce.

eco no|mies of sca le N‑PLURAL Economies of scale are the financial advantages that a company gains when it produces large quantities of products. [BUSINESS ] □ Car firms are desperate to achieve economies of scale.

econo|mist ◆◇◇ / I kɒ nəm I st/ (economists ) N‑COUNT An economist is a person who studies, teaches, or writes about economics.

econo|mize / I kɒ nəma I z/ (economizes , economizing , economized ) in BRIT, also use economise VERB If you economize , you save money by spending it very carefully. □ [V ] We're going to have to economize from now on. □ [V + on ] Hollywood has been talking about economizing on movie budgets.

econo|my ◆◆◆ / I kɒ nəmi/ (economies )


1 N‑COUNT An economy is the system according to which the money, industry, and trade of a country or region are organized. □ Zimbabwe boasts Africa's most industrialised economy.


2 N‑COUNT A country's economy is the wealth that it gets from business and industry. □ The Japanese economy grew at an annual rate of more than 10 per cent.


3 N‑UNCOUNT Economy is the use of the minimum amount of money, time, or other resources needed to achieve something, so that nothing is wasted. □ …improvements in the fuel economy of cars.


4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] If you make economies , you try to save money by not spending money on unnecessary things. □ They will make economies by hiring fewer part-time workers.


5 ADJ [ADJ n] Economy services such as travel are cheap and have no luxuries or extras.


6 → see economy class


7 ADJ [ADJ n] Economy is used to describe large packs of goods which are cheaper than normal-sized packs. □ …an economy pack containing 150 assorted screws.


8 PHRASE If you describe an attempt to save money as a false economy , you mean that you have not saved any money as you will have to spend a lot more later. □ A cheap bed can be a false economy. COLLOCATIONS economy NOUN 1


noun + economy : market, world


adjective + economy : fragile, weak, dynamic, healthy, strong; advanced, capitalist, emerging; domestic, global, local, regional


verb + economy : boost, revive, stimulate, strengthen

eco no|my class ADJ [ADJ n] On an aeroplane, an economy class ticket or seat is the cheapest available. □ The price includes two economy class airfares from Brisbane to Los Angeles.

eco nomy-class sy n|drome N‑UNCOUNT Economy-class syndrome is a serious medical condition caused by blood clots in the legs moving up to the lungs; used especially in connection with long-haul flights. □ Lemon juice can help to prevent economy-class syndrome by improving blood circulation.

eco|sys|tem /iː koʊs I stəm, [AM ] e kə-/ (ecosystems ) N‑COUNT An ecosystem is all the plants and animals that live in a particular area together with the complex relationship that exists between them and their environment. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the forest ecosystem.

eco|tar|ian /iː kəʊteə riən, [AM ] e kə-/ (ecotarians ) N‑COUNT An ecotarian is a person who eats only food that has been produced in a way that does not harm the environment. □ Strictly speaking, you don’t have to be a vegetarian or a vegan to be an ecotarian. ● ADJ Ecotarian is also an adjective. □ We try to follow an ecotarian diet.

eco|tec|ture /iː kəʊtektʃə, [AM ] e kə-/ N‑UNCOUNT Ecotecture is a type of architecture with designs based on ecological principles such as sustainability and environmental impact.

e co-tou rism N‑UNCOUNT Eco-tourism is the business of providing holidays and related services which are not harmful to the environment of the area. [BUSINESS ] ● eco-tourist (eco-tourists ) N‑COUNT □ …an environmentally sensitive project to cater for eco-tourists.

e co-wa rrior (eco-warriors ) N‑COUNT An eco-warrior is someone who spends a lot of time working actively for environmental causes. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ]

ecru /e I kruː/ COLOUR Something that is ecru is pale, creamy-white in colour.

ec|sta|sy /e kstəsi/ (ecstasies )


1 N‑VAR Ecstasy is a feeling of very great happiness. □ …a state of almost religious ecstasy.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Ecstasy is an illegal drug which makes people feel happy and energetic.


3 PHRASE If you are in ecstasy about something, you are very excited about it. If you go into ecstasies , you become very excited. □ My father was in ecstasy when I won my scholarship. □ She went into ecstasies over actors.

ec|stat|ic /ekstæ t I k/


1 ADJ If you are ecstatic , you feel very happy and full of excitement. □ [+ about ] His wife gave birth to their first child, and he was ecstatic about it. □ They were greeted by the cheers of an ecstatic crowd. ● ec|stati|cal|ly /ekstæ t I kli/ ADV □ We are both ecstatically happy.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use ecstatic to describe reactions that are very enthusiastic and excited. For example, if someone receives an ecstatic reception or an ecstatic welcome, they are greeted with great enthusiasm and excitement. □ They gave an ecstatic reception to the speech.

ec|top|ic /ektɒ p I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg becomes implanted outside a woman's womb, for example in one of her fallopian tubes.

ecu|meni|cal /iː kjʊme n I k ə l, e k-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Ecumenical activities, ideas, and movements try to unite different Christian Churches. [FORMAL ] □ …ecumenical church services.

ecu|men|ism / I kjuː me n I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Ecumenism is the belief that the different Christian Churches should be as united as possible, and can also be used to refer to actions based on this belief. [FORMAL ]

ec|ze|ma /e ksmə, [AM ] I gziː mə/ N‑UNCOUNT Eczema is a skin disease which makes your skin itch and become sore, rough, and broken.

ed. (eds ) ed. is a written abbreviation for editor .

SUFFIX -ed


is added to verbs to make the past tense and past participle. Past participles formed are often used as adjectives that indicate that something has been affected in some way. For example, cooked food is food that has been cooked.

eddy /e di/ (eddies ) N‑COUNT An eddy is a movement in water or in the air which goes round and round instead of flowing in one continuous direction.

edge ◆◆◇ /e dʒ/ (edges , edging , edged )


1 N‑COUNT The edge of something is the place or line where it stops, or the part of it that is furthest from the middle. □ [+ of ] We were on a hill, right on the edge of town. □ She was standing at the water's edge.


2 N‑COUNT The edge of something sharp such as a knife or an axe is its sharp or narrow side. □ [+ of ] …the sharp edge of the sword.


3 VERB If someone or something edges somewhere, they move very slowly in that direction. □ [V prep/adv] He edged closer to the phone, ready to grab it.


4 N‑SING The edge of something, especially something bad, is the point at which it may start to happen. □ [+ of ] They have driven the rhino to the edge of extinction.


5 N‑SING If someone or something has an edge , they have an advantage that makes them stronger or more likely to be successful than another thing or person. □ [+ over ] The three days France have to prepare could give them the edge over England.


6 N‑SING If you say that someone or something has an edge , you mean that they have a powerful quality. □ Featuring new bands gives the show an edge. □ [+ of ] Greene's stories had an edge of realism.


7 N‑SING If someone's voice has an edge to it, it has a sharp, bitter, or emotional quality. □ [+ of ] But underneath the humour is an edge of bitterness. [Also + to ]


8 → see also cutting edge , knife-edge , leading edge


9 PHRASE If you or your nerves are on edge , you are tense, nervous, and unable to relax. □ My nerves were constantly on edge.


10 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the edge of their seat or chair , you mean that they are very interested in what is happening or what is going to happen.


11 PHRASE If something takes the edge off a situation, usually an unpleasant one, it weakens its effect or intensity. □ A spell of poor health took the edge off her performance.


12 to set your teeth on edge → see tooth


▸ edge out PHRASAL VERB If someone edges out someone else, they just manage to beat them or get in front of them in a game, race, or contest. □ [V P n] France edged out the British team by less than a second. □ [V n P + of ] McGregor's effort was enough to edge Johnson out of the top spot. [Also V n P ] COLLOCATIONS edge NOUN 1


adjective + edge : inner, inside, outer, outside; jagged, ragged, rough

edged /e dʒd/ ADJ If something is edged with a particular thing, that thing forms a border around it. □ [+ with ] …a large lawn edged with flowers and shrubs. [Also + in ] ● COMB Edged is also a combining form. □ …a lace-edged handkerchief.

-edged /-edʒd/


1 COMB -edged combines with words such as 'sharp', 'raw', and 'dark' to form adjectives which indicate that something such as a play or a piece of writing is very powerful or critical. [JOURNALISM ] □ …a sharp-edged satire that puts the Hollywood system under the microscope. □ …the raw-edged vitality and daring of these works.


2 → see also edge , edged , hard-edged

edge|ways /e dʒwe I z/ The spelling edgewise /e dʒwa I z/ is also used, especially in American English. PHRASE If you say that you cannot get a word in edgeways , you are complaining that you do not have the opportunity to speak because someone else is talking so much. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He spent all the time talking and they could not get a word in edgeways.

edg|ing /e dʒ I ŋ/ (edgings ) N‑VAR Edging is something that is put along the borders or sides of something else, usually to make it look attractive. □ …the satin edging on Randall's blanket.

edgy /e dʒi/ (edgier , edgiest ) ADJ If someone is edgy , they are nervous and anxious, and seem likely to lose control of themselves. [INFORMAL ] □ She was nervous and edgy.

ed|ible /e d I b ə l/ ADJ If something is edible , it is safe to eat and not poisonous. □ …edible fungi.

edict /iː d I kt/ (edicts ) N‑COUNT [oft N that] An edict is a command or instruction given by someone in authority. [FORMAL ] □ He issued an edict that none of his writings be destroyed.

edi|fi|ca|tion /e d I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] If something is done for your edification , it is done to benefit you in some way, for example by teaching you about something. [FORMAL ] □ He's even built a theatre from scratch for the edification of the locals.

edi|fice /e d I f I s/ (edifices ) N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] An edifice is a large and impressive building. [FORMAL ] □ The American consulate was a magnificent edifice in the centre of Bordeaux.

edi|fy|ing /e d I fa I I ŋ/


1 ADJ If you describe something as edifying , you mean that it benefits you in some way, for example by teaching you about something. [FORMAL ] □ In the 18th century art was seen, along with music and poetry, as something edifying.


2 ADJ You say that something is not very edifying when you want to express your disapproval or dislike of it, or to suggest that there is something unpleasant or unacceptable about it. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ It all brought back memories of a not very edifying past.

edit ◆◇◇ /e d I t/ (edits , editing , edited )


1 VERB If you edit a text such as an article or a book, you correct and adapt it so that it is suitable for publishing. □ [V n] The majority of contracts give the publisher the right to edit a book after it's done. □ [V -ed] …an edited version of the speech. ● edit|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Throughout the editing of this book, we have had much support and encouragement.


2 VERB If you edit a book or a series of books, you collect several pieces of writing by different authors and prepare them for publishing. □ [be V -ed + by ] This collection of essays is edited by Ellen Knight. □ [V n] She has edited the media studies quarterly, Screen. □ [V -ed] …the Real Sandwich Book, edited by Miriam Polunin. ● edit|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ He was certainly not cut out to combine the jobs of editing and writing as a journalist.


3 VERB If you edit a film or a television or radio programme, you choose some of what has been filmed or recorded and arrange it in a particular order. □ [V n] He taught me to edit and splice film. □ [V n with together ] He is editing together excerpts of some of his films. ● edit|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ He sat in on much of the filming and early editing.


4 VERB Someone who edits a newspaper, magazine, or journal is in charge of it. □ [V n] I used to edit the college paper in the old days.


5 N‑COUNT An edit is the process of examining and correcting a text so that it is suitable for publishing. □ The purpose of the edit is fairly simple – to chop out the boring bits from the original.


▸ edit out PHRASAL VERB If you edit something out of a book or film, you remove it, often because it might be offensive to some people. □ [be V -ed P ] His voice will be edited out of the final film. □ [V n P ] She edited that line out again. SYNONYMS edit VERB 1


revise: Three editors handled the work of revising the articles for publication.


rewrite: The script was rewritten constantly during filming.


redraft: The speech had already been redrafted 22 times.

edi|tion ◆◆◇ / I d I ʃ ə n/ (editions )


1 N‑COUNT An edition is a particular version of a book, magazine, or newspaper that is printed at one time. □ A paperback edition is now available at bookshops.


2 N‑COUNT An edition is the total number of copies of a particular book or newspaper that are printed at one time. □ The second edition was published only in America.


3 N‑COUNT An edition is a single television or radio programme that is one of a series about a particular subject. □ They appeared on an edition of BBC2's Arena.

edi|tor ◆◆◇ /e d I tə r / (editors )


1 N‑COUNT An editor is the person who is in charge of a newspaper or magazine and who decides what will be published in each edition of it.


2 N‑COUNT An editor is a journalist who is responsible for a particular section of a newspaper or magazine. □ Cookery Editor Moyra Fraser takes you behind the scenes.


3 N‑COUNT An editor is a person who checks and corrects texts before they are published. □ Your role as editor is important, for you can look at a piece of writing objectively.


4 N‑COUNT An editor is a radio or television journalist who reports on a particular type of news. □ …our economics editor, Dominic Harrod.


5 N‑COUNT An editor is a person who prepares a film, or a radio or television programme, by selecting some of what has been filmed or recorded and putting it in a particular order. □ She worked at 20th Century Fox as a film editor.


6 N‑COUNT An editor is a person who collects pieces of writing by different authors and prepares them for publication in a book or a series of books. □ [+ of ] Michael Rosen is the editor of the anthology.


7 N‑COUNT An editor is a computer program that enables you to change and correct stored data. [COMPUTING ] COLLOCATIONS editor NOUN


1


noun + editor : magazine, newspaper, tabloid; assistant, deputy, executive


adjective + editor : contributing, founding, managing


2


noun + editor : fashion, features, news, picture; economics, politics, science, sport

edi|to|rial ◆◇◇ /e d I tɔː ri ə l/ (editorials )


1 ADJ [ADJ n] Editorial means involved in preparing a newspaper, magazine, or book for publication. □ He is on the editorial staff of the magazine. □ I went to the editorial board meetings when I had the time. ● edi|to|ri|al|ly ADV □ Rosie Boycott was not involved editorially with Virago.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Editorial means involving the attitudes, opinions, and contents of something such as a newspaper, magazine, or television programme. □ We are not about to change our editorial policy. ● edi|to|ri|al|ly ADV [usu ADV after v] □ Editorially, they never really became a unique distinct product.


3 N‑COUNT An editorial is an article in a newspaper which gives the opinion of the editor or owner on a topic or item of news. □ An editorial in the London Evening Standard argued the police reaction was disproportionate to the threat.

edi|to|ri|al|ize /e d I tɔː riəla I z/ (editorializes , editorializing , editorialized ) in BRIT, also use editorialise VERB If someone editorializes , they express their opinion about something rather than just stating facts; mainly used in contexts where you are talking about journalists and newspapers. □ [V ] Other papers have editorialized, criticizing the Czech government for rushing to judgment on this individual.

edi|tor|ship /e d I tə r ʃ I p/ (editorships ) N‑VAR [oft poss N ] The editorship of a newspaper or magazine is the position of its editor, or his or her work as its editor. □ Under his editorship, the Economist has introduced regular sports coverage. [Also + of ]

edu|cate /e dʒʊke I t/ (educates , educating , educated )


1 VERB [usu passive] When someone, especially a child, is educated , he or she is taught at a school or college. □ [be V -ed] He was educated at Haslingden Grammar School.


2 VERB To educate people means to teach them better ways of doing something or a better way of living. □ [V n] The charity dedicates itself to educating people about the dangers of high-fat diets.

edu|cat|ed /e dʒʊke I t I d/ ADJ Someone who is educated has a high standard of learning. □ He is an educated, amiable and decent man.

-educated /-e dʒʊke I t I d/


1 COMB -educated combines with nouns and adjectives to form adjectives indicating where someone was educated. □ …the Oxford-educated son of a Liverpool merchant. □ …an American-educated lawyer.


2 COMB -educated combines with adverbs to form adjectives indicating how much education someone has had and how good it was. □ Many of the immigrants are well-educated. □ …impoverished, undernourished, and ill-educated workers.

e du|cat|ed gue ss (educated guesses ) N‑COUNT An educated guess is a guess which is based on a certain amount of knowledge and is therefore likely to be correct. □ Estimating the right cooking time will always be an educated guess.

edu|ca|tion ◆◆◇ /e dʒʊke I ʃ ə n/ (educations )


1 N‑VAR Education involves teaching people various subjects, usually at a school or college, or being taught. □ They're cutting funds for education.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Education of a particular kind involves teaching the public about a particular issue. □ …better health education.


3 → see also adult education , further education , higher education COLLOCATIONS education NOUN


1


noun + education : school, state, university; adult


adjective + education : comprehensive, further, higher, secondary; compulsory, formal, general, private; vocational


verb + education : promote, provide; complete, receive


2


noun + education : health, sex, science


adjective + education : physical, religious SYNONYMS education NOUN 1


teaching: The Government funds university teaching.


schooling: He had little formal schooling.


tuition: The courses will give the beginner personal tuition in all types of photography.


instruction: All schoolchildren must now receive some religious instruction.

edu|ca|tion|al ◆◇◇ /e dʒʊke I ʃən ə l/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Educational matters or institutions are concerned with or relate to education. □ …the British educational system. □ …pupils with special educational needs. ● edu|ca|tion|al|ly ADV □ …educationally sound ideas for managing classrooms.


2 ADJ An educational experience teaches you something. □ The staff should make sure the kids have an enjoyable and educational day. SYNONYMS educational ADJ


1


academic: Their academic standards are high.


pedagogical: …the pedagogical methods used in the classroom.


2


instructive: …an entertaining and instructive documentary.


illuminating: His autobiography provides an illuminating insight into his mind.


enlightening: …an enlightening talk on the work done at the animal park.


didactic: In totalitarian societies, art exists for didactic purposes.


instructional: …instructional material designed to help you with your lifestyle.

edu|ca|tion|al|ist /e dʒʊke I ʃənəl I st/ (educationalists ) N‑COUNT An educationalist is someone who is specialized in the theories and methods of education. [BRIT ] in AM, use educator

edu|ca |tion|al psy|cho l|ogy N‑UNCOUNT Educational psychology is the area of psychology that is concerned with the study and assessment of teaching methods, and with helping individual pupils who have educational problems. ● edu|ca|tion|al psy|cholo|gist (educational psychologists ) N‑COUNT □ An assessment by an independent educational psychologist was essential.

edu|ca|tion|ist /e dʒʊke I ʃən I st/ (educationists ) N‑COUNT An educationist is the same as an educationalist . [BRIT ]

edu|ca|tive /e dʒʊkət I v, [AM ] -ke I t-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that has an educative role teaches you something. [FORMAL ] □ …the educative value of allowing broadcasters into their courts.

edu|ca|tor /e dʒʊke I tə r / (educators )


1 N‑COUNT An educator is a person who educates people. [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ]


2 N‑COUNT An educator is someone who is specialized in the theories and methods of education. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use educationalist

edu|tain|ment /e dʒʊte I nmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT People use edutainment to refer to things such as computer games which are designed to be entertaining and educational at the same time. □ …the increased demand for edutainment software.

Ed|ward|ian /edwɔː r diən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Edwardian means belonging to, connected with, or typical of Britain in the first decade of the 20th century, when Edward VII was King. □ …the Edwardian era.

eel /iː l/ (eels ) N‑VAR An eel is a long, thin fish that looks like a snake. ● N‑UNCOUNT Eel is the flesh of this fish which is eaten as food. □ …smoked eel.

eerie / I ə ri/ (eerier , eeriest ) ADJ If you describe something as eerie , you mean that it seems strange and frightening, and makes you feel nervous. □ I walked down the eerie dark path. □ …an eerie calm. ● eeri|ly / I ə r I li/ ADV □ Monrovia after the fighting is eerily quiet.

ef|face / I fe I s/ (effaces , effacing , effaced )


1 VERB To efface something means to destroy or remove it so that it cannot be seen any more. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …an event that has helped efface the country's traditional image.


2 → see also self-effacing

ef|fect ◆◆◆ / I fe kt/ (effects , effecting , effected )


1 N‑VAR [adj N ] The effect of one thing on another is the change that the first thing causes in the second thing. □ [+ of/on ] Parents worry about the effect of music on their adolescent's behavior. □ Even minor head injuries can cause long-lasting psychological effects.


2 N‑COUNT An effect is an impression that someone creates deliberately, for example in a place or in a piece of writing. □ The whole effect is cool, light and airy.


3 N‑PLURAL [with poss] A person's effects are the things that they have with them at a particular time, for example when they are arrested or admitted to hospital, or the things that they owned when they died. [FORMAL ] □ His daughters were collecting his effects.


4 N‑PLURAL The effects in a film are the specially created sounds and scenery.


5 VERB If you effect something that you are trying to achieve, you succeed in causing it to happen. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backwards.


6 → see also greenhouse effect , placebo effect , ripple effect , side-effect , sound effect , special effect


7 PHRASE If you say that someone is doing something for effect , you mean that they are doing it in order to impress people and to draw attention to themselves. □ The Cockney accent was put on for effect.


8 PHRASE You add in effect to a statement or opinion that is not precisely accurate, but which you feel is a reasonable description or summary of a particular situation. [VAGUENESS ] □ That deal would create, in effect, the world's biggest airline.


9 PHRASE If you put , bring , or carry a plan or idea into effect , you cause it to happen in practice. □ These and other such measures ought to have been put into effect in 1985.


10 PHRASE If a law or policy takes effect or comes into effect at a particular time, it officially begins to apply or be valid from that time. If it remains in effect , it still applies or is still valid. □ …the ban on new logging permits which will take effect from July. □ The decision will remain in effect until further government instructions.


11 PHRASE You can say that something takes effect when it starts to produce the results that are intended. □ The second injection should only have been given once the first drug had taken effect.


12 PHRASE You use effect in expressions such as to good effect and to no effect in order to indicate how successful or impressive an action is. □ Mr Morris feels the museum is using advertising to good effect.


13 PHRASE You use to this effect , to that effect , or to the effect that to indicate that you have given or are giving a summary of something that was said or written, and not the actual words used. □ A circular to this effect will be issued in the next few weeks.


14 PHRASE If you say that something will happen with immediate effect or with effect from a particular time, you mean that it will begin to apply or be valid immediately or from the stated time. [BRIT , mainly FORMAL ] □ The price of the Saturday edition is going up with effect from 3 November.


15 cause and effect → see cause SYNONYMS effect NOUN 1


result: A real pizza oven gives better results than an ordinary home oven.


consequence: An economic crisis may have tremendous consequences for our global security.


outcome: It's too early to know the outcome of her illness.


end result: The end result of this will be unity.


aftermath: In the aftermath of the coup, the troops opened fire on the demonstrators.


influence: Many other medications have an influence on cholesterol levels.


impact: The major impact of this epidemic worldwide is yet to come.

ef|fec|tive ◆◆◇ / I fe kt I v/


1 ADJ Something that is effective works well and produces the results that were intended. □ [+ in ] Homoeopathic treatment can be effective in treating virtually any illness. □ [+ against ] Simple antibiotics are effective against this organism. □ …an effective public transport system. ● ef|fec|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV after v, oft ADV -ed] □ …the team roles which you believe to be necessary for the team to function effectively. □ Services need to be more effectively organised than they are at present. ● ef|fec|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the effectiveness of computers as an educational tool.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Effective means having a particular role or result in practice, though not officially or in theory. □ They have had effective control of the area since the security forces left.


3 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] When something such as a law or an agreement becomes effective , it begins officially to apply or be valid. □ The new rules will become effective in the next few days. SYNONYMS effective ADJ 1


efficient: This was done in an efficient and competent manner.


successful: How successful will this new treatment be?


useful: The police gained a great deal of useful information about the organization.


productive: Training makes workers highly productive.


helpful: A predominantly liquid diet for a day or two may be helpful.

ef|fec|tive|ly / I fe kt I vli/ ADV [oft ADV adj/-ed] You use effectively with a statement or opinion to indicate that it is not accurate in every detail, but that you feel it is a reasonable description or summary of a particular situation. □ The region was effectively independent.

ef|fec|tual / I fe ktʃuəl/ ADJ If an action or plan is effectual , it succeeds in producing the results that were intended. [FORMAL ] □ This is the only effectual way to secure our present and future happiness.

ef|femi|nate / I fe m I nət/ ADJ If you describe a man or boy as effeminate , you think he behaves, looks, or sounds like a woman or girl. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a skinny, effeminate guy in lipstick and earrings.

ef|fer|ves|cent /e fə r ve s ə nt/


1 ADJ An effervescent liquid is one that contains or releases bubbles of gas. □ …an effervescent mineral water.


2 ADJ If you describe someone as effervescent , you mean that they are lively, entertaining, enthusiastic, and exciting. [APPROVAL ] □ …an effervescent blonde actress. ● ef|fer|ves|cence N‑UNCOUNT □ He wrote about Gillespie's effervescence, magnetism and commitment.

ef|fete / I fiː t/ ADJ If you describe someone as effete , you are criticizing them for being weak and powerless. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …the charming but effete Russian gentry of the 1840s and 1850s.

ef|fi|ca|cious /e f I ke I ʃəs/ ADJ Something that is efficacious is effective. [FORMAL ] □ The nasal spray was new on the market and highly efficacious.

ef|fi|ca|cy /e f I kəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] If you talk about the efficacy of something, you are talking about its effectiveness and its ability to do what it is supposed to. [FORMAL ] □ Recent medical studies confirm the efficacy of a healthier lifestyle.

ef|fi|cien|cy / I f I ʃ ə nsi/ (efficiencies )


1 N‑UNCOUNT Efficiency is the quality of being able to do a task successfully, without wasting time or energy. □ There are many ways to increase agricultural efficiency in the poorer areas of the world. □ …energy efficiency.


2 N‑UNCOUNT In physics and engineering, efficiency is the ratio between the amount of energy a machine needs to make it work, and the amount it produces. [TECHNICAL ]

ef|fi|cient ◆◇◇ / I f I ʃ ə nt/ ADJ If something or someone is efficient , they are able to do tasks successfully, without wasting time or energy. □ With today's more efficient contraception women can plan their families and careers. ● ef|fi|cient|ly ADV □ I work very efficiently and am decisive, and accurate in my judgement.

ef|fi|gy /e f I dʒi/ (effigies )


1 N‑COUNT An effigy is a quickly and roughly made figure, often ugly or amusing, that represents someone you hate or feel contempt for.


2 N‑COUNT An effigy is a statue or carving of a famous person. [FORMAL ]

eff|ing /e f I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Some people use effing to emphasize a word or phrase, especially when they are feeling angry or annoyed. [BRIT , RUDE , EMPHASIS ]

ef|flu|ent /e fluənt/ (effluents ) N‑VAR Effluent is liquid waste material that comes out of factories or sewage works. [FORMAL ] □ The effluent from the factory was dumped into the river.

ef|fort ◆◆◆ /e fə r t/ (efforts )


1 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] If you make an effort to do something, you try very hard to do it. □ He made no effort to hide his disappointment. □ Finding a cure requires considerable time and effort. □ …his efforts to reform Italian research. □ [+ of ] Despite the efforts of the United Nations, the problem of drug traffic continues to grow. □ But a concerted effort has begun to improve the quality of the urban air.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with N , oft a N ] If you say that someone did something with effort or with an effort , you mean it was difficult for them to do. [WRITTEN ] □ She took a deep breath and sat up slowly and with great effort. □ With an effort she contained her irritation.


3 N‑COUNT An effort is a particular series of activities that is organized by a group of people in order to achieve something. □ …a famine relief effort in Angola.


4 N‑SING If you say that something is an effort , you mean that an unusual amount of physical or mental energy is needed to do it. □ He's very stooped and it's an effort to lift his head.


5 PHRASE If you make the effort to do something, you do it, even though you need extra energy to do it or you do not really want to. □ I don't get lonely now because I make the effort to see people. COLLOCATIONS effort NOUN


1


adjective + effort : determined, last-ditch, worthwhile; solo, team


verb + effort : make, renew, require; praise, recognize; block, hamper


3


noun + effort : conservation, recovery, relief, rescue; peace, war

ef|fort|less /e fə r tləs/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is effortless is done easily and well. □ In a single effortless motion, he scooped Frannie into his arms. ● ef|fort|less|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Her son Peter adapted effortlessly to his new surroundings.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use effortless to describe a quality that someone has naturally and does not have to learn. □ She liked him above all for his effortless charm.

ef|fron|tery / I frʌ ntəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Effrontery is behaviour that is bold, rude, or disrespectful. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] One could only gasp at the sheer effrontery of the man.

ef|fu|sion / I fjuː ʒ ə n/ (effusions ) N‑VAR If someone expresses their emotions or ideas with effusion , they express them with more enthusiasm and for longer than is usual or expected. □ I did not embarrass her with my effusions.

ef|fu|sive / I fjuː s I v/ ADJ If you describe someone as effusive , you mean that they express pleasure, gratitude, or approval in a very enthusiastic way. □ He was effusive in his praise for the general. ● ef|fu|sive|ly ADV □ She greeted them effusively.

e-fit /iː f I t/ (e-fits ) also E-fit N‑COUNT An e-fit is a computer-generated picture of someone who is suspected of a crime. Compare identikit , Photofit . □ Police have released an E-fit picture of the suspected gunman.

EFL /iː ef e l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] EFL is the teaching of English to people whose first language is not English. EFL is an abbreviation for 'English as a Foreign Language'. □ …an EFL teacher.

e.g. /iː dʒiː / e.g. is an abbreviation that means 'for example'. It is used before a noun, or to introduce another sentence. □ We need helpers of all types, engineers, scientists (e.g. geologists) and teachers.

egali|tar|ian / I gæ l I teə riən/ ADJ Egalitarian means supporting or following the idea that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities. □ I still believe in the notion of an egalitarian society.

egali|tari|an|ism / I gæ l I teə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Egalitarianism is used to refer to the belief that all people are equal and should have the same rights and opportunities, and to actions that are based on this belief.

egg ◆◆◇ /e g/ (eggs , egging , egged )


1 N‑COUNT An egg is an oval object that is produced by a female bird and which contains a baby bird. Other animals such as reptiles and fish also lay eggs. □ …a baby bird hatching from its egg. □ …ant eggs.


2 N‑VAR In Western countries, eggs often means hen's eggs, eaten as food. □ Break the eggs into a shallow bowl and beat them lightly. □ …bacon and eggs.


3 N‑COUNT Egg is used to refer to an object in the shape of a hen's egg. □ …a chocolate egg.


4 N‑COUNT An egg is a cell that is produced in the bodies of female animals and humans. If it is fertilized by a sperm, a baby develops from it. □ It only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg.


5 → see also Easter egg , nest egg , Scotch egg


6 PHRASE If someone puts all their eggs in one basket , they put all their effort or resources into doing one thing so that, if it fails, they have no alternatives left. □ The key word here is diversify; don't put all your eggs in one basket.


7 PHRASE If someone has egg on their face or has egg all over their face , they have been made to look foolish. □ If they take this game lightly they could end up with egg on their faces.


8 a chicken and egg situation → see chicken


▸ egg on PHRASAL VERB If you egg a person on , you encourage them to do something, especially something dangerous or foolish. □ [V n P ] He was throwing snowballs. She was laughing and egging him on. □ [V n P to-inf] They egged each other on to argue and to fight. [Also V P n (not pron)]

e gg cup (egg cups ) also eggcup N‑COUNT An egg cup is a small container in which you put a boiled egg while you eat it.

egg|head /e ghed/ (eggheads ) N‑COUNT If you think someone is more interested in ideas and theories than in practical actions you can say they are an egghead . [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Government was dominated by self-important eggheads.

egg|nog /e gnɒg/ also egg nog N‑UNCOUNT Eggnog is a drink made from egg, milk, sugar, spices, and alcohol such as rum or brandy.

egg|plant /e gplɑːnt, -plænt/ (eggplants ) N‑VAR An eggplant is a vegetable with a smooth, dark purple skin. [AM ] in BRIT, use aubergine

egg|shell /e gʃel/ (eggshells ) also egg shell N‑VAR An eggshell is the hard covering on the outside of an egg.

e gg tim|er (egg timers ) also egg-timer N‑COUNT An egg timer is a device that measures the time needed to boil an egg.

e gg whisk (egg whisks ) N‑COUNT An egg whisk is a piece of kitchen equipment used for mixing the different parts of an egg together.

ego /iː goʊ, e goʊ/ (egos )


1 N‑VAR Someone's ego is their sense of their own worth. For example, if someone has a large ego , they think they are very important and valuable. □ He had a massive ego; never would he admit he was wrong.


2 → see also alter ego , super-ego

ego|cen|tric /iː goʊse ntr I k, e g-/ ADJ Someone who is egocentric thinks only of themselves and their own wants, and does not consider other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was egocentric, a man of impulse who expected those around him to serve him.

ego|ism /iː goʊ I zəm, e g-/ N‑UNCOUNT Egoism is the same as egotism . [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|ist /iː goʊ I st, e g-/ (egoists ) N‑COUNT An egoist is the same as an egotist . [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|is|tic /iː goʊ I st I k, e g-/ ADJ Egoistic means the same as egotistic . [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|ma|ni|ac /iː goʊme I niæk, e g-/ (egomaniacs ) N‑COUNT An egomaniac is someone who thinks only of themselves and does not care if they harm other people in order to get what they want. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Adam is clever enough, but he's also something of an egomaniac.

ego|tism /iː gət I zəm, e g-/ N‑UNCOUNT Egotism is the quality of being egotistic. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|tist /iː gət I st, e g-/ (egotists ) N‑COUNT An egotist is someone who is egotistic. [DISAPPROVAL ]

ego|tis|tic /iː gət I st I k, e g-/ The form egotistical is also used. ADJ Someone who is egotistic or egotistical behaves selfishly and thinks they are more important than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Susan and Deborah share an intensely selfish, egotistic streak.

e go trip (ego trips ) N‑COUNT If you say that someone is on an ego trip , you are criticizing them for doing something for their own satisfaction and enjoyment, often to show that they think they are more important than other people. [DISAPPROVAL ]

egre|gious / I griː dʒəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Egregious means very bad indeed. [FORMAL ] □ …the most egregious abuses of human rights.

Egyp|tian / I dʒ I pʃ ə n/ (Egyptians )


1 ADJ Egyptian means belonging or relating to Egypt or to its people, language, or culture.


2 N‑COUNT The Egyptians are the people who come from Egypt.


3 ADJ Egyptian means related to or connected with ancient Egypt. □ …the Egyptian pharaoh.


4 N‑COUNT The Egyptians were the people who lived in ancient Egypt.

eh /e I / CONVENTION Eh is used in writing to represent a noise that people make as a response in conversation, for example to express agreement or to ask for something to be explained or repeated. □ Let's talk all about it outside, eh? □ 'He's um ill in bed.'—'Eh?'—'He's ill in bed.'

eider|down /a I də r daʊn/ (eiderdowns ) N‑COUNT An eiderdown is a bed covering, placed on top of sheets and blankets, that is filled with small soft feathers or warm material. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use comforter

eight ◆◆◆ /e I t/ (eights ) NUM Eight is the number 8. □ So far eight workers have been killed.

eight|een ◆◆◆ /e I tiː n/ (eighteens ) NUM Eighteen is the number 18. □ He was employed by them for eighteen years.

eight|eenth ◆◆◇ /e I tiː nθ/


1 ORD The eighteenth item in a series is the one that you count as number eighteen. □ The siege is now in its eighteenth day.


2 FRACTION An eighteenth is one of eighteen equal parts of something.

eighth ◆◆◇ /e I tθ/ (eighths )


1 ORD The eighth item in a series is the one that you count as number eight. □ …the eighth prime minister of India.


2 FRACTION An eighth is one of eight equal parts of something. □ The Kuban produces an eighth of Russia's grain, meat and milk.

ei ghth note (eighth notes ) N‑COUNT An eighth note is a musical note that has a time value equal to half a quarter note. [AM ] in BRIT, use quaver

eighti|eth ◆◆◇ /e I tiəθ/ ORD The eightieth item in a series is the one that you count as number eighty. □ Mr Stevens recently celebrated his eightieth birthday.

eighty ◆◆◆ /e I ti/ (eighties )


1 NUM Eighty is the number 80. □ Eighty horses trotted up.


2 N‑PLURAL When you talk about the eighties , you are referring to numbers between 80 and 89. For example, if you are in your eighties , you are aged between 80 and 89. If the temperature is in the eighties , the temperature is between 80 and 89 degrees. □ He was in his late eighties and had become the country's most respected elder statesman.


3 N‑PLURAL The eighties is the decade between 1980 and 1989. □ He ran a property development business in the eighties.

eistedd|fod /a I ste dfɒd, [AM ] -vɑːd/ (eisteddfods ) N‑COUNT An eisteddfod is a Welsh festival at which competitions are held in music, poetry, drama, and art.

either ◆◆◆ /a I ðə r , iː ðə r /


1 CONJ You use either in front of the first of two or more alternatives, when you are stating the only possibilities or choices that there are. The other alternatives are introduced by 'or'. □ Sightseeing is best done either by tour bus or by bicycle. □ The former President was demanding that he should be either put on trial or set free. □ Either she goes or I go.


2 CONJ You use either in a negative statement in front of the first of two alternatives to indicate that the negative statement refers to both the alternatives. □ They found no sign of either him or his son.


3 PRON You can use either to refer to one of two things, people, or situations, when you want to say that they are both possible and it does not matter which one is chosen or considered. □ There were glasses of champagne and cigars, but not many of either were consumed. ● QUANT Either is also a quantifier. □ Have either of you rented before? ● DET Either is also a determiner. □ I don't particularly agree with either group.


4 PRON You use either in a negative statement to refer to each of two things, people, or situations to indicate that the negative statement includes both of them. □ She warned me that I'd never marry or have children. – I don't want either. ● QUANT Either is also a quantifier. □ There are no simple answers to either of those questions. ● DET Either is also a determiner. □ He sometimes couldn't remember either man's name.


5 ADV [ADV after v] You use either by itself in negative statements to indicate that there is a similarity or connection with a person or thing that you have just mentioned. □ He did not even say anything to her, and she did not speak to him either.


6 ADV [ADV after v] When one negative statement follows another, you can use either at the end of the second one to indicate that you are adding an extra piece of information, and to emphasize that both are equally important. □ Don't agree, but don't argue either.


7 DET You can use either to introduce a noun that refers to each of two things when you are talking about both of them. □ The basketball nets hung down from the ceiling at either end of the gymnasium. USAGE either


Don’t use either without of in front of a plural noun or pronoun. Don’t say, for example ‘ He was better dressed than either us .’ Say 'He was better dressed than either of us .' □ I don’t know either of them very well.

ejacu|late / I dʒæ kjʊle I t/ (ejaculates , ejaculating , ejaculated ) VERB When a man ejaculates , sperm comes out through his penis. □ [V ] … a tendency to ejaculate quickly. ● ejacu|la|tion / I dʒæ kjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (ejaculations ) N‑VAR □ Each male ejaculation will contain up to 300 million sperm.

eject / I dʒe kt/ (ejects , ejecting , ejected )


1 VERB If you eject someone from a place, you force them to leave. □ [V n] Officials used guard dogs to eject the protesters. □ [be V -ed + from ] He was ejected from a restaurant. ● ejec|tion / I dʒe kʃ ə n/ (ejections ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the ejection of hecklers from the meeting.


2 VERB To eject something means to remove it or push it out forcefully. □ [V n] He aimed his rifle, fired a single shot, then ejected the spent cartridge.


3 VERB When a pilot ejects from an aircraft, he or she leaves the aircraft quickly using an ejector seat, usually because the plane is about to crash. □ [V + from ] The pilot ejected from the plane and escaped injury. [Also V ]

eje c|tor seat (ejector seats ) N‑COUNT An ejector seat is a special seat which can throw the pilot out of a fast military aircraft in an emergency.

eke /iː k/ (ekes , eking , eked ) PHRASE If you eke a living or eke out an existence , you manage to survive with very little money. □ [+ off ] That forced peasant farmers to try to eke a living off steep hillsides. □ He was eking out an existence on a few francs a day.


▸ eke out PHRASAL VERB If you eke out something, you make your supply of it last as long as possible. □ [V P n] Many workers can only eke out their redundancy money for about 10 weeks. [Also V n P ]

elabo|rate (elaborates , elaborating , elaborated ) The adjective is pronounced / I læ bərət/. The verb is pronounced / I læ bəre I t/. 1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use elaborate to describe something that is very complex because it has a lot of different parts. □ …an elaborate research project. □ …an elaborate ceremony that lasts for eight days.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Elaborate plans, systems, and procedures are complicated because they have been planned in very great detail, sometimes too much detail. □ …elaborate efforts at the highest level to conceal the problem. □ …an elaborate management training scheme for graduates. ● elabo|rate|ly ADV □ It was clearly an elaborately planned operation.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Elaborate clothing or material is made with a lot of detailed artistic designs. □ He is known for his elaborate costumes. ● elabo|rate|ly ADV □ …elaborately costumed dolls.


4 VERB If you elaborate a plan or theory, you develop it by making it more complicated and more effective. □ [V n] His task was to elaborate policies to make a market economy compatible with a clean environment. ● elabo|ra|tion / I læ bəre I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the elaboration of specific policies and mechanisms.


5 VERB If you elaborate on something that has been said, you say more about it, or give more details. □ [V + on ] A spokesman declined to elaborate on a statement released late yesterday. □ [V ] Would you care to elaborate?

élan /e I lɑː n/ also elan N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone does something with élan , you mean that they do it in an energetic and confident way. [LITERARY ]

elapse / I læ ps/ (elapses , elapsing , elapsed ) VERB When time elapses , it passes. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] Forty-eight hours have elapsed since his arrest.

elas|tic / I læ st I k/


1 N‑UNCOUNT Elastic is a rubber material that stretches when you pull it and returns to its original size and shape when you let it go. Elastic is often used in clothes to make them fit tightly, for example round the waist. □ …a piece of elastic.


2 ADJ Something that is elastic is able to stretch easily and then return to its original size and shape. □ Beat it until the dough is slightly elastic.


3 ADJ If ideas, plans, or policies are elastic , they are able to change to suit new circumstances or conditions as they occur. □ …an elastic interpretation of the rules of boxing. □ The period of conversion was elastic, in some cases lasting over twenty years

elas|ti|cat|ed / I læ st I ke I t I d/ ADJ If a piece of clothing or part of a piece of clothing is elasticated , elastic has been sewn or woven into it to make it fit better and to help it keep its shape. [BRIT ] □ …a pink silk jacket with an elasticated waist. in AM, use elasticized

ela s|tic ba nd (elastic bands ) N‑COUNT An elastic band is a thin circle of very stretchy rubber that you can put around things in order to hold them together. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use rubber band

elas|tici|ty /iː læst I s I ti, I læ st-/ N‑UNCOUNT The elasticity of a material or substance is its ability to return to its original shape, size, and condition after it has been stretched. □ Daily facial exercises help her to retain the skin's elasticity.

Elas|to|plast / I læ stəplɑːst/ (Elastoplasts )


1 N‑VAR Elastoplast is a type of sticky tape that you use to cover small cuts on your body. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use Band-Aid 2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you refer to an Elastoplast solution to a problem, you mean that you disapprove of it because you think that it will only be effective for a short period. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □ It is only an Elastoplast solution to a far greater constitutional problem. in AM, use Band-Aid

elat|ed / I le I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are elated , you are extremely happy and excited because of something that has happened. □ I was elated that my second heart bypass had been successful.

ela|tion / I le I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Elation is a feeling of great happiness and excitement about something that has happened. □ His supporters have reacted to the news with elation.

el|bow /e lboʊ/ (elbows , elbowing , elbowed )


1 N‑COUNT Your elbow is the part of your arm where the upper and lower halves of the arm are joined. □ He slipped and fell, badly bruising an elbow.


2 VERB If you elbow people aside or elbow your way somewhere, you push people with your elbows in order to move somewhere. □ [V n with aside ] They also claim that the security team elbowed aside a steward. □ [V n prep] Mr Smith elbowed me in the face. □ [V n prep/adv] Brand elbowed his way to the centre of the group of bystanders. [Also V ]


3 VERB If someone or something elbows their way somewhere, or elbows other people or things out of the way , they achieve success by being aggressive and determined. □ [V n with aside/out ] Non-state firms gradually elbow aside the inefficient state-owned ones. □ [V n prep] Environmental concerns will elbow their way right to the top of the agenda. [Also V n prep, V n]


4 to rub elbows with → see rub

e l|bow grease N‑UNCOUNT People use elbow grease to refer to the strength and energy that you use when doing physical work like rubbing or polishing. [INFORMAL ] □ It took a considerable amount of polish and elbow grease before the brass shone like new.

e l|bow room


1 N‑UNCOUNT Elbow room is the freedom to do what you want to do or need to do in a particular situation. [INFORMAL ] □ His speech was designed to give himself more political elbow room.


2 N‑UNCOUNT If there is enough elbow room in a place or vehicle, it is not too small or too crowded. [INFORMAL ] □ There was not much elbow room in the cockpit of a Snipe.

el|der /e ldə r / (elders )


1 ADJ [ADJ n, the ADJ ] The elder of two people is the one who was born first. □ …his elder brother. □ [+ of ] …the elder of her two daughters.


2 N‑COUNT A person's elder is someone who is older than them, especially someone quite a lot older. [FORMAL ] □ The young have no respect for their elders.


3 N‑COUNT In some societies, an elder is one of the respected older people who have influence and authority. □ …tribal elders.


4 N‑VAR An elder is a bush or small tree which has groups of small white flowers and black berries.

elder|berry /e ldə r beri/ (elderberries )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Elderberries are the edible black berries that grow on an elder bush or tree.


2 N‑VAR An elderberry is an elder bush or tree.

el|der|ly ◆◇◇ /e ldə r li/ ADJ You use elderly as a polite way of saying that someone is old. [POLITENESS ] □ …an elderly couple. □ Many of those most affected are elderly. ● N‑PLURAL The elderly are people who are old. This use could cause offence. □ The elderly are a formidable force in any election. SYNONYMS elderly ADJ


old: He was considered too old for the job.


aged: She has an aged parent who's capable of being very difficult.


ageing: John lives with his ageing mother.


geriatric: The geriatric patients will be moved out.

e l|der sta tes|man (elder statesmen )


1 N‑COUNT An elder statesman is an old and respected politician or former politician who still has influence because of his or her experience.


2 N‑COUNT An experienced and respected member of an organization or profession is sometimes referred to as an elder statesman .

eld|est /e ld I st/ ADJ The eldest person in a group is the one who was born before all the others. □ The eldest child was a daughter called Fiona. □ [+of ] David was the eldest of three boys. □ The two eldest are already doing well at Kings Wood.

e -lea rning N‑UNCOUNT E-learning is learning that takes place by means of computers and the internet.

elect ◆◆◇ / I le kt/ (elects , electing , elected )


1 VERB When people elect someone, they choose that person to represent them, by voting for them. □ [V n] The people of the Philippines have voted to elect a new president. □ [V n n] Manchester College elected him Principal in 1956. □ [V n + as ] The country is about to take a radical departure by electing a woman as its new president. ● elect|ed ADJ [ADJ n] □ …the country's democratically elected president.


2 VERB If you elect to do something, you choose to do it. [FORMAL ] □ [V to-inf] After six months he elected to take early retirement


3 ADJ [n ADJ ] Elect is added after words such as 'president' or 'governor' to indicate that a person has been elected to the post but has not officially started to carry out the duties involved. [FORMAL ] □ …the date when the president-elect takes office. SYNONYMS elect VERB 1


vote for: Many would vote for the government if there was a new leader.


choose: They will be able to choose their own leaders in democratic elections.


pick: She had picked ten people to interview for six sales jobs in London.


select: Voters are selecting candidates for both U.S. Senate seats and congressional seats.

elec|tion ◆◆◆ / I le kʃ ə n/ (elections )


1 N‑VAR An election is a process in which people vote to choose a person or group of people to hold an official position. □ …the first fully free elections for more than fifty years. □ The final election results will be announced on Friday. □ Many residents say they have little or no idea who's standing for election.


2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] The election of a particular person or group of people is their success in winning an election. □ [+ of ] …the election of the Labour government in 1964. □ [+as ] …his election as president. □ The Democrat candidate is the favorite to win election. COLLOCATIONS election NOUN 1


adjective + election : federal, mayoral, municipal, parliamentary, presidential; local, national, primary; forthcoming, upcoming; free and fair


verb + election : call, hold; contest, fight; lose, win SYNONYMS election NOUN 1


vote: Why do you think we should have a vote on that?


the polls: The polls have closed in the Pakistan parliamentary elections.


ballot: The result of the ballot will not be known for two weeks.


referendum: Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.


show of hands: Parliamentary leaders agreed to take all such decisions by a show of hands.

elec|tion|eer|ing / I le kʃən I ə r I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Electioneering is the activities that politicians and their supporters carry out in order to persuade people to vote for them or their political party in an election, for example making speeches and visiting voters.

elec|tive / I le kt I v/ (electives )


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An elective post or committee is one to which people are appointed as a result of winning an election. [FORMAL ] □ Buchanan has never held elective office.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Elective surgery is surgery that you choose to have before it becomes essential. [FORMAL ]


3 N‑COUNT An elective is a subject which a student can choose to study as part of his or her course. [AM ] in BRIT, use option

elec|tor / I le ktə r / (electors )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] An elector is a person who has the right to vote in an election.


2 N‑COUNT An elector is a member of the electoral college. People vote for electors in each state to represent them in the presidential elections. [AM ]

elec|tor|al ◆◇◇ / I le ktərəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Electoral is used to describe things that are connected with elections. □ The Mongolian Democratic Party is campaigning for electoral reform. □ …Italy's electoral system of proportional representation. ● elec|tor|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/-ed, ADV after v] □ He believed that the policies were both wrong and electorally disastrous.

ele c|tor|al co l|lege N‑SING The electoral college is the system that is used in the United States in presidential elections. The electors in the electoral college act as representatives for each state, and they elect the president and vice-president. [AM ]

ele c|tor|al re g|is|ter (electoral registers ) N‑COUNT An electoral register is an official list of all the people who have the right to vote in an election. [BRIT ] □ Many students are not on the electoral register.

ele c|tor|al ro ll (electoral rolls ) N‑COUNT An electoral roll is the same as an electoral register . [BRIT ]

elec|tor|ate / I le ktərət/ (electorates ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] The electorate of a country or area is all the people in it who have the right to vote in an election. □ He has the backing of almost a quarter of the electorate.

elec|tric ◆◇◇ / I le ktr I k/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An electric device or machine works by means of electricity, rather than using some other source of power. □ …her electric guitar.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] An electric current, voltage, or charge is one that is produced by electricity.


3 ADJ [ADJ n] Electric plugs, sockets, or power lines are designed to carry electricity.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] Electric is used to refer to the supply of electricity. [INFORMAL ] □ An average electric bill might go up $2 or $3 per month.


5 ADJ If you describe the atmosphere of a place or event as electric , you mean that people are in a state of great excitement. □ The mood in the hall was electric.

elec|tri|cal / I le ktr I k ə l/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Electrical goods, equipment, or appliances work by means of electricity. □ …shipments of electrical equipment. □ …electrical appliances. ● elec|tri|cal|ly / I le ktr I kli/ ADV [ADV -ed] □ …electrically-powered vehicles.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Electrical systems or parts supply or use electricity.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Electrical energy is energy in the form of electricity. ● elec|tri|cal|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/-ed, ADV with v] □ …electrically-charged particles. □ The researchers stimulated the muscle electrically.


4 ADJ [ADJ n] Electrical industries, engineers, or workers are involved in the production and supply of electricity or electrical goods.

ele c|tri|cal en|gi|nee r (electrical engineers ) N‑COUNT An electrical engineer is a person who uses scientific knowledge to design, construct, and maintain electrical devices.

ele c|tri|cal en|gi|nee r|ing N‑UNCOUNT Electrical engineering is the designing, constructing, and maintenance of electrical devices.

ele c|tric bla n|ket (electric blankets ) N‑COUNT An electric blanket is a blanket with wires inside it which carry an electric current that keeps the blanket warm.

ele c|tric blue also electric-blue COLOUR Something that is electric blue is very bright blue in colour.

ele c|tric chai r (electric chairs ) N‑COUNT The electric chair is a method of killing criminals, used especially in the United States, in which a person is strapped to a special chair and killed by a powerful electric current.

elec|tri|cian / I lektr I ʃ ə n, iː lek-/ (electricians ) N‑COUNT An electrician is a person whose job is to install and repair electrical equipment.

elec|tric|ity ◆◇◇ / I lektr I s I ti, iː lek-/ N‑UNCOUNT Electricity is a form of energy that can be carried by wires and is used for heating and lighting, and to provide power for machines. □ The electricity had been cut off. WORD HISTORY electricity


Electricity comes from the Greek word ēlektron , meaning 'amber'. The ancient Greeks had found out that if you rub a piece of amber, it will attract small particles by the force that we now understand to be electricity.

elec|trics / I le ktr I ks/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to a system of electrical wiring as the electrics . [BRIT ] □ Plumbing and electrics are installed to a high standard.

ele c|tric sho ck (electric shocks ) N‑COUNT If you get an electric shock , you get a sudden painful feeling when you touch something which is connected to a supply of electricity.

elec|tri|fi|ca|tion / I le ktr I f I ke I ʃ ə n/


1 N‑UNCOUNT The electrification of a house, town, or area is the connecting of that place with a supply of electricity. □ …rural electrification.


2 → see also electrify

elec|tri|fied / I le ktr I fa I d/ ADJ [ADJ n] An electrified fence or other barrier has been connected to a supply of electricity, so that a person or animal that touches it will get an electric shock. □ The house was set amid dense trees and surrounded by an electrified fence.

elec|tri|fy / I le ktr I fa I / (electrifies , electrifying , electrified )


1 VERB [usu passive] If people are electrified by an event or experience, it makes them feel very excited and surprised. □ [be V -ed +by ] The world was electrified by his courage and resistance. ● elec|tri|fy|ing ADJ □ He gave an electrifying performance.


2 VERB [usu passive] When a railway system or railway line is electrified , electric cables are put over the tracks, or electric rails are put beside them, so that the trains can be powered by electricity. □ [be V -ed] The west-coast line was electrified as long ago as 1974. □ [V -ed] …the electrified section of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.

PREFIX electro-


is used to form words that refer to electricity or processes involving electricity. For example, if someone is electrocuted , they are killed or injured by electricity.

elec|tro|car|dio|gram / I le ktroʊkɑː r dioʊgræm/ (electrocardiograms ) N‑COUNT If someone has an electrocardiogram , doctors use special equipment to measure the electric currents produced by that person's heart in order to see whether it is working normally.

e|lec|tro|chem|i|cal / I le ktroʊke m I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] An electrochemical process or reaction is one in which electricity is produced by a chemical reaction. □ The technology uses an electrochemical process to produce electricity.

elec|tro|cute / I le ktrəkjuːt/ (electrocutes , electrocuting , electrocuted )


1 VERB If someone is electrocuted , they are accidentally killed or badly injured when they touch something connected to a source of electricity. □ [be V -ed] Three people were electrocuted by falling power-lines. □ [V pron-refl] He accidentally electrocuted himself.


2 VERB [usu passive] If a criminal is electrocuted , he or she is executed using electricity. □ [be V -ed] He was electrocuted for a murder committed when he was 17. ● elec|tro|cu|tion / I le ktrəkjuː ʃ ə n/ (electrocutions ) N‑VAR □ The court sentenced him to death by electrocution.

elec|trode / I le ktroʊd/ (electrodes ) N‑COUNT An electrode is a small piece of metal or other substance that is used to take an electric current to or from a source of power, a piece of equipment, or a living body. □ The patient's brain activity is monitored via electrodes taped to the skull.

elec|troly|sis / I lektrɒ l I s I s, iː -/ N‑UNCOUNT Electrolysis is the process of passing an electric current through a substance in order to produce chemical changes in the substance. [TECHNICAL ]

elec|tro|lyte / I le ktrəla I t/ (electrolytes ) N‑COUNT An electrolyte is a substance, usually a liquid, which electricity can pass through. [TECHNICAL ]

elec|tro|mag|net / I le ktroʊmæ gn I t/ (electromagnets ) N‑COUNT An electromagnet is a magnet that consists of a piece of iron or steel surrounded by a coil. The metal becomes magnetic when an electric current is passed through the coil.

elec|tro|mag|net|ic / I le ktroʊmægne t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Electromagnetic is used to describe the electrical and magnetic forces or effects produced by an electric current. □ …electromagnetic fields.

elec|tron / I le ktrɒn/ (electrons ) N‑COUNT An electron is a tiny particle of matter that is smaller than an atom and has a negative electrical charge. [TECHNICAL ]

elec|tron|ic ◆◇◇ / I lektrɒ n I k, iː -/


1 ADJ [ADJ n] An electronic device has transistors or silicon chips which control and change the electric current passing through the device. □ …expensive electronic equipment.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An electronic process or activity involves the use of electronic devices. □ …electronic surveillance. □ …electronic music. ● elec|troni|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Data is transmitted electronically. □ …an electronically controlled dishwasher.

elec|tro n|ic boo k (electronic books ) N‑COUNT An electronic book is the same as an e-book . [COMPUTING ]

elec|tro n|ic mai l N‑SING Electronic mail is the same as email .

elec|tro n|ic pu b|lish|ing N‑UNCOUNT Electronic publishing is the publishing of documents in a form that can be read on a computer, for example as a CD-ROM.

elec|tron|ics / I lektrɒ n I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Electronics is the technology of using transistors and silicon chips, especially in devices such as radios, televisions, and computers. □ …Europe's three main electronics companies.

ele c|tron|ic ta g|ging N‑UNCOUNT Electronic tagging is a system in which a criminal or suspected criminal has an electronic device attached to them which enables the police to know if they leave a particular area. [BRIT ]

el|egant ◆◇◇ /e l I gənt/


1 ADJ If you describe a person or thing as elegant , you mean that they are pleasing and graceful in appearance or style. □ Patricia looked beautiful and elegant as always. □ …an elegant restaurant. ● el|egance N‑UNCOUNT □ …the princess's understated elegance. ● el|egant|ly ADV □ …a tall, elegantly dressed man with a mustache.


2 ADJ If you describe a piece of writing, an idea, or a plan as elegant , you mean that it is simple, clear, and clever. □ The document impressed me with its elegant simplicity. ● el|egant|ly ADV □ …an elegantly simple idea. SYNONYMS elegant ADJ 1


stylish: …a very attractive and very stylish woman of 27.


sophisticated: Claude was a charming, sophisticated companion.


refined: …refined and well-dressed ladies.


chic: Her gown was very French and very chic.


graceful: …graceful ballerinas.

el|egi|ac /e l I dʒa I ək/ ADJ Something that is elegiac expresses or shows sadness. [LITERARY ] □ The music has a dreamy, elegiac quality.

el|egy /e l I dʒi/ (elegies ) N‑COUNT An elegy is a sad poem, often about someone who has died. □ …a touching elegy for a lost friend.

el|ement ◆◆◇ /e l I mənt/ (elements )


1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The different elements of something are the different parts it contains. □ [+ of ] The exchange of prisoners of war was one of the key elements of the U.N.'s peace plan.


2 N‑COUNT A particular element of a situation, activity, or process is an important quality or feature that it has or needs. □ Fitness has now become an important element in our lives.


3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] When you talk about elements within a society or organization, you are referring to groups of people who have similar aims, beliefs, or habits. □ …criminal elements within the security forces. □ …the hooligan element.


4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If something has an element of a particular quality or emotion, it has a certain amount of this quality or emotion. □ [+ of ] These reports clearly contain elements of propaganda.


5 N‑COUNT An element is a substance such as gold, oxygen, or carbon that consists of only one type of atom.


6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The element in an electric fire or water heater is the metal part which changes the electric current into heat.


7 N‑PLURAL You can refer to the weather, especially wind and rain, as the elements . □ The area where most refugees are waiting is exposed to the elements.


8 PHRASE If you say that someone is in their element , you mean that they are in a situation they enjoy. □ My stepmother was in her element, organizing everything. SYNONYMS element NOUN 1


component: The management plan has four main components.


part: Respect is a very important part of any relationship.


feature: Patriotic songs have long been a feature of Kuwaiti life.


factor: Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining fitness.


aspect: Climate and weather affect every aspect of our lives.


ingredient: I think that is one of the major ingredients in his success.

el|ement|al /e l I me nt ə l/ ADJ Elemental feelings and types of behaviour are simple, basic, and forceful. [LITERARY ] □ …the elemental life they would be living in this new colony.

el|emen|ta|ry /e l I me ntri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is elementary is very simple and basic. □ …elementary computer skills.

el|eme n|ta|ry school (elementary schools ) N‑VAR An elementary school is a school where children are taught for the first six or sometimes eight years of their education. [mainly AM ] □ …the move from elementary school to middle school or junior high.

el|ephant /e l I fənt/ (elephants )


1 N‑COUNT An elephant is a very large animal with a long, flexible nose called a trunk, which it uses to pick up things. Elephants live in India and Africa.


2 → see also white elephant

el|ephan|tine /e l I fæ nta I n/ ADJ If you describe something as elephantine , you mean that you think it is large and clumsy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …elephantine clumsiness. □ His legs were elephantine.

el|evate /e l I ve I t/ (elevates , elevating , elevated )


1 VERB [usu passive] When someone or something achieves a more important rank or status, you can say that they are elevated to it. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed + to ] He was elevated to the post of prime minister. ● el|eva|tion /e l I ve I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [usu with poss] □ [+ of/to ] The elevation of Pierre d'Aubusson to the rank of cardinal was applauded throughout Europe.


2 VERB If you elevate something to a higher status, you consider it to be better or more important than it really is. □ [V n + to ] Don't elevate your superiors to superstar status.


3 VERB To elevate something means to increase it in amount or intensity. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Emotional stress can elevate blood pressure. □ [V -ed] …overweight individuals who have elevated cholesterol levels.


4 VERB If you elevate something, you raise it above a horizontal level. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Jack elevated the gun at the sky.

el|evat|ed /e l I ve I t I d/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A person, job, or role that is elevated is very important or of very high rank. □ His career has blossomed and that has given him a certain elevated status.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If thoughts or ideas are elevated , they are on a high moral or intellectual level. □ …the magazine's elevated British tone.


3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If land or buildings are elevated , they are raised up higher than the surrounding area. □ An elevated platform on the stage collapsed during rehearsals.

el|eva|tion /e l I ve I ʃ ə n/ (elevations )


1 N‑COUNT In architecture, an elevation is the front, back, or side of a building, or a drawing of one of these. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the addition of two-storey wings on the north and south elevations.


2 N‑COUNT The elevation of a place is its height above sea level. □ [+ of ] We're probably at an elevation of about 13,000 feet above sea level.


3 N‑COUNT An elevation is a piece of ground that is higher than the area around it.


4 → see also elevate

el|eva|tor /e l I ve I tə r / (elevators ) N‑COUNT An elevator is a device that carries people up and down inside buildings. [AM ] in BRIT, use lift

elev|en ◆◆◆ / I le v ə n/ (elevens ) NUM Eleven is the number 11. □ …the Princess and her eleven friends.

ele ven-plu s also eleven plus N‑SING The eleven-plus is an exam which was taken by children in Britain at about the age of eleven, in order to decide which secondary school they should go to. [BRIT ]

elev|en|ses / I le v ə nz I z/ N‑UNCOUNT Elevenses is a short break when you have a cup of tea or coffee, and sometimes biscuits, at around eleven o'clock in the morning. [BRIT , INFORMAL ]

elev|enth ◆◆◇ / I le v ə nθ/ (elevenths )


1 ORD The eleventh item in a series is the one that you count as number eleven. □ We were working on the eleventh floor.


2 FRACTION An eleventh is one of eleven equal parts of something.

ele v|enth hou r N‑SING If someone does something at the eleventh hour , they do it at the last possible moment. □ He postponed his trip at the eleventh hour. □ …last night's eleventh-hour agreement.

elf /e lf/ (elves ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] In fairy stories, elves are small magical beings who play tricks on people.

elf|in /e lf I n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as elfin , you think that they are attractive because they are small and have delicate features. [APPROVAL ] □ …a little boy with an elfin face.

elic|it / I l I s I t/ (elicits , eliciting , elicited )


1 VERB If you elicit a response or a reaction, you do or say something which makes other people respond or react. □ [V n] He spoke for a long time, trying to elicit some comment or response from Hanuman.


2 VERB If you elicit a piece of information, you get it by asking the right questions. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Phone calls elicited no further information.

elide / I la I d/ (elides , eliding , elided )


1 VERB If you elide something, especially a distinction, you leave it out or ignore it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] These habits of thinking elide the difference between what is common and what is normal.


2 VERB In linguistics, if you elide a word, you do not pronounce or write it fully. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] He complained about BBC announcers eliding their words.

eli|gible /e l I dʒ I b ə l/


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] Someone who is eligible to do something is qualified or able to do it, for example because they are old enough. □ Almost half the population are eligible to vote in today's election. □ [+ for ] You could be eligible for a university scholarship. ● eli|gibil|ity /e l I dʒ I b I l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ for ] The rules covering eligibility for benefits changed in the 1980s.


2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] An eligible man or woman is not yet married and is thought by many people to be a suitable partner. □ He's the most eligible bachelor in Japan.

elimi|nate ◆◇◇ / I l I m I ne I t/ (eliminates , eliminating , eliminated )


1 VERB To eliminate something, especially something you do not want or need, means to remove it completely. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The priority should be to eliminate child poverty. □ [V n + from ] If you think you may be allergic to a food or drink, eliminate it from your diet. ● elimi|na|tion / I l I m I ne I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the prohibition and elimination of chemical weapons.


2 V-PASSIVE When a person or team is eliminated from a competition, they are defeated and so take no further part in the competition. □ [be V -ed + from ] I was eliminated from the 400 metres in the semi-finals. □ [be V -ed] If you are eliminated in the show-jumping then you are out of the complete competition.


3 VERB If someone says that they have eliminated an enemy, they mean that they have killed them. By using the word 'eliminate', they are trying to make the action sound more positive than if they used the word 'kill'. □ [V n] He declared war on the government and urged right-wingers to eliminate their opponents. SYNONYMS eliminate VERB 1


get rid of: There's corruption, and we're going to get rid of it.


remove: Most of her fears had been removed.


abolish: The whole system should be abolished.


eradicate: They are already battling to eradicate illnesses such as malaria.


banish: …diseases like malaria that have been banished for centuries.


do away with: The long-range goal must be to do away with nuclear weapons altogether.

elimi|na|tor / I l I m I ne I tə r / (eliminators ) N‑COUNT [usu n N ] In sport, an eliminator is a game which decides which team or player is to go through to the next stage of a particular competition. [BRIT ] □ …a world title eliminator. in AM, use elimination game

elite / I liː t, e I -/ (elites )


1 N‑COUNT You can refer to the most powerful, rich, or talented people within a particular group, place, or society as the elite . □ …a government comprised mainly of the elite. □ We have a political elite in this country.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] Elite people or organizations are considered to be the best of their kind. □ …the elite troops of the President's bodyguard.

elit|ism / I liː t I zəm, e I -/ N‑UNCOUNT Elitism is the quality or practice of being elitist. □ It became difficult to promote excellence without being accused of elitism.

elit|ist / I liː t I st, e I -/ (elitists )


1 ADJ Elitist systems, practices, or ideas favour the most powerful, rich, or talented people within a group, place, or society. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The legal profession is starting to be less elitist and more representative.


2 N‑COUNT An elitist is someone who has elitist ideas or is part of an elite. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was an elitist who had no time for the masses.

elix|ir / I l I ksə r / (elixirs ) N‑COUNT An elixir is a liquid that is considered to have magical powers. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] …the elixir of life.

Eliza|bethan / I l I zəbiː θ ə n/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Elizabethan means belonging to or connected with England in the second half of the sixteenth century, when Elizabeth the First was Queen. □ …Elizabethan England. □ …the Elizabethan theatre.

elk /e lk/ (elks or elk ) N‑VAR An elk is a type of large deer. Elks have big, flat horns called antlers and are found in Northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Some British speakers use elk to refer to the European and Asian varieties of this animal, and moose to refer to the North American variety.

el|lipse / I l I ps/ (ellipses ) N‑COUNT An ellipse is an oval shape similar to a circle but longer and flatter. □ The Earth orbits in an ellipse.

el|lip|sis / I l I ps I s/ N‑UNCOUNT In linguistics, ellipsis means leaving out words rather than repeating them unnecessarily; for example, saying 'I want to go but I can't' instead of 'I want to go but I can't go'. [TECHNICAL ]

el|lip|ti|cal / I l I pt I k ə l/


1 ADJ Something that is elliptical has the shape of an ellipse. [FORMAL ] □ …the moon's elliptical orbit.


2 ADJ Elliptical references to something are indirect rather than clear. [FORMAL ] □ …elliptical references to problems best not aired in public. ● el|lip|ti|cal|ly / I l I pt I kli/ ADV [ADV after v] □ He spoke only briefly and elliptically about the mission.

elm /e lm/ (elms ) N‑VAR An elm is a tree that has broad leaves which it loses in winter. ● N‑UNCOUNT Elm is the wood of this tree.

elo|cu|tion /e ləkjuː ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Elocution lessons are lessons in which someone is taught to speak clearly and in an accent that is considered to be standard and acceptable.

elon|gate /iː lɒŋge I t, [AM ] I lɔː ŋ-/ (elongates , elongating , elongated ) VERB If you elongate something or if it elongates , you stretch it so that it becomes longer. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] 'Mom,' she intoned, elongating the word. □ [V ] Corn is treated when the stalk starts to elongate.

elon|gat|ed /iː lɒŋge I t I d, [AM ] I lɔː ŋ-/ ADJ If something is elongated , it is very long and thin, often in an unnatural way. □ The light from my candle threw his elongated shadow on the walls.

elope / I loʊ p/ (elopes , eloping , eloped ) VERB When two people elope , they go away secretly together to get married. □ [V ] My girlfriend Lynn and I eloped. □ [V + with ] In 1912 he eloped with Frieda von Richthofen.

elo|quent /e ləkwənt/


1 ADJ Speech or writing that is eloquent is well expressed and effective in persuading people. □ I heard him make a very eloquent speech at that dinner. ● elo|quence N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the eloquence of his prose. ● elo|quent|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Jan speaks eloquently about her art.


2 ADJ A person who is eloquent is good at speaking and able to persuade people. [APPROVAL ] □ He was eloquent about his love of books. □ …one particularly eloquent German critic. ● elo|quence N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] I wish I'd had the eloquence of Helmut Schmidt.

else ◆◆◆ /e ls/


1 ADJ You use else after words such as 'anywhere', 'someone', and 'what', to refer in a vague way to another person, place, or thing. □ If I can't make a living at painting, at least I can teach someone else to paint. □ We had nothing else to do on those long trips. □ There's not much else I can say. ● ADV [adv ADV ] Else is also an adverb. □ I never wanted to live anywhere else.


2 ADJ You use else after words such as 'everyone', 'everything', and 'everywhere' to refer in a vague way to all the other people, things, or places except the one you are talking about. □ As I try to be truthful, I expect everyone else to be truthful. □ Batteries are in short supply, like everything else here. ● ADV [adv ADV ] Else is also an adverb. □ London seems so much dirtier than everywhere else.


3 PHRASE You use or else after stating a logical conclusion, to indicate that what you are about to say is evidence for that conclusion. □ He must be a good plumber, or else he wouldn't be so busy. □ Clearly no lessons have been learnt or else the problem would have been solved.


4 PHRASE You use or else to introduce a statement that indicates the unpleasant results that will occur if someone does or does not do something. □ Make sure you are strapped in very well, or else you will fall out.


5 PHRASE You use or else to introduce the second of two possibilities when you do not know which one is true. □ You are either a total genius or else you must be absolutely raving mad.


6 PHRASE Above all else is used to emphasize that a particular thing is more important than other things. [EMPHASIS ] □ Above all else I hate the cold.


7 PHRASE You can say ' if nothing else ' to indicate that what you are mentioning is, in your opinion, the only good thing in a particular situation. □ If nothing else, you'll really enjoy meeting them.


8 PHRASE You say ' or else ' after a command to warn someone that if they do not obey, you will be angry and may harm or punish them. [SPOKEN ] □ He told us to put it right, or else.

else|where ◆◇◇ /e ls h weə r / ADV [ADV after v] [n ADV , be ADV , from ADV ] Elsewhere means in other places or to another place. □ Almost 80 percent of the state's residents were born elsewhere. □ But if you are not satisfied then go elsewhere.

ELT /iː el tiː / N‑UNCOUNT ELT is the teaching of English to people whose first language is not English. ELT is an abbreviation for 'English Language Teaching'. [mainly BRIT ]

elu|ci|date / I luː s I de I t/ (elucidates , elucidating , elucidated ) VERB If you elucidate something, you make it clear and easy to understand. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Haig went on to elucidate his personal principle of war. □ [V ] There was no need for him to elucidate. ● elu|ci|da|tion / I luː s I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …Gerald's attempts at elucidation.

elude / I luː d/ (eludes , eluding , eluded )


1 VERB [no passive] If something that you want eludes you, you fail to obtain it. □ [V n] At 62, Brian found the celebrity and status that had eluded him for so long.


2 VERB If you elude someone or something, you avoid them or escape from them. □ [V n] He eluded the police for 13 years.


3 VERB [no passive] If a fact or idea eludes you, you do not succeed in understanding it, realizing it, or remembering it. □ [V n] The appropriate word eluded him.

elu|sive / I luː s I v/ ADJ Something or someone that is elusive is difficult to find, describe, remember, or achieve. □ In London late-night taxis are elusive and far from cheap. ● elu|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the elusiveness of her character.

elves /e lvz/ Elves is the plural of elf .

PREFIX em-


is added to words to form verbs that describe the process of putting someone into a particular state, condition, or place, or to form adjectives and nouns that describe that process or those states and conditions. It is used before b- , m- , and p- . For example, if someone embarrasses you, they make you feel nervous or stupid in a social situation.

ema|ci|at|ed / I me I sie I t I d, -me I ʃ-/ ADJ A person or animal that is emaciated is extremely thin and weak because of illness or lack of food. □ …horrific television pictures of emaciated prisoners.

e mail ◆◇◇ (emails , emailing , emailed ) also e-mail , E-mail


1 N‑VAR Email is a system of sending written messages electronically from one computer to another. Email is an abbreviation of 'electronic mail'. □ You can contact us by email. □ Do you want to send an E-mail? □ First you need to get an email address.


2 VERB If you email someone, you send them an email. □ [V n + to ] Email your views to sport@times.co.uk □ [V n] Jamie e-mailed me to say he couldn't come.

ema|nate /e məne I t/ (emanates , emanating , emanated )


1 VERB If a quality emanates from you, or if you emanate a quality, you give people a strong sense that you have that quality. [FORMAL ] □ [V + from ] Intelligence and cunning emanated from him. □ [V n] He emanates sympathy.


2 VERB If something emanates from somewhere, it comes from there. [FORMAL ] □ [V + from ] …reports emanating from America. [Also V ]

ema|na|tion /e məne I ʃ ə n/ (emanations ) N‑COUNT An emanation is a form of energy or a mass of tiny particles that comes from something. [FORMAL ]

eman|ci|pate / I mæ ns I pe I t/ (emancipates , emancipating , emancipated ) VERB If people are emancipated , they are freed from unpleasant or unfair social, political, or legal restrictions. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] Catholics were emancipated in 1792. □ [V n] That war preserved the Union and emancipated the slaves. □ [V -ed] …the newly emancipated state. ● eman|ci|pa|tion / I mæ ns I pe I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the emancipation of women.

eman|ci|pat|ed / I mæ ns I pe I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as emancipated , you mean that they behave in a less restricted way than is traditional in their society. □ She is an emancipated woman.

emas|cu|late / I mæ skjʊle I t/ (emasculates , emasculating , emasculated )


1 VERB If someone or something is emasculated , they have been made weak and ineffective. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [be V -ed] Left-wing dissidents have been emasculated and marginalised. □ [V n] The company tried to emasculate the unions. □ [V -ed] The local media are emasculated by censorship. ● emas|cu|la|tion / I mæskjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the emasculation of fundamental freedoms.


2 VERB [usu passive] If a man is emasculated , he loses his male role, identity, or qualities. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [be V -ed] Tosh was known to be a man who feared no-one, yet he was clearly emasculated by his girlfriend.

em|balm / I mbɑː m/ (embalms , embalming , embalmed ) VERB [usu passive] If a dead person is embalmed , their body is preserved using special substances. □ [be V -ed] His body was embalmed. □ [V -ed] …the embalmed body of Lenin.

em|bank|ment / I mbæ ŋkmənt/ (embankments ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] An embankment is a thick wall of earth that is built to carry a road or railway over an area of low ground, or to prevent water from a river or the sea from flooding the area. □ They climbed a steep embankment. □ …a railway embankment.

em|bar|go / I mbɑː r goʊ/ (embargoes , embargoing , embargoed )


1 N‑COUNT If one country or group of countries imposes an embargo against another, it forbids trade with that country. □ [+ against ] The United Nations imposed an arms embargo against the country. □ [+ on ] That country experienced comprehensive embargoes on trade and finance.


2 VERB If goods of a particular kind are embargoed , people are not allowed to import them from a particular country or export them to a particular country. □ [be V -ed] The fruit was embargoed. □ [V n] They embargoed oil shipments to the U.S. □ [V -ed] …embargoed goods.

em|bark / I mbɑː r k/ (embarks , embarking , embarked )


1 VERB If you embark on something new, difficult, or exciting, you start doing it. □ [V + on/upon ] He's embarking on a new career as a writer. □ [V + on/upon ] The government embarked on a programme of radical economic reform.


2 VERB When someone embarks on a ship, they go on board before the start of a journey. □ [V + on ] They travelled to Portsmouth, where they embarked on the battle cruiser HMS Renown. □ [V ] Bob ordered brigade HQ to embark. ● em|bar|ka|tion /e mbɑː r ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Embarkation was scheduled for just after 4 pm.

em|bar|rass / I mbæ rəs/ (embarrasses , embarrassing , embarrassed )


1 VERB If something or someone embarrasses you, they make you feel shy or ashamed. □ [V n] His clumsiness embarrassed him. □ [V n that] It embarrassed him that he had no idea of what was going on.


2 VERB If something embarrasses a public figure such as a politician or an organization such as a political party, it causes problems for them. □ [V n] …an attempt to find out who had leaked information that embarrassed the president.

em|bar|rassed / I mbæ rəst/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] A person who is embarrassed feels shy, ashamed, or guilty about something. □ He looked a bit embarrassed. □ …an embarrassed silence.

em|bar|rass|ing / I mbæ rəs I ŋ/


1 ADJ Something that is embarrassing makes you feel shy or ashamed. □ That was an embarrassing situation for me. □ Men find it embarrassing to be honest. ● em|bar|rass|ing|ly ADV [usu ADV adj/adv] □ Stephens had beaten him embarrassingly easily.


2 ADJ Something that is embarrassing to a public figure such as a politician or an organization such as a political party causes problems for them. □ He has put the government in an embarrassing position. □ [+ to ] The speech was deeply embarrassing to Cabinet ministers.

em|bar|rass|ment / I mbæ rəsmənt/ (embarrassments )


1 N‑VAR Embarrassment is the feeling you have when you are embarrassed. □ [+ to ] It is a source of embarrassment to Londoners that the standard of pubs is so low. □ We apologise for any embarrassment this may have caused.


2 N‑COUNT An embarrassment is an action, event, or situation which causes problems for a politician, political party, government, or other public group. □ [+ to ] The poverty figures were undoubtedly an embarrassment to the president.


3 N‑SING If you refer to a person as an embarrassment , you mean that you disapprove of them but cannot avoid your connection with them. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ to ] You have been an embarrassment to us from the day Douglas married you.

em|bas|sy ◆◇◇ /e mbəsi/ (embassies ) N‑COUNT An embassy is a group of government officials, headed by an ambassador, who represent their government in a foreign country. The building in which they work is also called an embassy . □ The American Embassy has already complained. □ Mr Cohen held discussions at the embassy with one of the rebel leaders.

em|bat|tled / I mbæ t ə ld/


1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a person, group, or organization as embattled , you mean that they are having a lot of problems or difficulties. □ So is it sensible for investors to look for embattled companies?


2 ADJ [ADJ n] An embattled area is one that is involved in the fighting in a war, especially one that is surrounded by enemy forces. □ Both sides want to reach a political settlement in the embattled north of the island.

em|bed / I mbe d/ (embeds , embedding , embedded )


1 VERB If an object embeds itself in a substance or thing, it becomes fixed there firmly and deeply. □ [V n + in ] The bullet blew off the tip of his forefinger before embedding itself in the wall beside Williams' head. [Also V n prep] ● em|bed|ded ADJ □ [+ in ] There is glass embedded in the cut.


2 VERB [usu passive] If something such as an attitude or feeling is embedded in a society or system, or in someone's personality, it becomes a permanent and noticeable feature of it. □ [be V -ed + in ] This agreement will be embedded in a state treaty to be signed soon. ● em|bed|ded ADJ □ [+ in ] I think that hatred of the other is deeply embedded in our society.

em|bel|lish / I mbe l I ʃ/ (embellishes , embellishing , embellished )


1 VERB If something is embellished with decorative features or patterns, it has those features or patterns on it and they make it look more attractive. □ [be V -ed + with ] The stern was embellished with carvings in red and blue. □ [V n] Ivy leaves embellish the front of the dresser.


2 VERB If you embellish a story, you make it more interesting by adding details which may be untrue. □ [V n] I launched into the parable, embellishing the story with invented dialogue and extra details. □ [V -ed] Irving popularized the story in a dramatic and embellished account.

em|bel|lish|ment / I mbe l I ʃmənt/ (embellishments ) N‑VAR An embellishment is a decoration added to something to make it seem more attractive or interesting. □ …Renaissance embellishments. □ …public buildings with little bits of decoration and embellishment.

em|ber /e mbə r / (embers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The embers of a fire are small pieces of wood or coal that remain and glow with heat after the fire has finished burning.

em|bez|zle / I mbe z ə l/ (embezzles , embezzling , embezzled ) VERB If someone embezzles money that their organization or company has placed in their care, they take it and use it illegally for their own purposes. □ [V n] One former director embezzled $34 million in company funds. [Also V ]

em|bez|zle|ment / I mbe z ə lmənt/ N‑UNCOUNT Embezzlement is the crime of embezzling money.

em|bit|tered / I mb I tə r d/ ADJ If someone is embittered , they feel angry and unhappy because of harsh, unpleasant, and unfair things that have happened to them. □ He had turned into an embittered, hardened adult.

em|bla|zoned / I mble I z ə nd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is emblazoned with a design, words, or letters, they are clearly drawn, printed, or sewn on it. □ [+ with ] The walls are emblazoned with a giant collage of photos. □ [+ on ] …a T-shirt with 'Mustique' emblazoned on it. [Also + across ]

em|blem /e mbləm/ (emblems )


1 N‑COUNT An emblem is a design representing a country or organization. □ [+ of ] …the emblem of the Soviet Union. □ …the Red Cross emblem.


2 N‑COUNT An emblem is something that represents a quality or idea. □ [+ of ] The eagle was an emblem of strength and courage.

em|blem|at|ic /e mbləmæ t I k/


1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something, such as an object in a picture, is emblematic of a particular quality or an idea, it symbolically represents the quality or idea. □ [+ of ] Dogs are emblematic of faithfulness.


2 ADJ If you say that something is emblematic of a state of affairs, you mean that it is characteristic of it and represents its most typical features. □ [+ of ] The killing in Pensacola is emblematic of a lot of the violence that is happening around the world.

em|bodi|ment / I mbɒ dimənt/ N‑SING If you say that someone or something is the embodiment of a quality or idea, you mean that that is their most noticeable characteristic or the basis of all they do. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] A baby is the embodiment of vulnerability.

em|body / I mbɒ di/ (embodies , embodying , embodied )


1 VERB To embody an idea or quality means to be a symbol or expression of that idea or quality. □ [V n] Jack Kennedy embodied all the hopes of the 1960s. □ [be V -ed + in/by ] That stability was embodied in the Gandhi family.


2 VERB If something is embodied in a particular thing, the second thing contains or consists of the first. □ [be V -ed + in/by ] The proposal has been embodied in a draft resolution. □ [V n] U.K. employment law embodies arbitration mechanisms to settle industrial disputes.

em|bold|en / I mboʊ ld ə n/ (emboldens , emboldening , emboldened ) VERB If you are emboldened by something, it makes you feel confident enough to behave in a particular way. □ [be V -ed] The party has been emboldened by recent local election successes. □ [V n] Four days of non-stop demonstrations have emboldened the anti-government protesters.

em|bo|lism /e mbəl I zəm/ (embolisms ) N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] An embolism is a serious medical condition that occurs when an artery becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot.

em|bossed / I mbɒ st, [AM ] -bɔː st/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If a surface such as paper or wood is embossed with a design, the design stands up slightly from the surface. □ [+ with ] The paper on the walls was pale gold, embossed with swirling leaf designs.

em|brace / I mbre I s/ (embraces , embracing , embraced )


1 VERB If you embrace someone, you put your arms around them and hold them tightly, usually in order to show your love or affection for them. You can also say that two people embrace . □ [V n] Penelope came forward and embraced her sister. □ [V n] At first people were sort of crying for joy and embracing each other. □ [V ] He threw his arms round her and they embraced passionately. ● N‑COUNT Embrace is also a noun. □ …a young couple locked in an embrace.


2 VERB If you embrace a change, political system, or idea, you accept it and start supporting it or believing in it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] He embraces the new information age. □ [be V -ed] The new rules have been embraced by government watchdog organizations. ● N‑SING Embrace is also a noun. □ [+ of ] The marriage signalled James's embrace of the Catholic faith.


3 VERB If something embraces a group of people, things, or ideas, it includes them in a larger group or category. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] …a theory that would embrace the whole field of human endeavour.

em|broi|der / I mbrɔ I də r / (embroiders , embroidering , embroidered )


1 VERB If something such as clothing or cloth is embroidered with a design, the design is stitched into it. □ [be V -ed + with ] The collar was embroidered with very small red strawberries. □ [V n] Matilda was embroidering an altar cloth covered with flowers and birds. □ [V -ed] I have a pillow with my name embroidered on it. [Also V ]


2 VERB If you embroider a story or account of something, or if you embroider on it, you try to make it more interesting by adding details which may be untrue. □ [V n] He told some lies and sometimes just embroidered the truth. □ [V + on ] She embroidered on this theme for about ten minutes.

em|broi|dery / I mbrɔ I dəri/ (embroideries )


1 N‑VAR Embroidery consists of designs stitched into cloth. □ The shorts had blue embroidery over the pockets.


2 N‑UNCOUNT Embroidery is the activity of stitching designs onto cloth. □ She learned sewing, knitting and embroidery.

em|broil / I mbrɔ I l/ (embroils , embroiling , embroiled ) VERB If someone embroils you in a fight or an argument, they get you deeply involved in it. □ [V n + in ] Any hostilities could result in retaliation and further embroil U.N. troops in fighting. [Also V n]

em|broiled / I mbrɔ I ld/ ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you become embroiled in a fight or argument, you become deeply involved in it. □ [+ in ] Peasant farmers became embroiled in a dispute with local landowners.

em|bryo /e mbrioʊ/ (embryos )


1 N‑COUNT An embryo is an unborn animal or human being in the very early stages of development. □ …the remarkable resilience of very young embryos.


2 ADJ [ADJ n] An embryo idea, system, or organization is in the very early stages of development, but is expected to grow stronger. □ They are an embryo party of government. □ It was an embryo idea rather than a fully worked proposal.

em|bry|ol|ogy /e mbriɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Embryology is the scientific study of embryos and their development. ● em|bry|olo|gist /e mbriɒ lədʒ I st/ (embryologists ) N‑COUNT □ …a genetic embryologist at the hospital.

em|bry|on|ic /e mbriɒ n I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] An embryonic process, idea, organization, or organism is one at a very early stage in its development. [FORMAL ] □ …Romania's embryonic democracy. □ …embryonic plant cells.

em|cee /e msiː / (emcees , emceeing , emceed )


1 N‑COUNT An emcee is the same as a master of ceremonies . [AM ]


2 VERB To emcee an event or performance of something means to act as master of ceremonies for it. [AM ] □ [V n] I'm going to be emceeing a costume contest. □ [V ] That first night I emceed I was absolutely terrified.

em|er|ald /e mərəld/ (emeralds )


1 N‑COUNT An emerald is a precious stone which is clear and bright green.


2 COLOUR Something that is emerald is bright green in colour. □ …an emerald valley.

emerge ◆◆◇ / I mɜː r dʒ/ (emerges , emerging , emerged )


1 VERB To emerge means to come out from an enclosed or dark space such as a room or a vehicle, or from a position where you could not be seen. □ [V ] Richard was waiting outside the door as she emerged. □ [V + from ] The postman emerged from his van soaked to the skin. □ [V -ing] …holes made by the emerging adult beetle.


2 VERB If you emerge from a difficult or bad experience, you come to the end of it. □ [V + from ] There is growing evidence that the economy is at last emerging from recession.


3 VERB If a fact or result emerges from a period of thought, discussion, or investigation, it becomes known as a result of it. □ [V ] …the growing corruption that has emerged in the past few years. □ [V that] It soon emerged that neither the July nor August mortgage repayment had been collected. □ [V -ing] The emerging caution over numbers is perhaps only to be expected.


4 VERB If someone or something emerges as a particular thing, they become recognized as that thing. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V + as ] Vietnam has emerged as the world's third-biggest rice exporter. □ [V ] New leaders have emerged.


5 VERB When something such as an organization or an industry emerges , it comes into existence. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V ] …the new republic that emerged in October 1917. □ [V -ing] New skills are demanded for emerging industries. SYNONYMS emerge VERB


1


appear: A woman appeared at the far end of the street.


come: Two police officers came into the hall.


arrive: Fresh groups of guests arrived.


materialize: Tamsin materialized at her side, notebook at the ready.


surface: He surfaced, gasping for air.


3


come out: The truth is beginning to come out about what happened.


transpire: It transpired that Paolo had left his driving licence at home.


reveal: After the fire, it was revealed that officials had never inspected the factory.

emer|gence / I mɜː r dʒ ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT The emergence of something is the process or event of its coming into existence. □ [+ of ] …the emergence of new democracies.

emer|gen|cy ◆◆◇ / I mɜː r dʒ ə nsi/ (emergencies )


1 N‑COUNT An emergency is an unexpected and difficult or dangerous situation, especially an accident, which happens suddenly and which requires quick action to deal with it. □ He deals with emergencies promptly. □ The hospital will cater only for emergencies.

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