COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Collins Cobuild)

2 VERB If you muddle things or people, you get them mixed up, so that you do not know which is which. □ [V n] Already, one or two critics have begun to muddle the two names. ● PHRASAL VERB Muddle up means the same as muddle . □ [V P n] The question muddles up three separate issues. □ [V n P + with ] He sometimes muddles me up with other patients. ● mud|dled up ADJ □ I know that I am getting my words muddled up.

▸ muddle through PHRASAL VERB If you muddle through , you manage to do something even though you do not have the proper equipment or do not really know how to do it. □ [V P ] We will muddle through and just play it day by day. □ [V P n] The BBC may be able to muddle through the next five years like this. □ [V n P ] Somehow or other, we muddled our way through.

▸ muddle up → see muddle 2

mud|dled /mʌ d ^ə ld/ ADJ If someone is muddled , they are confused about something. □ I'm afraid I'm a little muddled. I'm not exactly sure where to begin.

mud|dy /mʌ di/ (muddier , muddiest , muddies , muddying , muddied )

1 ADJ Something that is muddy contains mud or is covered in mud. □ …a muddy track. □ The ground was still very muddy.

2 VERB If you muddy something, you cause it to be muddy. □ [V n] The ground still smelled of rain and they muddied their shoes.

3 VERB If someone or something muddies a situation or issue, they cause it to seem less clear and less easy to understand. □ [V n] It's difficult enough without muddying the issue with religion. ● mud|died ADJ □ Overseas, the legal issues are more muddied. ● PHRASE If someone or something muddies the waters , they cause a situation or issue to seem less clear and less easy to understand. □ They keep on muddying the waters by raising other political issues.

mud|flats /mʌ dflæts/ N‑PLURAL Mudflats are areas of flat empty land at the coast which are covered by the sea only when the tide is in.

mud|guard /mʌ dgɑː ^r d/ (mudguards ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The mudguards of a bicycle or other vehicle are curved pieces of metal or plastic above the tyres, which stop mud getting on the rider or vehicle. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use fender , splashguard

mud|slide /mʌ dsla I d/ (mudslides ) N‑COUNT A mudslide is a large amount of mud sliding down a mountain, usually causing damage or destruction.

mu d-slinging N‑UNCOUNT If you accuse someone of mud-slinging , you are accusing them of making insulting, unfair, and damaging remarks about their opponents. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Voters are disillusioned with mud-slinging campaigns.

mues|li /mjuː zli/ (mueslis ) N‑VAR Muesli is a breakfast cereal made from chopped nuts, dried fruit, and grains.

mu|ez|zin /mue z I n/ (muezzins ) N‑COUNT A muezzin is an official who calls from the tower of a mosque when it is time for Muslims to pray.

muff /mʌ f/ (muffs , muffing , muffed )

1 VERB If you muff something, you do it badly or you make a mistake while you are doing it, so that it is not successful. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] He muffed his opening speech.

2 N‑COUNT A muff is a piece of fur or thick cloth shaped like a short hollow cylinder. You wear a muff on your hands to keep them warm in cold weather.

muf|fin /mʌ f I n/ (muffins )

1 N‑COUNT Muffins are small, round, sweet cakes, usually with fruit or bran inside. They are often eaten with butter for breakfast. [AM ] □ …breakfasts of pancakes, blueberry muffins, eggs, and bacon.

2 N‑COUNT Muffins are small, flat, sweet bread rolls that you eat hot with butter. [BRIT ] in AM, use English muffins

muf|fle /mʌ f ^ə l/ (muffles , muffling , muffled ) VERB If something muffles a sound, it makes it quieter and more difficult to hear. □ [V n] Blake held his handkerchief over the mouthpiece to muffle his voice. □ [V -ed] She heard a muffled cough behind her.

muf|fled /mʌ f ^ə ld/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are muffled , you are wearing a lot of heavy clothes so that very little of your body or face is visible. □ [+ in ] …children muffled in scarves and woolly hats.

muf|fler /mʌ flə ^r / (mufflers )

1 N‑COUNT A muffler is the same as a scarf . [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT A muffler is a device on a car exhaust that makes it quieter. [AM ] in BRIT, use silencer

mug /mʌ g/ (mugs , mugging , mugged )

1 N‑COUNT A mug is a large deep cup with straight sides and a handle, used for hot drinks. □ He spooned instant coffee into two of the mugs. ● N‑COUNT A mug of something is the amount of it contained in a mug. □ [+ of ] He had been drinking mugs of coffee to keep himself awake.

2 VERB If someone mugs you, they attack you in order to steal your money. □ [V n] I was walking out to my car when this guy tried to mug me. ● mug|ging (muggings ) N‑VAR □ Bank robberies, burglaries and muggings are reported almost daily in the press.

3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a mug , you mean that they are stupid and easily deceived by other people. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He's a mug as far as women are concerned.

4 PHRASE If you say that an activity is a mug's game , you mean that it is not worth doing because it does not give the person who is doing it any benefit or satisfaction. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ I used to be a very heavy gambler, but not any more. It's a mug's game.

5 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's mug is their face. [INFORMAL ] □ He managed to get his ugly mug on TV.

mug|ger /mʌ gə ^r / (muggers ) N‑COUNT A mugger is a person who attacks someone violently in a street in order to steal money from them.

mug|gy /mʌ gi/ (muggier , muggiest ) ADJ Muggy weather is unpleasantly warm and damp. □ It was muggy and overcast.

mu g shot (mug shots ) N‑COUNT A mug shot is a photograph of someone, especially a photograph of a criminal which has been taken by the police. [INFORMAL ]

mul|berry /mʌ lbəri, [AM ] -beri/ (mulberries ) N‑VAR A mulberry or a mulberry tree is a tree which has small purple berries which you can eat. ● N‑COUNT Mulberries are the fruit of a mulberry tree.

mulch /mʌ ltʃ/ (mulches , mulching , mulched )

1 N‑VAR A mulch is a layer of something such as old leaves, small pieces of wood, or manure which you put on the soil round plants in order to protect them and help them to grow.

2 VERB To mulch plants means to put a mulch round them to protect them and help them to grow. □ [V n + with ] In May, mulch the bed with garden compost. [Also V n]

mule /mjuː l/ (mules )

1 N‑COUNT A mule is an animal whose parents are a horse and a donkey.

2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] A mule is a shoe or slipper which is open around the heel.

mull /mʌ l/ (mulls , mulling , mulled ) VERB If you mull something, you think about it for a long time before deciding what to do. [AM ] □ [V n] Last month, a federal grand jury began mulling evidence in the case. □ [V ] Do you know why he was mulling and hesitating?

▸ mull over PHRASAL VERB If you mull something over , you think about it for a long time before deciding what to do. □ [V P n] McLaren had been mulling over an idea to make a movie. □ [V n P ] I'll leave you alone here so you can mull it over.

mul|lah /mʊ lə, mʌ lə/ (mullahs ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A mullah is a Muslim who is a religious teacher or leader.

mulled /mʌ ld/ ADJ [ADJ n] Mulled wine has sugar and spice added to it and is then heated.

mul|let /mʌ l I t/ (mullets or mullet ) N‑VAR A mullet is a small sea fish that people cook and eat. ● N‑UNCOUNT Mullet is this fish eaten as food.

PREFIX multi-

forms adjectives that refer to something that consists of many things of a particular kind. For example, a multi-coloured object has many different colours.

multi|col|oured /mʌ ltikʌlə ^r d/ also multi-coloured in AM, use multicolored or multi-colored ADJ [usu ADJ n] A multicoloured object has many different colours. □ …a sea of multicoloured umbrellas.

multi|cul|tur|al /mʌ ltikʌ ltʃərəl/ also multi-cultural ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multicultural means consisting of or relating to people of many different nationalities and cultures. □ …children growing up in a multicultural society.

multi|cul|tur|al|ism /mʌ ltikʌ ltʃərəl I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Multiculturalism is a situation in which all the different cultural or racial groups in a society have equal rights and opportunities, and none is ignored or regarded as unimportant.

mu lti-fa ceted also multifaceted ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multi-faceted means having a variety of different and important features or elements. □ Webb is a multi-faceted performer. □ Her job is multi-faceted.

multi|fari|ous /mʌ lt I feə riəs/ ADJ If you describe things as multifarious , you mean that they are many in number and of many different kinds. [LITERARY ] □ Spain is a composite of multifarious traditions and people. □ The reasons for closure are multifarious.

multi|lat|er|al /mʌ ltilæ tər ^ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multilateral means involving at least three different groups of people or nations. □ Many want to abandon the multilateral trade talks.

mu lti-level ma r|ket|ing N‑UNCOUNT Multi-level marketing is a marketing technique which involves people buying a product, then earning a commission by selling it to their friends. The abbreviation MLM is also used. □ …multi-level marketing schemes.

multi|lin|gual /mʌ ltil I ŋgw ^ə l/ also multi-lingual

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multilingual means involving several different languages. □ …a multilingual country. □ …multilingual dictionaries.

2 ADJ A multilingual person is able to speak more than two languages very well. □ He recruited two multilingual engineers.

multi|media /mʌ ltimiː diə/

1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] You use multimedia to refer to computer programs and products which involve sound, pictures, and film, as well as text. □ … multimedia theme-park attractions and virtual-reality displays.

2 N‑UNCOUNT In education, multimedia is the use of television and other different media in a lesson, as well as books.

mu lti-millionai re (multi-millionaires ) also multimillionaire N‑COUNT A multi-millionaire is a very rich person who has money or property worth several million pounds or dollars.

multi|na|tion|al /mʌ ltinæ ʃən ^ə l/ (multinationals ) also multi-national

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A multinational company has branches or owns companies in many different countries. ● N‑COUNT Multinational is also a noun. □ …multinationals such as Ford and IBM.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multinational armies, organizations, or other groups involve people from several different countries. □ The U.S. troops would be part of a multinational force.

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multinational countries or regions have a population that is made up of people of several different nationalities.

mul|ti|play|er /mʌ lt I ple I ə ^r / ADJ A multiplayer computer or video game is played by more than one player at one time. [COMPUTING ] □ Internet multiplayer games are responsible for much of the increase in broadband use.

multi|ple /mʌ lt I p ^ə l/ (multiples )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use multiple to describe things that consist of many parts, involve many people, or have many uses. □ He died of multiple injuries. □ The most common multiple births are twins, two babies born at the same time.

2 N‑COUNT If one number is a multiple of a smaller number, it can be exactly divided by that smaller number. □ [+ of ] Their numerical system, derived from the Babylonians, was based on multiples of the number six.

3 N‑COUNT A multiple or a multiple store is a shop with a lot of branches in different towns. [BRIT ] □ It made it almost impossible for the smaller retailer to compete against the multiples.

mu lti|ple choi ce also multiple-choice ADJ [usu ADJ n] In a multiple choice test or question, you have to choose the answer that you think is right from several possible answers that are listed on the question paper.

multi|ple scle|ro|sis /mʌ lt I p ^ə l skləroʊ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Multiple sclerosis is a serious disease of the nervous system, which gradually makes a person weaker, and sometimes affects their sight or speech. The abbreviation MS is also used.

multi|plex /mʌ ltipleks/ (multiplexes ) N‑COUNT A multiplex is a cinema complex with six or more screens.

multi|pli|ca|tion /mʌ lt I pl I ke I ʃ ^ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Multiplication is the process of calculating the total of one number multiplied by another. □ There will be simple tests in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

2 N‑UNCOUNT The multiplication of things of a particular kind is the process or fact of them increasing in number or amount. □ [+ of ] Increasing gravity is known to speed up the multiplication of cells.

mu lti|pli|ca |tion sign (multiplication signs ) N‑COUNT A multiplication sign is the sign x which is put between two numbers to show that they are being multiplied.

mu lti|pli|ca |tion ta|ble (multiplication tables ) N‑COUNT A multiplication table is a list of the multiplications of numbers between one and twelve. Children often have to learn multiplication tables at school.

multi|plic|ity /mʌ lt I pl I s I ti/ QUANT A multiplicity of things is a large number or a large variety of them. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a writer who uses a multiplicity of styles.

multi|ply /mʌ lt I pla I / (multiplies , multiplying , multiplied )

1 VERB When something multiplies or when you multiply it, it increases greatly in number or amount. □ [V ] Such disputes multiplied in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. □ [V n] The scale of change multiplies the difficulties and the risks involved.

2 VERB When animals and insects multiply , they increase in number by giving birth to large numbers of young. □ [V ] These creatures can multiply quickly.

3 VERB If you multiply one number by another, you add the first number to itself as many times as is indicated by the second number. For example, 2 multiplied by 3 is equal to 6. □ [V n + by ] What do you get if you multiply six by nine? □ [V n] …the remarkable ability to multiply huge numbers correctly without pen or paper.

multi|ra|cial /mʌ ltire I ʃ ^ə l/ also multi-racial ADJ [usu ADJ n] Multiracial means consisting of or involving people of many different nationalities and cultures. □ We live in a multiracial society.

mu lti-ski lled ADJ Multi-skilled employees have a number of different skills, enabling them to do more than one kind of work. □ …a more adaptable, multi-skilled workforce.

mu lti-ski lling N‑UNCOUNT Multi-skilling is the practice of training employees to do a number of different tasks. □ He said restructuring at the station would lead to increased multi-skilling among staff.

mu lti-sto rey also multistorey , multi-storeyed in AM, use multi-story , multistory , or multi-storied ADJ [usu ADJ n] A multi-storey building has several floors at different levels above the ground. □ …the Moskovski Department Store, a vast multi-story complex near the city's center. □ …a multi-storey car park.

mu lti-ta sking N‑UNCOUNT Multi-tasking is a situation in which a computer or person does more than one thing at the same time. □ The big advantage of multi-tasking is that all equipment is used most of the time.

multi|tude /mʌ lt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (multitudes )

1 QUANT A multitude of things or people is a very large number of them. □ [+ of ] There are a multitude of small quiet roads to cycle along. □ [+ of ] Being inactive can lead to a multitude of health problems. ● PHRASE If you say that something covers or hides a multitude of sins , you mean that it hides something unattractive or does not reveal the true nature of something. □ 'Strong, centralized government' is a term that can cover a multitude of sins.

2 N‑COUNT You can refer to a very large number of people as a multitude . [WRITTEN ] □ …surrounded by a noisy multitude.

3 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] You can refer to the great majority of people in a particular country or situation as the multitude or the multitudes . □ The hideous truth was hidden from the multitude.

mum ◆◇◇ /mʌ m/ (mums )

1 N‑COUNT Your mum is your mother. You can call your mum 'Mum'. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ He misses his mum. □ Mum and Dad are coming for lunch. □ Don't worry, Mum. in AM, usually use mom

2 PHRASE If you keep mum or stay mum about something, you do not tell anyone about it. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ about ] He is keeping mum about his feelings on the matter.

mum|ble /mʌ mb ^ə l/ (mumbles , mumbling , mumbled ) VERB If you mumble , you speak very quietly and not at all clearly with the result that the words are difficult to understand. □ [V ] Her grandmother mumbled in her sleep. □ [V n] He mumbled a few words. □ [V with quote] 'Today of all days,' she mumbled. ● N‑COUNT Mumble is also a noun. □ He could hear the low mumble of Navarro's voice.

mum|bo jum|bo /mʌ mboʊ dʒʌ mboʊ/ also mumbo-jumbo N‑UNCOUNT If you describe ideas or words, especially religious or technical ones, as mumbo jumbo , you mean that they are nonsense. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ It's all full of psychoanalytic mumbo-jumbo.

mum|mi|fy /mʌ m I fa I / (mummifies , mummifying , mummified ) VERB [usu passive] If a dead body is mummified , it is preserved, for example by rubbing it with special oils and wrapping it in cloth. □ [be V -ed] In America, people are paying up to $150,000 to be mummified after death. □ [V -ed] …the mummified pharaoh.

mum|my /mʌ mi/ (mummies )

1 N‑COUNT Some people, especially young children, call their mother mummy . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ I want my mummy. □ Mummy says I can play out in the garden. in AM, use mommy 2 N‑COUNT A mummy is a dead body which was preserved long ago by being rubbed with special oils and wrapped in cloth. □ …an Egyptian mummy.

mumps /mʌ mps/ N‑UNCOUNT Mumps is a disease usually caught by children. It causes a mild fever and painful swelling of the glands in the neck.

munch /mʌ ntʃ/ (munches , munching , munched ) VERB If you munch food, you eat it by chewing it slowly, thoroughly, and rather noisily. □ [V n] Luke munched the chicken sandwiches. □ [V ] Across the table, his son Benjie munched appreciatively. □ [V + way through ] Sheep were munching their way through a yellow carpet of leaves. [Also V + away at/on ]

mun|chies /mʌ ntʃiz/ N‑PLURAL If someone gets the munchies , they suddenly feel a strong desire to eat a snack or something sweet. [INFORMAL ] □ …an attack of the munchies.

mun|dane /mʌ nde I n/ ADJ Something that is mundane is very ordinary and not at all interesting or unusual. □ Be willing to do even mundane tasks. □ …the mundane realities of life. ● N‑SING You can refer to mundane things as the mundane . □ It's an attitude that turns the mundane into something rather more interesting and exciting.

mu|nici|pal /mjuːn I s I p ^ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Municipal means associated with or belonging to a city or town that has its own local government. □ The municipal authorities gave the go-ahead for the march. □ …next month's municipal elections. □ …the municipal library.

mu|nici|pal|ity /mjuːn I s I pæ l I ti/ (municipalities )

1 N‑COUNT In Britain, a municipality is a city or town which is governed by its own locally-appointed officials. You can also refer to a city's or town's local government as a municipality .

2 N‑COUNT In the United States, a municipality is a city or town that is incorporated and can elect its own government, which is also called a municipality .

mu|nifi|cent /mjuːn I f I sənt/ ADJ A munificent person is very generous. [FORMAL ] □ …one of the country's most munificent artistic benefactors. □ …a munificent donation.

mu|ni|tions /mjuːn I ʃ ^ə nz/ N‑PLURAL Munitions are military equipment and supplies, especially bombs, shells, and guns. □ …the shortage of men and munitions. □ …a munitions factory.

mu|ral /mjʊə rəl/ (murals ) N‑COUNT A mural is a picture painted on a wall. □ [+ of ] …a mural of Tangier bay.

mur|der ◆◆◇ /mɜː ^r də ^r / (murders , murdering , murdered )

1 N‑VAR Murder is the deliberate and illegal killing of a person. □ The three accused, aged between 19 and 20, are charged with attempted murder. □ She refused to testify, unless the murder charge against her was dropped. □ …brutal murders.

2 VERB To murder someone means to commit the crime of killing them deliberately. □ [V n] …a thriller about two men who murder a third to see if they can get away with it. □ [V -ed] …the body of a murdered religious and political leader. [Also V ]

3 PHRASE If you say that someone gets away with murder , you are complaining that they can do whatever they like without anyone trying to control them or punish them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ His charm and the fact that he is so likeable often allows him to get away with murder.

mur|der|er /mɜː ^r dərə ^r / (murderers ) N‑COUNT A murderer is a person who has murdered someone. □ One of these men may have been the murderer.

mur|der|ess /mɜː ^r dər I s/ (murderesses ) N‑COUNT A murderess is a woman who has murdered someone.

mur|der|ous /mɜː ^r dərəs/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who is murderous is likely to murder someone and may already have murdered someone. □ This murderous lunatic could kill them both without a second thought.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A murderous attack or other action is very violent and intended to result in someone's death. □ He made a murderous attack on his wife that evening.

mur|der|ous|ly /mɜː ^r dərəsli/ ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] You use murderously to indicate that something is extremely unpleasant or threatening. □ Beauchamp glared at her murderously.

murk /mɜː ^r k/ N‑SING The murk is darkness, dark water, or thick mist that is very difficult to see through. □ All of a sudden a tall old man in a black cloak loomed out of the murk.

murky /mɜː ^r ki/ (murkier , murkiest )

1 ADJ A murky place or time of day is dark and rather unpleasant because there is not enough light. □ [+ with ] The large lamplit room was murky with woodsmoke.

2 ADJ Murky water or fog is so dark and dirty that you cannot see through it. □ …the deep, murky waters of Loch Ness.

3 ADJ If you describe an activity or situation as murky , you suspect that it is dishonest or morally wrong. [BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □ There has been a murky conspiracy to keep them out of power.

4 ADJ If you describe something as murky , you mean that the details of it are not clear or that it is difficult to understand. □ The law here is a little bit murky.

mur|mur /mɜː ^r mə ^r / (murmurs , murmuring , murmured )

1 VERB If you murmur something, you say it very quietly, so that not many people can hear what you are saying. □ [V n + to ] He turned and murmured something to the professor. □ [V n] She murmured a few words of support. □ [V with quote] 'How lovely,' she murmured. □ [V that] Murmuring softly that they must go somewhere to talk, he led her from the garden.

2 N‑COUNT [usu adj N ] A murmur is something that is said which can hardly be heard. □ They spoke in low murmurs.

3 N‑SING A murmur is a continuous low sound, like the noise of a river or of voices far away. □ [+ of ] The piano music mixes with the murmur of conversation. □ The clamor of traffic has receded to a distant murmur.

4 N‑COUNT A murmur of a particular emotion is a quiet expression of it. □ [+ of ] The promise of some basic working rights draws murmurs of approval.

5 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A murmur is an abnormal sound which is made by the heart and which shows that there is probably something wrong with it. □ The doctor said James had now developed a heart murmur.

6 PHRASE If someone does something without a murmur , they do it without complaining.

mur|mur|ings /mɜː ^r mər I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL If there are murmurings of , for example, approval or disapproval, people are expressing their approval or disapproval of something in a quiet way. □ For some time there have been murmurings of discontent over the government policy on inflation. □ [+ of ] At this point there were murmurings of approval from the experts.

Murphy's Law /mɜː ^r fiz lɔː/ N‑PROPER Murphy's Law is the idea that whatever can go wrong in a situation will go wrong.

mus|cle ◆◇◇ /mʌ s ^ə l/ (muscles , muscling , muscled )

1 N‑VAR A muscle is a piece of tissue inside your body which connects two bones and which you use when you make a movement. □ Keeping your muscles strong and in tone helps you to avoid back problems. □ He is suffering from a strained thigh muscle.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has muscle , you mean that they have power and influence, which enables them to do difficult things. □ Eisenhower used his muscle to persuade Congress to change the law.

3 PHRASE If a group, organization, or country flexes its muscles , it does something to impress or frighten people, in order to show them that it has power and is considering using it. □ The Fair Trade Commission has of late been flexing its muscles, cracking down on cases of corruption.

4 PHRASE If you say that someone did not move a muscle , you mean that they stayed absolutely still. □ He stood without moving a muscle, unable to believe what his eyes saw so plainly.

▸ muscle in PHRASAL VERB If someone muscles in on something, they force their way into a situation where they have no right to be and where they are not welcome, in order to gain some advantage for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P + on ] Cohen complained that Kravis was muscling in on his deal. □ [V P ] It would be surprising were the Mafia not to have muscled in.

mu scle-bound ADJ If you describe someone as muscle-bound , you mean that their muscles are well developed, usually in an unattractive way. □ …a cartoon of a muscle-bound woman standing victorious astride a prone male.

mus|cu|lar /mʌ skjʊlə ^r /

1 ADJ [ADJ n] Muscular means involving or affecting your muscles. □ As a general rule, all muscular effort is enhanced by breathing in as the effort is made. □ Early symptoms include anorexia, muscular weakness and fatigue.

2 ADJ If a person or their body is muscular , they are very fit and strong, and have firm muscles which are not covered with a lot of fat. □ Like most female athletes, she was lean and muscular.

mus|cu|lar dys|tro|phy /mʌ skjʊlə ^r d I strəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Muscular dystrophy is a serious disease in which your muscles gradually weaken.

mus|cu|la|ture /mʌ skjʊlətʃə ^r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Musculature is used to refer to all the muscles in your body, or to a system of muscles that you use to perform a particular type of action. [FORMAL ]

muse /mjuː z/ (muses , musing , mused )

1 VERB If you muse on something, you think about it, usually saying or writing what you are thinking at the same time. [WRITTEN ] □ [V + on/about/over ] Many of the papers muse on the fate of the President. □ [V with quote] 'As a whole,' she muses, 'the 'organized church' turns me off'. □ [V that] He once mused that he would have voted Labour in 1964 had he been old enough. ● mus|ing (musings ) N‑COUNT □ His musings were interrupted by Montagu who came and sat down next to him.

2 N‑COUNT A muse is a person, usually a woman, who gives someone, usually a man, a desire to create art, poetry, or music, and gives them ideas for it. □ [+ to ] Once she was a nude model and muse to French artist Henri Matisse.

mu|seum ◆◆◇ /mjuːziː əm/ (museums ) N‑COUNT A museum is a building where a large number of interesting and valuable objects, such as works of art or historical items, are kept, studied, and displayed to the public. □ For months Malcolm had wanted to visit the Parisian art museums. □ [+ of ] …the American Museum of Natural History.

mu|se um piece (museum pieces ) N‑COUNT If you describe an object or building as a museum piece , you mean that it is old and unusual. □ One day these are multi-million-dollar war machines and the next they are museum pieces.

mush /mʌ ʃ/ (mushes , mushing , mushed )

1 N‑VAR [oft a N ] Mush is a thick, soft paste. □ The brown mush in the fridge is some veg soup left over.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe something such as a film or book as mush , you mean that it is very sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He calls the film "a trite, sentimental puddle of mush."

3 VERB If you mush something, you make it into a mush. □ [V -ed up ] …mushed-up potato and cauliflower. [Also V n, V -ed]

mush|room /mʌ ʃruːm/ (mushrooms , mushrooming , mushroomed )

1 N‑VAR Mushrooms are fungi that you can eat. □ There are many types of wild mushrooms. □ …mushroom omelette.

2 → see also button mushroom

3 VERB If something such as an industry or a place mushrooms , it grows or comes into existence very quickly. □ [V ] The media training industry has mushroomed over the past decade. □ [V + to/into ] A town of a few hundred thousand people mushroomed to a crowded city of 2 million.

mu sh|room cloud (mushroom clouds ) N‑COUNT A mushroom cloud is an extremely large cloud caused by a nuclear explosion.

mushy /mʌ ʃi/ (mushier , mushiest )

1 ADJ Vegetables and fruit that are mushy are soft and have lost most of their shape. □ When the fruit is mushy and cooked, remove from the heat.

2 ADJ If you describe someone or something as mushy , you mean that they are very sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Don't go getting all mushy and sentimental.

mu|sic ◆◆◆ /mjuː z I k/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Music is the pattern of sounds produced by people singing or playing instruments. □ …classical music. □ [+ of ] …the music of George Gershwin.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Music is the art of creating or performing music. □ He went on to study music, specialising in the clarinet. □ …a music lesson.

3 N‑UNCOUNT Music is the symbols written on paper which represent musical sounds. □ He's never been able to read music.

4 → see also sheet music

5 PHRASE If something that you hear is music to your ears , it makes you feel very happy. [FEELINGS ] □ [+ of ] Popular support–it's music to the ears of any politician.

6 PHRASE If you face the music , you put yourself in a position where you will be criticized or punished for something you have done. □ Sooner or later, I'm going to have to face the music.

mu|si|cal ◆◇◇ /mjuː z I k ^ə l/ (musicals )

1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use musical to indicate that something is connected with playing or studying music. □ We have a wealth of musical talent in this region. □ Stan Getz's musical career spanned five decades. ● mu|si|cal|ly /mjuː z I kli/ ADV [ADV after v] □ Musically there is a lot to enjoy.

2 N‑COUNT A musical is a play or film that uses singing and dancing in the story. □ …London's smash hit musical Miss Saigon.

3 ADJ Someone who is musical has a natural ability and interest in music. □ I came from a musical family.

4 ADJ Sounds that are musical are light and pleasant to hear. □ He had a soft, almost musical voice.

mu |si|cal box (musical boxes ) N‑COUNT A musical box is the same as a music box . [BRIT ]

mu |si|cal chai rs

1 N‑UNCOUNT Musical chairs is a game that children play at parties. They run round a row of chairs while music plays and try to sit down on one when the music stops.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe the situation within a particular organization or area of activity as musical chairs , you are critical of the fact that people in that organization or area exchange jobs or positions very often. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ It was musical chairs. Creative people would switch jobs just to get more money.

mu |si|cal com|edy (musical comedies ) N‑VAR Musical comedy is a type of play or film that has singing and dancing as part of the story and that is humorous and entertaining, especially one written before the middle of the twentieth century.

mu |si|cal di|rec|tor (musical directors ) N‑COUNT A musical director is the same as a music director .

mu |si|cal i n|stru|ment (musical instruments ) N‑COUNT A musical instrument is an object such as a piano, guitar, or violin which you play in order to produce music. □ The drum is one of the oldest musical instruments.

mu |sic box (music boxes ) N‑COUNT A music box is a box that plays a tune when you open the lid.

mu |sic di|rec|tor (music directors ) N‑COUNT The music director of an orchestra or other group of musicians is the person who decides what they will play and where, and usually conducts them as well.

mu |sic hall (music halls ) also music-hall

1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Music hall was a popular form of entertainment in the theatre in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. It consisted of a series of performances by comedians, singers, and dancers. [mainly BRIT ] □ …an old music hall song. in AM, usually use vaudeville 2 N‑COUNT A music hall was a theatre that presented popular entertainment. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use vaudeville theater

mu|si|cian ◆◇◇ /mjuːz I ʃ ^ə n/ (musicians ) N‑COUNT A musician is a person who plays a musical instrument as their job or hobby. □ …one of Britain's best known rock musicians.

mu|si|cian|ship /mjuːz I ʃ ^ə nʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Musicianship is the skill involved in performing music. □ Her musicianship is excellent.

mu |sic stand (music stands ) N‑COUNT A music stand is a device that holds pages of music in position while you play a musical instrument.

musk /mʌ sk/ N‑UNCOUNT Musk is a substance with a strong smell which is used in making perfume.

mus|ket /mʌ sk I t/ (muskets ) N‑COUNT A musket was an early type of gun with a long barrel, which was used before rifles were invented.

musky /mʌ ski/ ADJ A musky smell is strong, warm, and sweet. □ She dabbed a drop of the musky perfume behind each ear.

Mus|lim ◆◆◇ /mʊ zl I m, muː s-, [AM ] mʌ z-/ (Muslims )

1 N‑COUNT A Muslim is someone who believes in Islam and lives according to its rules.

2 ADJ Muslim means relating to Islam or Muslims. □ …Iran and other Muslim countries.

mus|lin /mʌ zl I n/ (muslins ) N‑VAR Muslin is very thin cotton cloth. □ …white muslin curtains.

muso /mjuː zoʊ/ (musos )

1 N‑COUNT A muso is a musician. [INFORMAL ] □ …country muso Shania Twain.

2 ADJ Muso means the same as musical . [INFORMAL ] □ Members of this close-knit muso community are always helping each other out.

muss /mʌ s/ (musses , mussing , mussed ) VERB To muss something, especially someone's hair, or to muss it up , means to make it untidy. [mainly AM ] □ [V n] He reached out and mussed my hair. □ [be V -ed up ] His clothes were all mussed up.

mus|sel /mʌ s ^ə l/ (mussels ) N‑COUNT Mussels are a kind of shellfish that you can eat from their shells.

must ◆◆◆ /məst, STRONG mʌst/ (musts ) The noun is pronounced /mʌ st/. Must is a modal verb. It is followed by the base form of a verb. 1 MODAL You use must to indicate that you think it is very important or necessary for something to happen. You use must not or mustn't to indicate that you think it is very important or necessary for something not to happen. □ What you wear should be stylish and clean, and must definitely fit well. □ The doctor must not allow the patient to be put at risk.

2 MODAL You use must to indicate that it is necessary for something to happen, usually because of a rule or law. □ Candidates must satisfy the general conditions for admission. □ Equipment must be supervised if children are in the house.

3 MODAL You use must , or must have with a past participle, to indicate that you are fairly sure that something is the case. □ At 29, Russell must be one of the youngest-ever Wembley referees. □ I'm sure he must feel he has lost a close family friend, because I know I do. □ I must have been a bore.

4 MODAL You use must , or must have with a past participle, to indicate that you believe that something is the case, because of the available evidence. □ 'You must be Emma,' said the visitor. □ Miss Holloway had a weak heart. She must have had a heart attack.

5 MODAL If you say that one thing must have happened in order for something else to happen, you mean that it is necessary for the first thing to have happened before the second thing can happen. □ In order to take that job, you must have left another job.

6 MODAL You use must to express your intention to do something. □ I must be getting back. □ I must phone my parents. □ He told the Prime Minister that he felt he must now leave.

7 MODAL You use must to make suggestions or invitations very forcefully. □ You must see a doctor, Frederick. □ You must see the painting Paul has given me as a wedding present.

8 MODAL You use must in remarks and comments where you are expressing sympathy. □ This must be a very difficult job for you.

9 MODAL You use must in conversation in expressions such as ' I must say ' and ' I must admit ' in order to emphasize a point that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □ This came as a surprise, I must say. □ I must admit I like looking feminine.

10 MODAL You use must in expressions such as ' it must be noted ' and ' it must be remembered ' in order to draw the reader's or listener's attention to what you are about to say. □ It must be noted, however, that not all British and American officers carried out orders. □ It must be stated that this illness is one of the most complex conditions known to man.

11 MODAL You use must in questions to express your anger or irritation about something that someone has done, usually because you do not understand their behaviour. [FEELINGS ] □ Why must she interrupt? □ Must you always run when the pressure gets too much?

12 MODAL You use must in exclamations to express surprise or shock. [EMPHASIS ] □ 'Go! Please go.'—'You must be joking!' □ I really must be quite mad!

13 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a must , you mean that it is absolutely necessary. [INFORMAL ] □ The new 37th issue of National Savings Certificates is a must for any taxpayer.

14 PHRASE You say ' if you must ' when you know that you cannot stop someone doing something that you think is wrong or stupid. □ If you must be in the sunlight, use the strongest filter cream you can get. □ 'Could I have a word?'—'Oh dear, if you must.'

15 PHRASE You say ' if you must know ' when you tell someone something that you did not want them to know and you want to suggest that you think they were wrong to ask you about it. □ 'Why don't you wear your jogging shorts Mum?'—'Well, my legs are too skinny, if you must know.'

must- /mʌ st-/ COMB Must- is added to verbs such as 'see', 'have', or 'read' to form adjectives and nouns which describe things that you think people should see, have, or read. For example, a must-have is something which you think people should get, and a must-win game is one which a team needs to win. [JOURNALISM , INFORMAL ] □ …a list of must-see movies.

mus|tache /məstɑː ʃ, [AM ] mʊ stæʃ/ → see moustache

mus|tang /mʌ stæŋ/ (mustangs ) N‑COUNT A mustang is a small wild horse which lives on the plains of North America.

mus|tard /mʌ stə ^r d/ (mustards )

1 N‑VAR Mustard is a yellow or brown paste usually eaten with meat. It tastes hot and spicy. □ …a pot of mustard.

2 COLOUR Mustard is used to describe things that are brownish-yellow in colour. □ …a mustard-coloured jumper.

3 PHRASE [usu with neg] If someone does not cut the mustard , their work or their performance is not as good as it should be or as good as it is expected to be. [INFORMAL ]

mu s|tard and cre ss N‑UNCOUNT Mustard and cress is very young mustard plants and cress plants grown together and eaten in salad.

mu s|tard gas N‑UNCOUNT Mustard gas is a gas which burns the skin and was used in war as a weapon.

mu s|tard pow|der N‑UNCOUNT Mustard powder is a yellow powder. You add hot water to it in order to make mustard.

mus|ter /mʌ stə ^r / (musters , mustering , mustered )

1 VERB If you muster something such as support, strength, or energy, you gather as much of it as you can in order to do something. □ [V n] He travelled around West Africa trying to muster support for his movement.

2 VERB When soldiers muster or are mustered , they gather together in one place in order to take part in a military action. □ [V ] The men mustered before their clan chiefs. □ [V n] The general had mustered his troops north of the Hindu Kush.

3 PHRASE If someone or something passes muster , they are good enough for the thing they are needed for. □ I could not pass muster in his language. □ If it doesn't pass muster, a radio station could have its license challenged.

mu st-ha ve (must-haves ) N‑COUNT A must-have is something modern that many people want to have. □ The mobile phone is now a must-have for children. ● ADJ Must-have is also an adjective. □ …a must-have fashion accessory.

mustn't /mʌ s ^ə nt/ Mustn't is the usual spoken form of 'must not'.

must've /mʌ stəv/ Must've is the usual spoken form of 'must have', especially when 'have' is an auxiliary verb.

mus|ty /mʌ sti/ (mustier , mustiest ) ADJ Something that is musty smells old and damp. □ …that terrible musty smell.

mu|tant /mjuː t ^ə nt/ (mutants ) N‑COUNT A mutant is an animal or plant that is physically different from others of the same species because of a change in its genes.

mu|tate /mjuːte I t, [AM ] mjuː te I t/ (mutates , mutating , mutated )

1 VERB If an animal or plant mutates , or something mutates it, it develops different characteristics as the result of a change in its genes. □ [V ] The virus mutates in the carrier's body. □ [V + into ] A newer anti-HIV drug caused HIV to mutate into a form which could not infect new cells. □ [V n] The technique has been to mutate the genes by irradiation or chemicals. [Also V n + into ] ● mu|ta|tion /mjuːte I ʃ ^ə n/ (mutations ) N‑VAR □ Scientists have found a genetic mutation that appears to be the cause of Huntington's disease.

2 VERB If something mutates into something different, it changes into that thing. □ [V + into ] Overnight, the gossip begins to mutate into headlines.

mute /mjuː t/ (mutes , muting , muted )

1 ADJ Someone who is mute is silent for a particular reason and does not speak. □ He was mute, distant, and indifferent. ● ADV [ADV after v] Mute is also an adverb. □ He could watch her standing mute by the phone. ● mute|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ I crouched by him and grasped his hand, mutely offering what comfort I could.

2 ADJ Someone who is mute is unable to speak. [OLD-FASHIONED , OFFENSIVE ] □ Marianna, the duke's daughter, became mute after a shock.

3 VERB If someone mutes something such as their feelings or their activities, they reduce the strength or intensity of them. □ [V n] The corruption does not seem to have muted the country's prolonged economic boom. ● mut|ed ADJ □ The threat contrasted starkly with his administration's previous muted criticism.

4 VERB If you mute a noise or sound, you lower its volume or make it less distinct. □ [V n] They begin to mute their voices, not be as assertive. ● mut|ed ADJ □ 'Yes,' he muttered, his voice so muted I hardly heard his reply.

mut|ed /mjuː t I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Muted colours are soft and gentle, not bright and strong. □ He likes sombre, muted colours–she likes bright colours.

mu|ti|late /mjuː t I le I t/ (mutilates , mutilating , mutilated )

1 VERB If a person or animal is mutilated , their body is severely damaged, usually by someone who physically attacks them. □ [be V -ed] More than 30 horses have been mutilated in the last nine months. □ [V n] He tortured and mutilated six young men. □ [V -ed] The mutilated bodies of seven men have been found beside a railway line. ● mu|ti|la|tion /mjuː t I le I ʃ ^ə n/ (mutilations ) N‑VAR □ Amnesty International chronicles cases of torture and mutilation.

2 VERB If something is mutilated , it is deliberately damaged or spoiled. □ [be V -ed] Brecht's verdict was that his screenplay had been mutilated. [Also V n]

mu|ti|neer /mjuː t I n I ə ^r / (mutineers ) N‑COUNT A mutineer is a person who takes part in a mutiny.

mu|ti|nous /mjuː t I nəs/ ADJ If someone is mutinous , they are strongly dissatisfied with a person in authority and are likely to stop obeying them. □ His own army, stung by defeats, is mutinous.

mu|ti|ny /mjuː t I ni/ (mutinies , mutinying , mutinied )

1 N‑VAR A mutiny is a refusal by people, usually soldiers or sailors, to continue obeying a person in authority. □ A series of coup attempts and mutinies within the armed forces destabilized the regime.

2 VERB If a group of people, usually soldiers or sailors, mutiny , they refuse to continue obeying a person in authority. □ [V ] Units stationed around the capital mutinied because they had received no pay for nine months. □ [V + against ] Sailors at a naval base had mutinied against their officers.

mutt /mʌ t/ (mutts ) N‑COUNT A mutt is the same as a mongrel . [INFORMAL ]

mut|ter /mʌ tə ^r / (mutters , muttering , muttered ) VERB If you mutter , you speak very quietly so that you cannot easily be heard, often because you are complaining about something. □ [V with quote] 'God knows what's happening in that madman's mind,' she muttered. □ [V + about ] She can hear the old woman muttering about consideration. □ [V + to ] He sat there shaking his head, muttering to himself. □ [V ] She was staring into the fire muttering. ● N‑COUNT Mutter is also a noun. □ [+ of ] They make no more than a mutter of protest. ● mut|ter|ing (mutterings ) N‑VAR □ He heard muttering from the front of the crowd.

mut|ton /mʌ t ^ə n/

1 N‑UNCOUNT Mutton is meat from an adult sheep that is eaten as food. □ …a leg of mutton. □ …mutton stew.

2 PHRASE If you describe a woman as mutton dressed as lamb , you are criticizing her for trying to look younger than she really is, in a way that you consider unattractive. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

mu|tu|al ◆◇◇ /mjuː tʃuəl/

1 ADJ You use mutual to describe a situation, feeling, or action that is experienced, felt, or done by both of two people mentioned. □ The East and the West can work together for their mutual benefit and progress. □ It's plain that he adores his daughter, and the feeling is mutual. ● mu|tu|al|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV before v] □ Attempts to reach a mutually agreed solution had been fruitless.

2 mutually exclusive → see exclusive

3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use mutual to describe something such as an interest which two or more people share. □ They do, however, share a mutual interest in design. □ We were introduced by a mutual friend.

4 ADJ [ADJ n] If a building society or an insurance company has mutual status, it is not owned by shareholders but by its customers, who receive a share of the profits. [BRIT , BUSINESS ] □ Britain's third-largest building society abandoned its mutual status and became a bank. SYNONYMS mutual ADJ 1

common: Moldavians and Romanians share a common language.

joint: Jackie and Ben came to a joint decision as to where they would live.

reciprocal: They expected a reciprocal gesture before more hostages could be freed.

mu |tu|al fund (mutual funds ) N‑COUNT A mutual fund is an organization which invests money in many different kinds of business and which offers units for sale to the public as an investment. [AM , BUSINESS ] in BRIT, use unit trust

Mu|zak /mjuː zæk/ also muzak

1 N‑UNCOUNT Muzak is recorded music that is played as background music in shops or restaurants. [TRADEMARK ]

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe music as muzak , you dislike it because you think it is dull or unnecessary. [DISAPPROVAL ]

muz|zle /mʌ z ^ə l/ (muzzles , muzzling , muzzled )

1 N‑COUNT The muzzle of an animal such as a dog is its nose and mouth.

2 N‑COUNT A muzzle is an object that is put over a dog's nose and mouth so that it cannot bite people or make a noise. □ …dogs like pit bulls which have to wear a muzzle.

3 VERB If you muzzle a dog or other animal, you put a muzzle over its nose and mouth. □ [V n] He was convicted of failing to muzzle a pit bull.

4 VERB If you say that someone is muzzled , you are complaining that they are prevented from expressing their views freely. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [be V -ed] He complained of being muzzled by the chairman. □ [V n] She was opposed to new laws to muzzle the press.

5 N‑COUNT The muzzle of a gun is the end where the bullets come out when it is fired.

muz|zy /mʌ zi/

1 ADJ If someone feels muzzy , they are confused and unable to think clearly, usually because they are ill or have drunk too much alcohol. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

2 ADJ If a photograph or television picture is muzzy , it is unclear. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ]

MVP /e m viː piː / (MVPs ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] Journalists sometimes use MVP to talk about the player in a sports team who has performed best in a particular match or series of matches. MVP is an abbreviation for 'most valuable player'. [AM ] □ He secured the MVP award by scoring 357 points. [Also + of ]

MW

1 MW is a written abbreviation for medium wave .

2 MW is a written abbreviation for megawatt .

my ◆◆◆ /ma I / My is the first person singular possessive determiner. 1 DET A speaker or writer uses my to indicate that something belongs or relates to himself or herself. □ I invited him back to my flat for a coffee. □ John's my best friend.

2 DET In conversations or in letters, my is used in front of a word like 'dear' or 'darling' to show affection. [FEELINGS ] □ Yes, of course, my darling.

3 DET My is used in phrases such as ' My God ' and ' My goodness ' to express surprise or shock. [SPOKEN , FEELINGS ] □ My God, I've never seen you so nervous. □ My goodness, Tim, you have changed!

myo|pia /ma I oʊ piə/ N‑UNCOUNT Myopia is the inability to see things properly when they are far away, because there is something wrong with your eyes. [FORMAL ]

my|op|ic /ma I ɒ p I k/

1 ADJ If you describe someone as myopic , you are critical of them because they seem unable to realize that their actions might have negative consequences. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Government still has a myopic attitude to spending.

2 ADJ If someone is myopic , they are unable to see things which are far away from them. [FORMAL ]

myri|ad /m I riəd/

1 QUANT A myriad or myriads of people or things is a very large number or great variety of them. □ [+ of ] They face a myriad of problems bringing up children. □ [+ of ] These myriads of fish would be enough to keep any swimmer entranced for hours.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Myriad means having a large number or great variety. □ …British pop and culture in all its myriad forms.

my|self ◆◆◇ /ma I se lf/ Myself is the first person singular reflexive pronoun. 1 PRON A speaker or writer uses myself to refer to himself or herself. Myself is used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject refers to the same person. □ I asked myself what I would have done in such a situation. □ I looked at myself in the mirror.

2 PRON You use myself to emphasize a first person singular subject. In more formal English, myself is sometimes used instead of 'me' as the object of a verb or preposition, for emphasis. [EMPHASIS ] □ I myself enjoy cinema, poetry, eating out and long walks. □ I'm fond of cake myself.

3 PRON If you say something such as 'I did it myself ', you are emphasizing that you did it, rather than anyone else. [EMPHASIS ] □ 'Where did you get that embroidery?'—'I made it myself.' USAGE me or myself?

Don’t use ‘me’ when the person who is speaking is both the subject and the object of the verb. Don’t say, for example, ‘ I got me a drink ’. Say ‘I got myself a drink’. □ I made myself some breakfast.

mys|teri|ous /m I st I ə riəs/

1 ADJ Someone or something that is mysterious is strange and is not known about or understood. □ He died in mysterious circumstances. □ A mysterious illness confined him to bed for over a month. □ The whole thing seems very mysterious. ● mys|teri|ous|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ A couple of messages had mysteriously disappeared.

2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If someone is mysterious about something, they deliberately do not talk much about it, sometimes because they want to make people more interested in it. □ [+ about ] As for his job–well, he was very mysterious about it. ● mys|teri|ous|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ Asked what she meant, she said mysteriously: 'Work it out for yourself'.

mys|tery ◆◇◇ /m I stəri/ (mysteries )

1 N‑COUNT A mystery is something that is not understood or known about. □ The source of the gunshots still remains a mystery. □ [+ of ] …the mysteries of mental breakdown.

2 N‑UNCOUNT If you talk about the mystery of someone or something, you are talking about how difficult they are to understand or know about, especially when this gives them a rather strange or magical quality. □ She's a lady of mystery. □ It is an elaborate ceremony, shrouded in mystery.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] A mystery person or thing is one whose identity or nature is not known. □ The mystery hero immediately alerted police after spotting a bomb. □ …a mystery prize of up to £1,000.

4 N‑COUNT A mystery is a story in which strange things happen that are not explained until the end. □ His fourth novel is a murder mystery set in London. SYNONYMS mystery NOUN 1

puzzle: She was a puzzle – no one knew or understood her properly.

riddle: Scientists claimed yesterday to have solved the riddle of the birth of the Universe.

enigma: He was an enigma – his feelings hidden behind a wall of distrust.

conundrum: …this theological conundrum of the existence of evil and suffering in a world created by a good God.

mys|tic /m I st I k/ (mystics )

1 N‑COUNT A mystic is a person who practises or believes in religious mysticism. □ …an Indian mystic known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Mystic means the same as mystical . □ …mystic union with God.

mys|ti|cal /m I st I k ^ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is mystical involves spiritual powers and influences that most people do not understand. □ That was clearly a deep mystical experience.

mys|ti|cism /m I st I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Mysticism is a religious practice in which people search for truth, knowledge, and closeness to God through meditation and prayer.

mys|ti|fy /m I st I fa I / (mystifies , mystifying , mystified ) VERB If you are mystified by something, you find it impossible to explain or understand. □ [be V -ed] The audience must have been totally mystified by the plot. □ [V n] There was something strange in her attitude which mystified me. ● mys|ti|fy|ing ADJ □ I find your attitude a little mystifying, Moira.

mys|tique /m I stiː k/ N‑SING [oft n-uncount] If there is a mystique about someone or something, they are thought to be special and people do not know much about them. □ [+ of ] His book destroyed the mystique of monarchy.

myth ◆◇◇ /m I θ/ (myths )

1 N‑VAR A myth is a well-known story which was made up in the past to explain natural events or to justify religious beliefs or social customs. □ There is a famous Greek myth in which Icarus flew too near to the Sun.

2 N‑VAR If you describe a belief or explanation as a myth , you mean that many people believe it but it is actually untrue. □ Contrary to the popular myth, women are not reckless spendthrifts.

myth|ic /m I θ I k/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone or something that is mythic exists only in myths and is therefore imaginary. [LITERARY ] □ …the mythic figure of King Arthur.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as mythic , you mean that they have become very famous or important. □ …a team whose reputation has achieved mythic proportions.

mythi|cal /m I θ I k ^ə l/

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something or someone that is mythical exists only in myths and is therefore imaginary. □ …the Hydra, the mythical beast that had seven or more heads.

2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as mythical , you mean that it is untrue or does not exist. □ …the American West, not the mythical, romanticized West of cowboys and gunslingers, but the real West.

my|thol|ogy /m I θɒ lədʒi/ (mythologies )

1 N‑VAR Mythology is a group of myths, especially all the myths from a particular country, religion, or culture. □ In Greek mythology, the god Zeus took the form of a swan to seduce Leda. □ This is well illustrated in the mythologies of many cultures. ● mytho|logi|cal /m I θəlɒ dʒ I k ^ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ …the mythological beast that was part lion and part goat.

2 N‑VAR You can use mythology to refer to the beliefs or opinions that people have about something, when you think that they are false or untrue. □ …the mythology of corporate marketing.