per|plex|ing /pə r ple ks I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you find something perplexing , you do not understand it or do not know how to deal with it. □ It took years to understand many perplexing diseases.
per|plex|ity /pə r ple ks I ti/ (perplexities )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Perplexity is a feeling of being confused and frustrated because you do not understand something. □ He began counting them and then, with growing perplexity, counted them a second time.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The perplexities of something are those things about it which are difficult to understand because they are complicated. □ [+ of ] …the perplexities of quantum mechanics.
per|qui|site /pɜː r kw I z I t/ (perquisites ) N‑COUNT A perquisite is the same as a perk . [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …cost-free long-distance calls, a perquisite of her employment.
per se /pɜː r se I / ADV Per se means 'by itself' or 'in itself', and is used when you are talking about the qualities of one thing considered on its own, rather than in connection with other things. □ It is not the money per se that makes them unhappy, but the single-minded pursuit of that money.
per|secute /pɜː r s I kjuːt/ (persecutes , persecuting , persecuted )
1 VERB If someone is persecuted , they are treated cruelly and unfairly, often because of their race or beliefs. □ [be V -ed] Mr Weaver and his family have been persecuted by the authorities for their beliefs. □ [V n] They began by brutally persecuting the Catholic Church. □ [V -ed] …a persecuted minority.
2 VERB If you say that someone is persecuting you, you mean that they are deliberately making your life difficult. □ [V n] Local boys constantly persecuted him, throwing stones at his windows.
per|secu|tion /pɜː r s I kjuː ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Persecution is cruel and unfair treatment of a person or group, especially because of their religious or political beliefs, or their race. □ …the persecution of minorities. □ …victims of political persecution.
per|secu|tor /pɜː r s I kjuːtə r / (persecutors ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The persecutors of a person or group treat them cruelly and unfairly, especially because of their religious or political beliefs, or their race.
per|sever|ance /pɜː r s I v I ə rəns/ N‑UNCOUNT Perseverance is the quality of continuing with something even though it is difficult.
per|severe /pɜː r s I v I ə r / (perseveres , persevering , persevered ) VERB If you persevere with something, you keep trying to do it and do not give up, even though it is difficult. □ [V ] …his ability to persevere despite obstacles and setbacks. □ [V + with ] …a school with a reputation for persevering with difficult and disruptive children. □ [V prep] She persevered in her idea despite obvious objections raised by friends. ● per|sever|ing ADJ □ He is a persevering, approachable family man.
Per|sian /pɜː r ʒ ə n/ (Persians )
1 ADJ Something that is Persian belongs or relates to the ancient kingdom of Persia, or sometimes to the modern state of Iran.
2 N‑COUNT Persians were the people who came from the ancient kingdom of Persia.
3 ADJ Persian carpets and rugs traditionally come from Iran. They are made by hand from silk or wool and usually have patterns in deep colours.
4 N‑UNCOUNT Persian is the language that is spoken in Iran, and was spoken in the ancient Persian empire.
Pe r|sian Gu lf N‑PROPER The Persian Gulf is the area of sea between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
per|sim|mon /pɜː r s I mən/ (persimmons ) N‑COUNT A persimmon is a soft, orange fruit that looks rather like a large tomato. Persimmons grow on trees in hot countries.
per|sist /pə r s I st/ (persists , persisting , persisted )
1 VERB If something undesirable persists , it continues to exist. □ [V ] Contact your doctor if the cough persists. □ [V ] These problems persisted for much of the decade.
2 VERB If you persist in doing something, you continue to do it, even though it is difficult or other people are against it. □ [V + in ] Why does Britain persist in running down its defence forces? □ [V + with/in ] He urged the United States to persist with its efforts to bring about peace. □ [V with quote] 'You haven't answered me,' she persisted. □ [V ] When I set my mind to something, I persist.
per|sis|tence /pə r s I stəns/
1 N‑UNCOUNT If you have persistence , you continue to do something even though it is difficult or other people are against it. □ Skill comes only with practice, patience and persistence.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The persistence of something, especially something bad, is the fact of its continuing to exist for a long time. □ [+ of ] …an expression of concern at the persistence of inflation and high interest rates.
per|sis|tent /pə r s I stənt/
1 ADJ Something that is persistent continues to exist or happen for a long time; used especially about bad or undesirable states or situations. □ His cough grew more persistent until it never stopped. □ Shoppers picked their way through puddles caused by persistent rain.
2 ADJ Someone who is persistent continues trying to do something, even though it is difficult or other people are against it. □ …a persistent critic of the government's transport policies.
per|sis|tent|ly /pə r s I stəntli/
1 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] If something happens persistently , it happens again and again or for a long time. □ The allegations have been persistently denied by ministers.
2 ADV [ADV with v] If someone does something persistently , they do it with determination even though it is difficult or other people are against it. □ Rachel gently but persistently imposed her will upon Douglas.
per|si s|tent ve g|eta|tive sta te (persistent vegetative states ) N‑COUNT If someone is in a persistent vegetative state , they are unable to think, speak, or move because they have severe brain damage, and their condition is not likely to improve. [MEDICAL ]
per|snick|ety /pə r sn I k I ti/ ADJ If you describe someone as persnickety , you think that they pay too much attention to small, unimportant details. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He is a very rigorous man, very persnickety. in BRIT, use pernickety
per|son ◆◆◆ /pɜː r s ə n/ (people , persons ) The usual word for 'more than one person' is people . The form persons is used as the plural in formal or legal language. 1 N‑COUNT A person is a man, woman, or child. □ At least one person died and several others were injured. □ Everyone knows he's the only person who can do the job. □ The amount of sleep we need varies from person to person.
2 N‑PLURAL Persons is used as the plural of person in formal, legal, and technical writing. □ …removal of the right of accused persons to remain silent.
3 N‑COUNT If you talk about someone as a person , you are considering them from the point of view of their real nature. □ Robin didn't feel good about herself as a person.
4 N‑COUNT If someone says, for example, ' I'm an outdoor person ' or ' I'm not a coffee person ', they are saying whether or not they like that particular activity or thing. [mainly SPOKEN ] □ I am not a country person at all. I prefer the cities.
5 PHRASE If you do something in person , you do it yourself rather than letting someone else do it for you. □ She went to New York to receive the award in person.
6 PHRASE If you meet, hear, or see someone in person , you are in the same place as them, rather than, for example, speaking to them on the phone, writing to them, or seeing them on television. □ It was the first time she had seen him in person.
7 N‑COUNT Your person is your body. [FORMAL ] □ The suspect had carried no documents on his person.
8 PHRASE You can use in the person of when mentioning the name of someone you have just referred to in a more general or indirect way. [WRITTEN ] □ We had a knowledgeable guide in the person of George Adams.
9 N‑COUNT In grammar, we use the term first person when referring to 'I' and 'we', second person when referring to 'you', and third person when referring to 'he', 'she', 'it', 'they', and all other noun groups. Person is also used like this when referring to the verb forms that go with these pronouns and noun groups.
10 → see also first person , second person , third person
-person /-pɜː r s ə n/ (-people or -persons )
1 COMB [ADJ n] -person is added to numbers to form adjectives which indicate how many people are involved in something or can use something. People is not used in this way. □ …two-person households. □ …the spa's 32-person staff. □ …his 1971 one-person exhibition.
2 COMB -person is added to nouns to form nouns which refer to someone who does a particular job or is in a particular group. -person is used by people who do not want to use a term which indicates whether someone is a man or a woman. -people can also be used in this way. □ She was chairperson of the school governors. □ He had a staff of six salespeople working for him.
per|so|na /pə r soʊ nə/ (personas or personae /pə r soʊ na I /)
1 N‑COUNT Someone's persona is the aspect of their character or nature that they present to other people, perhaps in contrast to their real character or nature. [FORMAL ] □ …the contradictions between her private life and the public persona.
2 → see also persona non grata
per|son|able /pɜː r sənəb ə l/ ADJ Someone who is personable has a pleasant appearance and character. [APPROVAL ] □ The people I met were intelligent, mature, personable.
per|son|age /pɜː r sən I dʒ/ (personages )
1 N‑COUNT A personage is a famous or important person. [FORMAL ] □ …MPs, film stars and other important personages.
2 N‑COUNT A personage is a character in a play or book, or in history. [FORMAL ] □ There is no evidence for such a historical personage.
per|son|al ◆◆◇ /pɜː r sən ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A personal opinion, quality, or thing belongs or relates to one particular person rather than to other people. □ He learned this lesson the hard way–from his own personal experience. □ That's my personal opinion. □ …books, furniture, and other personal belongings. □ …an estimated personal fortune of almost seventy million dollars.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you give something your personal care or attention, you deal with it yourself rather than letting someone else deal with it. □ …a business that requires a great deal of personal contact. □ …a personal letter from the President's secretary.
3 ADJ Personal matters relate to your feelings, relationships, and health. □ …teaching young people about marriage and personal relationships. □ You never allow personal problems to affect your performance.
4 ADJ Personal comments refer to someone's appearance or character in an offensive way. □ Newspapers resorted to personal abuse.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] Personal care involves looking after your body and appearance. □ …men who take as much trouble over personal hygiene as women.
6 ADJ A personal relationship is one that is not connected with your job or public life. □ He was a personal friend whom I've known for many years.
7 → see also personals
pe r|son|al as|si s|tant (personal assistants ) N‑COUNT A personal assistant is a person who does office work and administrative work for someone. The abbreviation PA is also used. [BUSINESS ]
pe r|son|al be st (personal bests ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A sports player's personal best is the highest score or fastest time that they have ever achieved. □ [+ of ] She ran a personal best of 13.01 sec.
pe r|son|al col|umn (personal columns ) N‑COUNT The personal column in a newspaper or magazine contains messages for individual people and advertisements of a private nature. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use personals
pe r|son|al com|pu t|er (personal computers ) N‑COUNT A personal computer is a computer that is used by one person at a time in a business, a school, or at home. The abbreviation PC is also used.
per|son|al|ity ◆◇◇ /pɜː r sənæ l I ti/ (personalities )
1 N‑VAR Your personality is your whole character and nature. □ She has such a kind, friendly personality. □ Through sheer force of personality Hugh Trenchard had got his way. □ The contest was as much about personalities as it was about politics.
2 N‑VAR If someone has personality or is a personality , they have a strong and lively character. □ …a woman of great personality. □ He is such a personality–he is so funny.
3 N‑COUNT You can refer to a famous person, especially in entertainment, broadcasting, or sport, as a personality . □ She is one of the country's most highly paid television personalities. SYNONYMS personality NOUN 1
character: Perhaps there is a negative side to his character that you haven't seen yet.
temperament: His impulsive temperament regularly got him into difficulties.
nature: She trusted people. That was her nature.
identity: I wanted a sense of my own identity.
per|son|al|ize /pɜː r sən ə la I z/ (personalizes , personalizing , personalized ) in BRIT, also use personalise 1 VERB [usu passive] If an object is personalized , it is marked with the name or initials of its owner. □ [be V -ed] The clock has easy-to-read numbers and is personalised with the child's name and birth date. ● per|son|al|ized ADJ [ADJ n] □ …a Rolls-Royce with a personalised number plate.
2 VERB If you personalize something, you do or design it specially according to the needs of an individual or to your own needs. □ [V n] Personalising your car has never been cheaper. □ [V -ed] …an ideal centre for professional men or women who need intensive, personalised French courses.
3 VERB If you personalize an argument, discussion, idea, or issue, you consider it from the point of view of individual people and their characters or relationships, rather than considering the facts in a general or abstract way. □ [V n] Women tend to personalise rejection more than men. □ [V -ed] The contest has become personalised, if not bitter. [Also V ]
per|son|al|ly ◆◇◇ /pɜː r sənəli/
1 ADV You use personally to emphasize that you are giving your own opinion. [EMPHASIS ] □ Personally I think it's a waste of time. □ I personally would welcome it.
2 ADV [ADV with v] If you do something personally , you do it yourself rather than letting someone else do it. □ The minister is returning to Paris to answer the allegations personally. □ When the great man arrived, the club's manager personally escorted him upstairs.
3 ADV [ADV with v] If you meet or know someone personally , you meet or know them in real life, rather than knowing about them or knowing their work. □ He did not know them personally, but he was familiar with their reputation.
4 ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] You can use personally to say that something refers to an individual person rather than to other people. □ He was personally responsible for all that the people had suffered under his rule. □ In order for me to spend three months on something, it has to interest me personally.
5 ADV You can use personally to show that you are talking about someone's private life rather than their professional or public life. □ This has taken a great toll on me personally and professionally.
6 PHRASE If you take someone's remarks personally , you are upset because you think that they are criticizing you in particular. □ Remember, stick to the issues and don't take it personally.
pe r|son|al o r|gan|iz|er (personal organizers ) in BRIT, also use personal organiser N‑COUNT A personal organizer is a book containing personal or business information, which you can add pages to or remove pages from to keep the information up to date. Small computers with a similar function are also called personal organizers .
pe r|son|al pro |noun (personal pronouns ) N‑COUNT A personal pronoun is a pronoun such as 'I', 'you', 'she', or 'they' which is used to refer to the speaker or the person spoken to, or to a person or thing whose identity is clear, usually because they have already been mentioned.
per|son|als /pɜː r sən ə ls/ N‑PLURAL The section in a newspaper or magazine which contains messages for individual people and advertisements of a private nature is called the personals . [AM ] in BRIT, usually use personal column
pe r|son|al spa ce
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] If someone invades your personal space , they stand or lean too close to you, so that you feel uncomfortable.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft poss N ] If you need your personal space , you need time on your own, with the freedom to do something that you want to do or to think about something. □ Self-confidence means being relaxed enough to allow your lover their personal space.
pe r|son|al ste |reo (personal stereos ) N‑COUNT A personal stereo is a small cassette or CD player with very light headphones, which people carry round so that they can listen to music while doing something else.
per|so|na non gra|ta /pə r soʊ nə nɒn grɑː tə/ (personae non gratae ) PHRASE If someone becomes or is declared persona non grata , they become unwelcome or unacceptable because of something they have said or done. □ The government has declared the French ambassador persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country.
per|soni|fi|ca|tion /pə r sɒ n I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑SING If you say that someone is the personification of a particular thing or quality, you mean that they are a perfect example of that thing or that they have a lot of that quality. □ [+ of ] He was usually the personification of kindness.
per|soni|fy /pə r sɒ n I fa I / (personifies , personifying , personified ) VERB If you say that someone personifies a particular thing or quality, you mean that they seem to be a perfect example of that thing, or to have that quality to a very large degree. □ [V n] She seemed to personify goodness and nobility. □ [V -ed] On other occasions she can be charm personified.
per|son|nel ◆◇◇ /pɜː r səne l/
1 N‑PLURAL [oft N n] The personnel of an organization are the people who work for it. □ Since 1954 Japan has never dispatched military personnel abroad. □ There has been very little renewal of personnel in higher education.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Personnel is the department in a large company or organization that deals with employees, keeps their records, and helps with any problems they might have. [BUSINESS ] □ Her first job was in personnel.
pe rson-to-pe rson ADJ If you make a person-to-person call, you say that you want to talk to one person in particular. If that person cannot come to the phone, you do not have to pay for the call. [FORMAL ]
per|spec|tive ◆◇◇ /pə r spe kt I v/ (perspectives )
1 N‑COUNT A particular perspective is a particular way of thinking about something, especially one that is influenced by your beliefs or experiences. □ [+ on ] He says the death of his father 18 months ago has given him a new perspective on life. □ [+ of ] Most literature on the subject of immigrants in France has been written from the perspective of the French themselves. □ I would like to offer a historical perspective.
2 PHRASE If you get something in perspective or into perspective , you judge its real importance by considering it in relation to everything else. If you get something out of perspective , you fail to judge its real importance in relation to everything else. □ Remember to keep things in perspective. □ It helps to put their personal problems into perspective. □ I let things get out of perspective.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Perspective is the art of making some objects or people in a picture look further away than others. SYNONYMS perspective NOUN 1
outlook: The illness had a profound effect on his outlook.
attitude: …the general change in attitude towards people with disabilities.
angle: He was considering the idea from all angles.
per|spex /pɜː r speks/ also Perspex N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Perspex is a strong clear plastic which is sometimes used instead of glass. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ]
per|spi|ca|cious /pɜː r sp I ke I ʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is perspicacious notices, realizes, and understands things quickly. [FORMAL ] □ …one of the most perspicacious and perceptive historians of that period. ● per|spi|cac|ity /pɜː r sp I kæ s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ Channel 4's overseas buyers have foreseen the audience demand with their usual perspicacity.
per|spi|ra|tion /pɜː r sp I re I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Perspiration is the liquid which comes out on the surface of your skin when you are hot or frightened. [FORMAL ] □ His hands were wet with perspiration.
per|spire /pə r spa I ə r / (perspires , perspiring , perspired ) VERB When you perspire , a liquid comes out on the surface of your skin, because you are hot or frightened. [FORMAL ] □ [V ] He began to perspire heavily. □ [V -ing] …mopping their perspiring brows.
per|suade ◆◇◇ /pə r swe I d/ (persuades , persuading , persuaded )
1 VERB If you persuade someone to do something, you cause them to do it by giving them good reasons for doing it. □ [V n to-inf] My partner persuaded me to come. □ [V n to-inf, be V -ed] They were eventually persuaded by the police to give themselves up. [Also V n + into , V n] ● per|suad|er (persuaders ) N‑COUNT □ All great persuaders and salesmen are the same.
2 VERB If something persuades someone to take a particular course of action, it causes them to take that course of action because it is a good reason for doing so. □ [V n to-inf] The Conservative Party's victory in April's general election persuaded him to run for President again.
3 VERB If you persuade someone that something is true, you say things that eventually make them believe that it is true. □ [V n that] I've persuaded Mrs Tennant that it's time she retired. □ [V n + of ] Derek persuaded me of the feasibility of the idea. ● per|suad|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ , ADJ that] □ [+ of ] He is not persuaded of the need for electoral reform.
per|sua|sion /pə r swe I ʒ ə n/ (persuasions )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Persuasion is the act of persuading someone to do something or to believe that something is true. □ She was using all her powers of persuasion to induce the Griffins to remain in Rollway.
2 N‑COUNT If you are of a particular persuasion , you have a particular belief or set of beliefs. [FORMAL ] □ It is a national movement and has within it people of all political persuasions.
per|sua|sive /pə r swe I s I v/ ADJ Someone or something that is persuasive is likely to persuade a person to believe or do a particular thing. □ What do you think were some of the more persuasive arguments on the other side? □ I can be very persuasive when I want to be. ● per|sua|sive|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ …a trained lawyer who can present arguments persuasively. ● per|sua|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He has the personality and the persuasiveness to make you change your mind.
pert /pɜː r t/
1 ADJ If someone describes a young woman as pert , they mean that they like her because she is lively and not afraid to say what she thinks. This use could cause offence. □ …a pert redhead in uniform. □ …pert replies by servant girls.
2 ADJ If you say that someone has, for example, a pert bottom or nose, you mean that it is quite small and neat, and you think it is attractive. [APPROVAL ]
per|tain /pə r te I n/ (pertains , pertaining , pertained ) VERB If one thing pertains to another, it relates, belongs, or applies to it. [FORMAL ] □ [V + to ] …matters pertaining to naval district defense. [Also V ]
per|ti|na|cious /pɜː r t I ne I ʃəs/ ADJ Someone who is pertinacious continues trying to do something difficult rather than giving up quickly. [FORMAL ]
per|ti|nent /pɜː r t I nənt/ ADJ Something that is pertinent is relevant to a particular subject. [FORMAL ] □ She had asked some pertinent questions. □ [+ to ] …knowledge and skills pertinent to classroom teaching.
per|turb /pə r tɜː r b/ (perturbs , perturbing , perturbed )
1 VERB If something perturbs you, it worries you quite a lot. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] What perturbs me is that magazine articles are so much shorter nowadays.
2 → see also perturbed
per|tur|ba|tion /pɜː r tə r be I ʃ ə n/ (perturbations )
1 N‑VAR A perturbation is a small change in the movement, quality, or behaviour of something, especially an unusual change. [TECHNICAL ] □ [+ in ] …perturbations in Jupiter's gravitational field.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Perturbation is worry caused by some event. [FORMAL ] □ Agatha went up to her mistress in a state of great perturbation.
per|turbed /pə r tɜː r bd/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ that] If someone is perturbed by something, they are worried by it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ by/at ] He apparently was not perturbed by the prospect of a police officer coming to call.
per|tus|sis /pə r tʌ s I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Pertussis is the medical term for whooping cough .
pe|rus|al /pəruː z ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] Perusal of something such as a letter, article, or document is the action of reading it. [FORMAL ] □ Peter Cooke undertook to send each of us a sample contract for perusal.
pe|ruse /pə r uː z/ (peruses , perusing , perused ) VERB If you peruse something such as a letter, article, or document, you read it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] We perused the company's financial statements for the past five years.
Pe|ru|vian /pəruː viən/ (Peruvians ) ADJ Peruvian means belonging or related to Peru, or to its people or culture. ● N‑COUNT A Peruvian is someone who is Peruvian.
per|vade /pə r ve I d/ (pervades , pervading , pervaded ) VERB If something pervades a place or thing, it is a noticeable feature throughout it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] The smell of sawdust and glue pervaded the factory. □ [V -ing] Throughout the book there is a pervading sense of menace.
per|va|sive /pə r ve I s I v/ ADJ Something, especially something bad, that is pervasive is present or felt throughout a place or thing. [FORMAL ] □ …the pervasive influence of the army in national life. ● per|va|sive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] …the pervasiveness of computer technology.
per|verse /pə r vɜː r s/ ADJ Someone who is perverse deliberately does things that are unreasonable or that result in harm for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ It would be perverse to stop this healthy trend. □ In some perverse way the ill-matched partners do actually need each other. ● per|verse|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ She was perversely pleased to be causing trouble.
per|ver|sion /pə r vɜː r ʃ ə n, -ʒ ə n/ (perversions )
1 N‑VAR You can refer to a sexual desire or action that you consider to be abnormal and unacceptable as a perversion . [DISAPPROVAL ]
2 N‑VAR A perversion of something is a form of it that is bad or wrong, or the changing of it into this form. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] He condemned the trade as morally repugnant and a perversion of natural justice.
per|vert (perverts , perverting , perverted ) The verb is pronounced /pə r vɜː r t/. The noun is pronounced /pɜː r vɜː r t/. 1 VERB If you pervert something such as a process or society, you interfere with it so that it is not as good as it used to be or as it should be. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] Any reform will destroy and pervert our constitution.
2 PHRASE If someone perverts the course of justice , they deliberately do something that will make it difficult to discover who really committed a particular crime, for example, destroying evidence or lying to the police. [LEGAL ] □ He was charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
3 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a pervert , you mean that you consider their behaviour, especially their sexual behaviour, to be immoral or unacceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ]
per|vert|ed /pə r vɜː r t I d/
1 ADJ If you say that someone is perverted , you mean that you consider their behaviour, especially their sexual behaviour, to be immoral or unacceptable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ You've been protecting sick and perverted men.
2 ADJ You can use perverted to describe actions or ideas which you think are wrong, unnatural, or harmful. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a perverted form of knowledge.
pe|seta /pəse I tə/ (pesetas ) N‑COUNT The peseta was the unit of money that was used in Spain. In 2002 it was replaced by the euro.
pesky /pe ski/ ADJ [ADJ n] Pesky means irritating. [INFORMAL ] □ …as if he were a pesky tourist asking silly questions of a busy man.
peso /pe I soʊ/ (pesos ) N‑COUNT The peso is the unit of money that is used in Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Philippines, and Uruguay.
pes|sa|ry /pe səri/ (pessaries )
1 N‑COUNT A pessary is a small block of a medicine or a contraceptive chemical that a woman puts in her vagina.
2 N‑COUNT A pessary is a device that is put in a woman's vagina to support her womb.
pes|si|mism /pe s I m I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Pessimism is the belief that bad things are going to happen. □ [+ about/over ] …universal pessimism about the economy. □ My first reaction was one of deep pessimism.
pes|si|mist /pe s I m I st/ (pessimists ) N‑COUNT A pessimist is someone who thinks that bad things are going to happen. □ I'm a natural pessimist; I usually expect the worst.
pes|si|mis|tic /pe s I m I st I k/ ADJ Someone who is pessimistic thinks that bad things are going to happen. □ [+ about ] Not everyone is so pessimistic about the future. □ Hardy has often been criticised for an excessively pessimistic view of life. ● pes|si|mis|ti|cal|ly /pe s I m I st I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ 'But it'll not happen,' she concluded pessimistically.
pest /pe st/ (pests )
1 N‑COUNT Pests are insects or small animals which damage crops or food supplies. □ …crops which are resistant to some of the major insect pests and diseases. □ …new and innovative methods of pest control.
2 N‑COUNT You can describe someone, especially a child, as a pest if they keep bothering you. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He climbed on the table, pulled my hair, and was generally a pest.
pes|ter /pe stə r / (pesters , pestering , pestered ) VERB If you say that someone is pestering you, you mean that they keep asking you to do something, or keep talking to you, and you find this annoying. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] I thought she'd stop pestering me, but it only seemed to make her worse. □ [V n prep] I know he gets fed up with people pestering him for money. □ [V n to-inf] …that creep who's been pestering you to go out with him. [Also V ]
pes|ti|cide /pe st I sa I d/ (pesticides ) N‑VAR Pesticides are chemicals which farmers put on their crops to kill harmful insects.
pes|ti|lence /pe st I ləns/ (pestilences ) N‑VAR Pestilence is any disease that spreads quickly and kills large numbers of people. [LITERARY ]
pes|ti|len|tial /pe st I le nʃ ə l/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pestilential is used to refer to things that cause disease or are caused by disease. [FORMAL ] □ …people who were dependent for their water supply on this pestilential stream. □ …a pestilential fever.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Pestilential animals destroy crops or exist in such large numbers that they cause harm. [FORMAL ]
pes|tle /pe s ə l/ (pestles ) N‑COUNT A pestle is a short rod with a thick round end. It is used for crushing things such as herbs, spices, or grain in a bowl called a mortar.
pes|to /pe stoʊ/ N‑UNCOUNT Pesto is an Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and olive oil.
pet ◆◇◇ /pe t/ (pets , petting , petted )
1 N‑COUNT A pet is an animal that you keep in your home to give you company and pleasure. □ It is plainly cruel to keep turtles as pets. □ …a bachelor living alone in a flat with his pet dog.
2 ADJ Someone's pet theory, project, or subject is one that they particularly support or like. □ He would not stand by and let his pet project be killed off.
3 VERB If you pet a person or animal, you touch them in an affectionate way. □ [V n] The police officer reached down and petted the wolfhound. COLLOCATIONS pet NOUN 1
verb + pet : pamper; adopt; abandon, dump
adjective + pet : beloved, much-loved; unwanted; domestic
noun + pet : family, household
pet|al /pe t ə l/ (petals ) N‑COUNT The petals of a flower are the thin coloured or white parts which together form the flower. □ …bowls of dried rose petals.
pe|tard /petɑː r d/ (petards ) PHRASE If someone who has planned to harm someone else is hoist with their own petard or hoist by their own petard , their plan in fact results in harm to themselves. □ The students were hoist by their own petards, however, as Granada decided to transmit the programme anyway.
pe|ter /piː tə r / (peters , petering , petered )
▸ peter out PHRASAL VERB If something peters out , it gradually comes to an end. □ [V P ] The six-month strike seemed to be petering out.
Peter PHRASE If you say that someone is robbing Peter to pay Paul , you mean that they are transferring money from one group of people or place to another, rather than providing extra money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Sometimes he was moving money from one account to another, robbing Peter to pay Paul.
pet|it bour|geois /pe ti bʊə r ʒwɑː/ also petty bourgeois ADJ Someone or something that is petit bourgeois belongs or relates to the lower middle class. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He had a petit bourgeois mentality.
pet|it bour|geoi|sie /pe ti bʊə r ʒwɑːziː / also petty bourgeoisie N‑SING [with sing or pl verb] The petit bourgeoisie are people in the lower middle class. [DISAPPROVAL ]
pe|tite /pətiː t/ ADJ If you describe a woman as petite , you are politely saying that she is small and is not fat.
pet|it four /pe ti fɔː r / (petits fours or petit fours ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Petits fours are very small sweet cakes. They are sometimes served with coffee at the end of a meal.
pe|ti|tion /pət I ʃ ə n/ (petitions , petitioning , petitioned )
1 N‑COUNT A petition is a document signed by a lot of people which asks a government or other official group to do a particular thing. □ We recently presented the government with a petition signed by 4,500 people.
2 N‑COUNT A petition is a formal request made to a court of law for some legal action to be taken. [LEGAL ] □ His lawyers filed a petition for all charges to be dropped.
3 VERB If you petition someone in authority, you make a formal request to them. [FORMAL , LEGAL ] □ [V + for ] …couples petitioning for divorce. □ [V n] All the attempts to petition the Congress had failed. □ [V to-inf] She's petitioning to regain custody of the child. [V n + for ]
pe|ti|tion|er /pət I ʃənə r / (petitioners )
1 N‑COUNT A petitioner is a person who presents or signs a petition.
2 N‑COUNT A petitioner is a person who brings a legal case to a court of law. [LEGAL ] □ The judge awarded the costs of the case to the petitioners.
pe t name (pet names ) N‑COUNT A pet name is a special name that you use for a close friend or a member of your family instead of using their real name.
pet|rel /pe trəl/ (petrels ) N‑COUNT A petrel is a type of sea bird which often flies a long way from land. There are many kinds of petrel.
Pet|ri dish /pe tr I d I ʃ / (Petri dishes ) N‑COUNT A Petri dish is a flat dish with a lid, used in laboratories for producing cultures of microorganisms.
pet|ri|fied /pe tr I fa I d/
1 ADJ [ADJ that] If you are petrified , you are extremely frightened, perhaps so frightened that you cannot think or move. □ [+ of ] I've always been petrified of being alone. □ [+ of ] Most people seem to be petrified of snakes.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A petrified plant or animal has died and has gradually turned into stone. □ …a block of petrified wood.
pet|ri|fy /pe tr I fa I / (petrifies , petrifying , petrified ) VERB If something petrifies you, it makes you feel very frightened. □ [V n] Prison petrifies me and I don't want to go there. ● pet|ri|fy|ing ADJ □ I found the climb absolutely petrifying.
pet|ro|chemi|cal /pe troʊke m I k ə l/ (petrochemicals ) also petro-chemical N‑COUNT [usu pl] Petrochemicals are chemicals that are obtained from petroleum or natural gas.
pet|ro|dol|lars /pe troʊdɒlə r z/ also petro-dollars N‑PLURAL Petrodollars are a unit of money used to calculate how much a country has earned by exporting petroleum or natural gas.
pet|rol ◆◇◇ /pe trəl/ N‑UNCOUNT Petrol is a liquid which is used as a fuel for motor vehicles. [BRIT ] in AM, use gas , gasoline
pe t|rol bomb (petrol bombs ) N‑COUNT A petrol bomb is a simple bomb consisting of a bottle full of petrol with a cloth in it that is lit just before the bottle is thrown. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, use Molotov cocktail
pe|tro|leum /pətroʊ liəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Petroleum is oil which is found under the surface of the Earth or under the sea bed. Petrol and paraffin are obtained from petroleum.
pe|tro |leum jel|ly N‑UNCOUNT Petroleum jelly is a soft, clear substance obtained from oil or petroleum. It is put on the skin to protect or soften it, or put on surfaces to make them move against each other easily.
pe t|rol sta|tion (petrol stations ) N‑COUNT A petrol station is a garage by the side of the road where petrol is sold and put into vehicles. [BRIT ] in AM, use gas station
pe t|rol tank (petrol tanks ) N‑COUNT The petrol tank in a motor vehicle is the container for petrol. [BRIT ] in AM, use gas tank
pet|ti|coat /pe tikoʊt/ (petticoats ) N‑COUNT A petticoat is a piece of clothing like a thin skirt, which is worn under a skirt or dress. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
pet|ti|fog|ging /pe tifɒg I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] You can describe an action or situation as pettifogging when you think that unnecessary attention is being paid to unimportant, boring details. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …pettifogging bureaucratic interference.
pet|ting /pe tiŋ/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Petting is when two people kiss and touch each other in a sexual way, but without having sexual intercourse.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [N n] A petting zoo or a petting farm is a place with animals which small children can safely stroke or play with.
pet|ty /pe ti/ (pettier , pettiest )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use petty to describe things such as problems, rules, or arguments which you think are unimportant or relate to unimportant things. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ He was miserable all the time and rows would start over petty things. □ …endless rules and petty regulations.
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone's behaviour as petty , you mean that they care too much about small, unimportant things and perhaps that they are unnecessarily unkind. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ I think that attitude is a bit petty. ● pet|ti|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Never had she met such spite and pettiness.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Petty is used of people or actions that are less important, serious, or great than others. □ …petty crime, such as handbag-snatching and minor break-ins.
pe t|ty bou r|geois → see petit bourgeois
pe t|ty bour|geoi|sie → see petit bourgeoisie
pe t|ty ca sh N‑UNCOUNT Petty cash is money that is kept in the office of a company, for making small payments in cash when necessary. [BUSINESS ]
pe t|ty of|fic|er (petty officers ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A petty officer is an officer of low rank in the navy.
petu|lance /pe tʃʊləns/ N‑UNCOUNT Petulance is unreasonable, childish bad temper over something unimportant. □ His petulance made her impatient.
petu|lant /pe tʃʊlənt/ ADJ Someone who is petulant is unreasonably angry and upset in a childish way. □ His critics say he's just being silly and petulant. ● petu|lant|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ 'I don't need help,' he said petulantly.
pe|tu|nia /p I tjuː niə, [AM ] -tuː-/ (petunias ) N‑COUNT A petunia is a type of garden plant with pink, white, or purple flowers shaped like short, wide cones.
pew /pjuː / (pews ) N‑COUNT A pew is a long wooden seat with a back, which people sit on in church. □ Claire sat in the front pew.
pew|ter /pjuː tə r / N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pewter is a grey metal which is made by mixing tin and lead. Pewter was often used in former times to make ornaments or containers for eating and drinking. □ …pewter plates. □ …the best 18th-century pewter.
PG /piː dʒiː / In Britain, films that are labelled PG are not considered suitable for younger children to see without an adult being with them. PG is an abbreviation for 'parental guidance'.
PG-13 /piː dʒiː θɜː r tiː n/ In the United States, films that are labelled PG-13 are not considered suitable for children under the age of thirteen, but parents can decide whether or not to allow their children to see the films. PG is an abbreviation for 'parental guidance'.
PGCE /piː dʒiː siː iː / (PGCEs ) N‑COUNT In Britain, a PGCE is a teaching qualification that qualifies someone with a degree to teach in a state school. PGCE is an abbreviation for 'Postgraduate Certificate of Education'. Compare BEd .
pH /piː e I tʃ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft a N ] The pH of a solution indicates how acid or alkaline the solution is. A pH of less than 7 indicates that it is an acid, and a pH of more than 7 indicates that it is an alkali. □ [+ of ] …the pH of sea water. □ [+ of ] Skin is naturally slightly acidic and has a pH of 5.5.
phal|anx /fæ læŋks/ (phalanxes or phalanges /fəlæ ndʒiːz/)
1 N‑COUNT A phalanx is a group of soldiers or police who are standing or marching close together ready to fight. [FORMAL ]
2 N‑COUNT A phalanx of people is a large group who are brought together for a particular purpose. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a phalanx of waiters.
phal|lic /fæ l I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Something that is phallic is shaped like an erect penis. It can also relate to male sexual powers. □ …a phallic symbol.
phal|lus /fæ ləs/ (phalluses or phalli /fæ la I /)
1 N‑COUNT A phallus is a model of an erect penis, especially one used as a symbol in ancient religions.
2 N‑COUNT A phallus is a penis. [TECHNICAL ]
phan|tas|ma|go|ri|cal /fæ ntæzməgɒ r I k ə l, [AM ] -gɔː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Phantasmagorical means very strange, like something in a dream. [LITERARY ]
phan|ta|sy /fæ ntəzi/ (phantasies ) → see fantasy
phan|tom /fæ ntəm/ (phantoms )
1 N‑COUNT A phantom is a ghost. [mainly LITERARY ] □ They vanished down the stairs like two phantoms.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use phantom to describe something which you think you experience but which is not real. □ She was always taking days off for what her colleagues considered phantom illnesses. □ …a phantom pregnancy.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Phantom can refer to something that is done by an unknown person, especially something criminal. □ …victims of alleged 'phantom' withdrawals from high-street cash machines.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Phantom is used to describe business organizations, agreements, or goods which do not really exist, but which someone pretends do exist in order to cheat people. □ …a phantom trading scheme at a Wall Street investment bank.
phar|aoh /feə roʊ/ (pharaohs ) N‑COUNT ; N‑PROPER A pharaoh was a king of ancient Egypt. □ …Rameses II, Pharaoh of All Egypt.
Phari|see /fæ r I siː/ (Pharisees ) N‑PROPER‑PLURAL The Pharisees were a group of Jews, mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, who believed in strictly obeying the laws of Judaism.
phar|ma|ceu|ti|cal /fɑː r məsuː t I k ə l/ (pharmaceuticals )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Pharmaceutical means connected with the industrial production of medicine. □ …a Swiss pharmaceutical company.
2 N‑PLURAL Pharmaceuticals are medicines. □ Antibiotics were of no use; neither were other pharmaceuticals.
phar|ma|cist /fɑː r məs I st/ (pharmacists )
1 N‑COUNT A pharmacist is a person who is qualified to prepare and sell medicines.
2 N‑COUNT A pharmacist or a pharmacist's is a shop in which drugs and medicines are sold by a pharmacist. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use pharmacy
phar|ma|col|ogy /fɑː r məkɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Pharmacology is the branch of science relating to drugs and medicines. ● phar|ma|co|logi|cal /fɑː r məkəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] □ As little as 50mg of caffeine can produce pharmacological effects. ● phar|ma|colo|gist (pharmacologists ) N‑COUNT □ …a pharmacologist from the University of California.
phar|ma|co|poeia /fɑː r məkoʊpiː ə/ (pharmacopoeias ) also pharmacopeia N‑COUNT A pharmacopoeia is an official book that lists all the drugs that can be used to treat people in a particular country, and describes how to use them.
phar|ma|cy /fɑː r məsi/ (pharmacies )
1 N‑COUNT A pharmacy is a shop or a department in a shop where medicines are sold or given out. □ …the pharmacy section of the drugstore.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Pharmacy is the job or the science of preparing medicines. □ He spent four years studying pharmacy.
phase ◆◇◇ /fe I z/ (phases , phasing , phased )
1 N‑COUNT A phase is a particular stage in a process or in the gradual development of something. □ [+ of ] This autumn, 6000 residents will participate in the first phase of the project. □ The crisis is entering a crucial, critical phase. □ [+ of ] Most kids will go through a phase of being faddy about what they eat.
2 VERB [usu passive] If an action or change is phased over a period of time, it is done in stages. □ [be V -ed] The redundancies will be phased over two years. □ [V -ed] He wants military commanders to plan a phased withdrawal starting at the end of the year.
3 PHRASE If two things are out of phase with each other, they are not working or happening together as they should. If two things are in phase , they are working or occurring together as they should. □ [+ with ] The Skills Programme is out of phase with the rest of the curriculum.
▸ phase in PHRASAL VERB If a new way of doing something is phased in , it is introduced gradually. □ [be V -ed P ] It was announced that the reforms would be phased in over three years. □ [V P n] The change is part of the government's policy of phasing in Arabic as the official academic language. [Also V n P ]
▸ phase out PHRASAL VERB If something is phased out , people gradually stop using it. □ [be V -ed P ] They said the present system of military conscription should be phased out. □ [V P n] They phased out my job in favor of a computer. [Also V n P ] SYNONYMS phase NOUN 1
stage: Mr Cook has arrived in Greece on the final stage of his tour.
point: At this point Diana arrived.
period: He went through a period of wanting to be accepted.
PhD /piː e I tʃ diː / (PhDs ) also Ph.D.
1 N‑COUNT A PhD is a degree awarded to people who have done advanced research into a particular subject. PhD is an abbreviation for 'Doctor of Philosophy'. □ He is more highly educated, with a PhD in Chemistry. □ …an unpublished PhD thesis.
2 PhD is written after someone's name to indicate that they have a PhD. □ …R.D. Combes, PhD.
pheas|ant /fe z ə nt/ (pheasants or pheasant ) N‑COUNT A pheasant is a bird with a long tail. Pheasants are often shot as a sport and then eaten. ● N‑UNCOUNT Pheasant is the flesh of this bird eaten as food. □ …roast pheasant.
phe|nom|ena /f I nɒ m I nə/ Phenomena is the plural of phenomenon .
phe|nom|enal /f I nɒ m I n ə l/ ADJ Something that is phenomenal is so great or good that it is very unusual indeed. [EMPHASIS ] □ Exports are growing at a phenomenal rate. □ The performances have been absolutely phenomenal. ● phe|nom|enal|ly ADV [ADV adj/adv, ADV after v] □ She has recently re-launched her phenomenally successful singing career.
phe|nom|enol|ogy /f I nɒ m I nɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Phenomenology is a branch of philosophy which deals with consciousness, thought, and experience. ● phe|nom|eno|logi|cal /f I nɒ m I nəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ …a phenomenological approach to the definition of 'reality'.
phe|nom|enon /f I nɒ m I nən, [AM ] -nɑːn/ (phenomena ) N‑COUNT A phenomenon is something that is observed to happen or exist. [FORMAL ] □ …scientific explanations of natural phenomena.
phero|mone /fe rəmoʊn/ (pheromones ) N‑COUNT Some animals and insects produce chemicals called pheromones which affect the behaviour of other animals and insects of the same type, for example by attracting them sexually. [TECHNICAL ]
phew /fjuː / EXCLAM Phew is used in writing to represent the soft whistling sound that you make when you breathe out quickly, for example when you are relieved or shocked about something or when you are very hot. □ Phew, what a relief!
phial /fa I əl/ (phials ) N‑COUNT A phial is a small tube-shaped glass bottle used, for example, to hold medicine. [FORMAL ]
phi|lan|der|er /f I læ ndərə r / (philanderers ) N‑COUNT If you say that a man is a philanderer , you mean that he has a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ]
phi|lan|der|ing /f I lŋ dər I ŋ/ (philanderings )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] A philandering man has a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …her philandering husband.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Philandering means having a lot of casual sexual relationships with women. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ She intended to leave her husband because of his philandering.
phil|an|throp|ic /f I lənθrɒ p I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A philanthropic person or organization freely gives money or other help to people who need it. □ Some of the best services for the ageing are sponsored by philanthropic organizations.
phi|lan|thro|pist /f I læ nθrəp I st/ (philanthropists ) N‑COUNT A philanthropist is someone who freely gives money and help to people who need it.
phi|lan|thro|py /f I læ nθrəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Philanthropy is the giving of money to people who need it, without wanting anything in return. □ …a retired banker well known for his philanthropy.
phi|lat|elist /f I læ təl I st/ (philatelists ) N‑COUNT A philatelist is a person who collects and studies postage stamps. [FORMAL ]
phi|lat|ely /f I læ təli/ N‑UNCOUNT Philately is the hobby of collecting and learning about postage stamps. [FORMAL ]
SUFFIX -phile, -ophile
occurs in words which refer to someone who has a very strong liking for people or things of a particular kind. For example, a Francophile admires France and the French.
phil|har|mon|ic /f I lɑː r mɒ n I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] A philharmonic orchestra is a large orchestra which plays classical music. □ The Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra played Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. ● N‑COUNT Philharmonic is also a noun. □ He will conduct the Vienna Philharmonic in the final concert of the season.
Phil|ip|pine /f I l I piːn/ ADJ Philippine means belonging or relating to the Philippines, or to their people or culture.
phil|is|tine /f I l I sta I n, [AM ] -stiːn/ (philistines )
1 N‑COUNT If you call someone a philistine , you mean that they do not care about or understand good art, music, or literature, and do not think that they are important. [DISAPPROVAL ]
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use philistine to describe people or organizations who you think do not care about or understand the value of good art, music, or literature. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a philistine government that allowed the arts to decline.
phil|is|tin|ism /f I l I st I n I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Philistinism is the attitude or quality of not caring about, understanding, or liking good art, music, or literature. [DISAPPROVAL ]
phi|lol|ogy /f I lɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Philology is the study of words, especially the history and development of the words in a particular language or group of languages. ● phi|lolo|gist (philologists ) N‑COUNT □ He is a philologist, specialising in American poetry.
phi|loso|pher /f I lɒ səfə r / (philosophers )
1 N‑COUNT A philosopher is a person who studies or writes about philosophy. □ …the Greek philosopher Plato.
2 N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a philosopher , you mean that they think deeply and seriously about life and other basic matters.
philo|soph|ic /f I ləsɒ f I k/ ADJ Philosophic means the same as philosophical .
philo|sophi|cal /f I ləsɒ f I k ə l/
1 ADJ Philosophical means concerned with or relating to philosophy. □ He was not accustomed to political or philosophical discussions. ● philo|sophi|cal|ly /f I ləsɒ f I kli/ ADV [ADV with v, ADV adj] □ Wiggins says he's not a coward, but that he's philosophically opposed to war.
2 ADJ Someone who is philosophical does not get upset when disappointing or disturbing things happen. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ about ] Lewis has grown philosophical about life. ● philo|sophi|cal|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ She says philosophically: 'It could have been far worse.'
phi|loso|phize /f I lɒ səfa I z/ (philosophizes , philosophizing , philosophized ) in BRIT, also use philosophise VERB If you say that someone is philosophizing , you mean that they are talking or thinking about important subjects, sometimes instead of doing something practical. □ [V ] Of course these leaders do more than preach and philosophize. □ [V + about/on ] …a tendency to philosophize about racial harmony. [Also V with quote] ● phi|loso|phiz|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ The General was anxious to cut short the philosophizing and get down to more urgent problems.
phi|loso|phy ◆◇◇ /f I lɒ səfi/ (philosophies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Philosophy is the study or creation of theories about basic things such as the nature of existence, knowledge, and thought, or about how people should live. □ He studied philosophy and psychology at Cambridge. □ …traditional Chinese philosophy.
2 N‑COUNT A philosophy is a particular set of ideas that a philosopher has. □ [+ of ] …the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
3 N‑COUNT [N that] A philosophy is a particular theory that someone has about how to live or how to deal with a particular situation. □ The best philosophy is to change your food habits to a low-sugar, high-fibre diet. [Also + of ]
phish|ing /f I ʃ I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Phishing is the practice of trying to trick people into giving secret financial information by sending emails that look as if they come from a bank. The details are then used to steal people's money, or to steal their identity in order to commit crimes. [COMPUTING ]
phlegm /fle m/ N‑UNCOUNT Phlegm is the thick yellowish substance that develops in your throat and at the back of your nose when you have a cold.
phleg|mat|ic /flegmæ t I k/ ADJ Someone who is phlegmatic stays calm even when upsetting or exciting things happen. [FORMAL ]
SUFFIX -phobe, -ophobe
occurs in words which refer to a very strong, irrational fear or hatred of people or things of a particular kind. For example, a germophobe has a strong fear of germs.
pho|bia /foʊ biə/ (phobias ) N‑COUNT A phobia is a very strong irrational fear or hatred of something. □ [+ about/of ] The man had a phobia about flying.
SUFFIX -phobia
occurs in words which refer to someone who has a very strong, irrational fear or hatred of people or things of a particular kind. For example, someone who shows signs of arachnophobia has a strong fear of spiders.
pho|bic /foʊ b I k/ (phobics )
1 ADJ A phobic feeling or reaction results from or is related to a strong, irrational fear or hatred of something. □ Many children acquire a phobic horror of dogs.
2 ADJ Someone who is phobic has a strong, irrational fear or hatred of something. □ [+ about ] In Victorian times people were phobic about getting on trains. They weren't used to it. ● N‑COUNT Phobic is also a noun. □ Social phobics quake at the thought of meeting strangers.
SUFFIX -phobic
occurs in words which refer to a very strong, irrational fear or hatred of people or things of a particular kind. For example, someone who is technophobic has a strong dislike of new technology.
phoe|nix /fiː n I ks/ (phoenixes )
1 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A phoenix is an imaginary bird which, according to ancient stories, burns itself to ashes every five hundred years and is then born again.
2 N‑SING If you describe someone or something as a phoenix , you mean that they return again after seeming to disappear or be destroyed. [LITERARY ] □ Out of the ashes of the economic shambles, a phoenix of recovery can arise.
phone ◆◆◇ /foʊ n/ (phones , phoning , phoned )
1 N‑SING [oft by N ] The phone is an electrical system that you use to talk to someone else in another place, by dialling a number on a piece of equipment and speaking into it. □ You can buy insurance over the phone. □ She looked forward to talking to her daughter by phone. □ Do you have an address and phone number for him?
2 N‑COUNT The phone is the piece of equipment that you use when you dial someone's phone number and talk to them. □ Two minutes later the phone rang. □ Doug's 14-year-old son Jamie answered the phone.
3 → see also cellular phone , mobile phone
4 N‑SING If you say that someone picks up or puts down the phone , you mean that they lift or replace the receiver. □ She picked up the phone, and began to dial Maurice Campbell's number.
5 VERB When you phone someone, you dial their phone number and speak to them by phone. □ [V n] He'd phoned Laura to see if she was better. □ [V ] I got more and more angry as I waited for her to phone.
6 PHRASE If you say that someone is on the phone , you mean that they are speaking to someone else by phone. □ She's always on the phone, wanting to know what I've been up to.
▸ phone in
1 PHRASAL VERB If you phone in to a radio or television show, you phone the show in order to give your opinion on a matter that the show has raised. □ [V P ] Listeners have been invited to phone in to pick the winner.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you phone in to a place, you make a phone call to that place. □ [V P to-inf] He has phoned in to say he is thinking over his options.
3 PHRASAL VERB If you phone in an order for something, you place the order by phone. □ [V P n] Just phone in your order three or more days prior to departure. [Also V n P ]
4 PHRASE If you phone in sick , you phone your workplace to say that you will not come to work because you are ill. □ On Monday I was still upset and I phoned in sick to work.
▸ phone up PHRASAL VERB When you phone someone up , you dial their phone number and speak to them by phone. □ [V n P ] Phone him up and tell him to come and have dinner with you one night. [Also V P n]
pho ne book (phone books ) N‑COUNT A phone book is a book that contains an alphabetical list of the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the people in a town or area.
pho ne booth (phone booths )
1 N‑COUNT A phone booth is a place in a station, hotel, or other public building where there is a public telephone.
2 N‑COUNT A phone booth is the same as a phone box . [AM ]
pho ne box (phone boxes ) N‑COUNT A phone box is a small shelter in the street in which there often used to be a public telephone. [BRIT ] in AM, use phone booth
pho ne call (phone calls ) N‑COUNT If you make a phone call , you dial someone's phone number and speak to them by phone. □ Wait there for a minute. I have to make a phone call.
phone|card /foʊ nkɑː r d/ (phonecards ) also phone card N‑COUNT A phonecard is a plastic card that you can use instead of money to pay for telephone calls.
pho ne-in (phone-ins ) N‑COUNT A phone-in is a programme on radio or television in which people phone with questions or opinions and their calls are broadcast. [mainly BRIT ] □ She took part in a BBC radio phone-in programme. in AM, usually use call-in
pho|neme /foʊ niːm/ (phonemes ) N‑COUNT A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound which is significant in a language. [TECHNICAL ]
pho ne-tapping
1 N‑UNCOUNT Phone-tapping is the activity of listening secretly to someone's phone conversations using special electronic equipment. In most cases phone-tapping is illegal. □ There have also been claims of continued phone-tapping and bugging.
2 → see also tap
pho|net|ics /fəne t I ks/ The form phonetic is used as a modifier. 1 N‑UNCOUNT In linguistics, phonetics is the study of speech sounds.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Phonetic means relating to the sound of a word or to the sounds that are used in languages. □ …the Japanese phonetic system, with its relatively few, simple sounds. ● pho|neti|cal|ly /fəne t I kli/ ADV [ADV with v] □ It's wonderful to watch her now going through things phonetically learning how to spell things.
pho|ney /foʊ ni/ (phoneys ) also phony
1 ADJ If you describe something as phoney , you disapprove of it because it is false rather than genuine. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He'd phoned with some phoney excuse she didn't believe for a minute.
2 ADJ If you say that someone is phoney , you disapprove of them because they are pretending to be someone that they are not in order to deceive people. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He looks totally phoney to me. ● N‑COUNT Phoney is also a noun. □ 'He's false, a phoney,' Harry muttered.
pho |ney wa r also phony war N‑SING A phoney war is when two opposing groups are openly hostile towards each other, as if they were at war, but there is no real fighting. [BRIT ]
phon|ic /fɒ n I k/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] In linguistics, phonic means relating to the sounds of speech. [TECHNICAL ] □ …the phonic system underlying a particular language.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Phonics is a method of teaching people to read by training them to associate written letters with their sounds.
pho|no|graph /foʊ nəgrɑːf, -græf/ (phonographs ) N‑COUNT A phonograph is a record player. [AM , also BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]
pho|nol|ogy /fənɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT In linguistics, phonology is the study of speech sounds in a particular language. [TECHNICAL ]
pho|ny /foʊ ni/ → see phoney
phos|phate /fɒ sfe I t/ (phosphates ) N‑VAR A phosphate is a chemical compound that contains phosphorus. Phosphates are often used in fertilizers.
phos|pho|res|cence /fɒ sfəre s ə ns/ N‑UNCOUNT Phosphorescence is a glow or soft light which is produced in the dark without using heat.
phos|pho|res|cent /fɒ sfəre s ə nt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A phosphorescent object or colour glows in the dark with a soft light, but gives out little or no heat. □ …phosphorescent paint.
phos|phor|ic acid /fɒsfɒ r I k æ s I d, [AM ] -fɔː r-/ N‑UNCOUNT Phosphoric acid is a type of acid which contains phosphorus. [TECHNICAL ]
phos|pho|rus /fɒ sfərəs/ N‑UNCOUNT Phosphorus is a poisonous yellowish-white chemical element. It glows slightly, and burns when air touches it.
pho|to ◆◆◆ /foʊ toʊ/ (photos ) N‑COUNT A photo is the same as a photograph . □ We must take a photo! □ [+ of ] I've got a photo of him on the wall.
PREFIX photo-
is added to nouns and adjectives in order to form other nouns and adjectives which refer or relate to photography, or to light. For example, photosensitive film is sensitive to light.
pho|to|bomb /foʊ toʊbɒm/ (photobombs , photobombing , photobombed ) VERB If you photobomb someone, you spoil a photograph of them by stepping in front of them as the photograph is taken, often doing something silly such as making a funny face. □ [V n] This is the one where my sister photobombed me.
photo|card /foʊ toʊkɑːd/ (photocards ) N‑COUNT A photocard is a card with a person's photograph on it, which they can use to prove who they are. □ New season ticket purchasers should bring a passport-sized photograph for their photocard.
photo|copi|er /foʊ toʊkɒpiə r / (photocopiers ) N‑COUNT A photocopier is a machine which quickly copies documents onto paper by photographing them.
photo|copy /foʊ toʊkɒpi/ (photocopies , photocopying , photocopied )
1 N‑COUNT A photocopy is a copy of a document made using a photocopier.
2 VERB If you photocopy a document, you make a copy of it using a photocopier. □ [V n] Staff photocopied the cheque before cashing it.
pho to-fi nish (photo-finishes ) also photo finish N‑COUNT If the end of a race is a photo-finish , two or more of the competitors cross the finishing line so close together that a photograph of the finish has to be examined to decide who has won. □ He was just beaten in a photo-finish.
Photo|fit /foʊ toʊf I t/ (Photofits ) N‑COUNT A Photofit is a picture of someone wanted by the police which is made up of several photographs or drawings of different parts of the face. Compare e-fit , identikit . [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] □ [+ of ] The girl sat down with a police artist to compile a Photofit of her attacker.
photo|gen|ic /foʊ tədʒe n I k/ ADJ Someone who is photogenic looks nice in photographs. □ I've got a million photos of my boy. He's very photogenic.
photo|graph ◆◆◇ /foʊ təgrɑːf, -græf/ (photographs , photographing , photographed )
1 N‑COUNT A photograph is a picture made using a camera. □ [+ of ] He wants to take some photographs of the house. □ Her photograph appeared in The New York Times.
2 VERB When you photograph something, you use a camera to obtain a picture of it. □ [V n] She photographed the children. □ [be V -ed v-ing] They were photographed kissing on the platform.
pho|tog|ra|pher ◆◇◇ /fətɒ grəfə r / (photographers ) N‑COUNT A photographer is someone who takes photographs as a job or hobby.
photo|graph|ic /foʊ təgræ f I k/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Photographic means connected with photographs or photography. □ …photographic equipment. □ The bank is able to provide photographic evidence of who used the machine. ● photo|graphi|cal|ly /foʊ təgræ f I kli/ ADV □ …photographically reproduced copies of his notes.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you have a photographic memory , you are able to remember things in great detail after you have seen them. □ He had a photographic memory for maps.
pho|tog|ra|phy /fətɒ grəfi/ N‑UNCOUNT Photography is the skill, job, or process of producing photographs. □ Photography is one of her hobbies. □ …some of the top names in fashion photography.
photo|jour|nal|ism /foʊ toʊdʒɜː r nəl I zəm/ also photo-journalism N‑UNCOUNT Photojournalism is a form of journalism in which stories are presented mainly through photographs rather than words. □ …some of the finest photo-journalism of the Civil Rights era. ● photo|jour|nal|ist (photojournalists ) N‑COUNT □ …the agency for many international photojournalists, Magnum Photos.
pho|ton /foʊ tɒn/ (photons ) N‑COUNT A photon is a particle of light. [TECHNICAL ]
pho |to op|por|tu|nity (photo opportunities ) N‑COUNT If a politician or other public figure arranges a photo opportunity , they invite the newspapers and television to photograph them doing something which they think will interest or impress the public.
pho |to shoot (photo shoots ) also photo-shoot N‑COUNT A photo shoot is an occasion when a photographer takes pictures, especially of models or famous people, to be used in a newspaper or magazine. □ …a long day of interviews and photo-shoots.
photo|syn|the|sis /fo uθoʊs I nθəs I s/ N‑UNCOUNT Photosynthesis is the way that green plants make their food using sunlight. [TECHNICAL ]
phras|al verb /fre I z ə l vɜː r b/ (phrasal verbs ) N‑COUNT A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and an adverb or preposition, for example 'shut up' or 'look after', which together have a particular meaning.
phrase ◆◇◇ /fre I z/ (phrases , phrasing , phrased )
1 N‑COUNT A phrase is a short group of words that people often use as a way of saying something. The meaning of a phrase is often not obvious from the meaning of the individual words in it. □ He used a phrase I hate: 'You have to be cruel to be kind.'
2 N‑COUNT A phrase is a small group of words which forms a unit, either on its own or within a sentence. □ It is impossible to hypnotise someone simply by saying a particular word or phrase.
3 VERB If you phrase something in a particular way, you express it in words in that way. □ [V n adv] I would have phrased it quite differently. □ [V n + as ] They phrased it as a question.
4 PHRASE If someone has a particular turn of phrase , they have a particular way of expressing themselves in words. □ …Schwarzkopf's distinctive turn of phrase.
5 to coin a phrase → see coin SYNONYMS phrase NOUN 1
expression: She used some very coarse expressions.
saying: We also realize the truth of that old saying: Charity begins at home.
proverb: An old proverb says, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'.
idiom: Proverbs and idioms may become worn with over-use.
phra se book (phrase books ) N‑COUNT A phrase book is a book used by people travelling to a foreign country. It has lists of useful words and expressions, together with the translation of each word or expression in the language of that country. □ We bought a Danish phrase book.
phra|seol|ogy /fre I ziɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT If something is expressed using a particular type of phraseology , it is expressed in words and expressions of that type. □ This careful phraseology is clearly intended to appeal to various sides of the conflict.
phras|ing /fre I z I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT The phrasing of something that is said or written is the exact words that are chosen to express the ideas in it. □ [+ of ] The phrasing of the question was vague.
phre|nol|ogy /fr I nɒ lədʒi/ N‑UNCOUNT Phrenology is the study of the size and shape of people's heads in the belief that you can find out about their characters and abilities from this. ● phre|nolo|gist (phrenologists ) N‑COUNT □ Queen Victoria had her own personal phrenologist.
physi|cal ◆◆◇ /f I z I k ə l/ (physicals )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Physical qualities, actions, or things are connected with a person's body, rather than with their mind. □ …the physical and mental problems caused by the illness. □ The attraction between them is physical. ● physi|cal|ly ADV [ADV adj, ADV with v] □ You may be physically and mentally exhausted after a long flight. □ …people who cannot physically use a telephone.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Physical things are real things that can be touched and seen, rather than ideas or spoken words. □ All he needed was a little room, a physical and spiritual place to call home. □ …physical evidence to support the story. ● physi|cal|ly ADV □ …physically cut off from every other country.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] Physical means relating to the structure, size, or shape of something that can be touched and seen. □ …the physical characteristics of the terrain.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Physical means connected with physics or the laws of physics. □ …the physical laws of combustion and thermodynamics.
5 ADJ Someone who is physical touches people a lot, either in an affectionate way or in a rough way. □ We decided that in the game we would be physical and aggressive.
6 ADJ [ADJ n] Physical is used in expressions such as physical love and physical relationships to refer to sexual relationships between people. □ It had been years since they had shared any meaningful form of physical relationship.
7 N‑COUNT A physical is a medical examination, done in order to see if someone is fit and well enough to do a particular job or to join the army. □ Bob failed his physical. SYNONYMS physical ADJ 2
material: Every room must have been stuffed with material things.
real: No, it wasn't a dream. It was real.
tangible: There should be some tangible evidence that the economy is starting to recover.
phy si|cal edu|ca |tion N‑UNCOUNT Physical education is the school subject in which children do physical exercises or take part in physical games and sports.
physi|cal|ity /f I z I kæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to the physicality of something such as an artist's or a musician's work, you mean that their energy and enthusiasm is obvious in the work they produce. □ [+ of ] There's not another guitarist to rival the sheer physicality of his work.
phy si|cal sci |ence (physical sciences ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The physical sciences are branches of science such as physics, chemistry, and geology that are concerned with natural forces and with things that do not have life.
phy si|cal the ra|py N‑UNCOUNT Physical therapy is the same as physiotherapy .
phy|si|cian /f I z I ʃ ə n/ (physicians ) N‑COUNT In formal American English or old-fashioned British English, a physician is a doctor.
physi|cist /f I z I s I st/ (physicists ) N‑COUNT A physicist is a person who does research connected with physics or who studies physics. □ …a nuclear physicist.
phys|ics /f I z I ks/ N‑UNCOUNT Physics is the scientific study of forces such as heat, light, sound, pressure, gravity, and electricity, and the way that they affect objects. □ …the laws of physics. □ …experiments in particle physics.
physio /f I zioʊ/ (physios )
1 N‑COUNT A physio is a physiotherapist . [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ The athlete is checked by their physio or doctor.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Physio is physiotherapy . [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ I have been for some physio.
physi|og|no|my /f I ziɒ nəmi/ (physiognomies ) N‑COUNT Your physiognomy is your face, especially when it is considered to show your real character. [FORMAL ] □ He was fascinated by her physiognomy–the prominent nose, brooding eyes and thick hair.
physi|ol|ogy /f I ziɒ lədʒi/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Physiology is the scientific study of how people's and animals' bodies function, and of how plants function. □ …the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology. ● physi|olo|gist (physiologists ) N‑COUNT □ … a retired plant physiologist.
2 N‑UNCOUNT The physiology of a human or animal's body or of a plant is the way that it functions. □ [+ of ] …the physiology of respiration. □ …insect physiology. ● physio|logi|cal /f I ziəlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ □ …the physiological effects of stress.
physio|thera|pist /f I zioʊθe rəp I st/ (physiotherapists ) N‑COUNT A physiotherapist is a person who treats people using physiotherapy.
physio|thera|py /f I zioʊθe rəpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Physiotherapy is medical treatment for problems of the joints, muscles, or nerves, which involves doing exercises or having part of your body massaged or warmed. □ He'll need intensive physiotherapy.
phy|sique /f I ziː k/ (physiques ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Someone's physique is the shape and size of their body. □ [+ of ] He has the physique and energy of a man half his age. □ …men of powerful physique.
pi /pa I / NUM Pi is a number, approximately 3.142, which is equal to the distance round a circle divided by its width. It is usually represented by the Greek letter π.
pia|nis|si|mo /piæn I s I moʊ/ ADV [ADV after v] A piece of music that is played pianissimo is played very quietly. [TECHNICAL ]
pia|nist /piː ən I st, [AM ] piæ n-/ (pianists ) N‑COUNT A pianist is a person who plays the piano.
pi|ano (pianos ) Pronounced /piæ noʊ/ for meaning 1 , and /piɑː noʊ/ for meaning 3 . 1 N‑VAR A piano is a large musical instrument with a row of black and white keys. When you press these keys with your fingers, little hammers hit wire strings inside the piano which vibrate to produce musical notes. □ I taught myself how to play the piano. □ He started piano lessons at the age of 7. □ …sonatas for cello and piano.
2 → see also grand piano , upright piano
3 ADV [ADV after v] A piece of music that is played piano is played quietly. [TECHNICAL ]
pi|ano|for|te /piæ noʊfɔː r te I / (pianofortes ) N‑COUNT A pianoforte is a piano . [OLD-FASHIONED ]
pia|no|la /piː ænoʊ lə/ (pianolas ) N‑VAR A pianola is a type of mechanical piano. When you press the pedals, air is forced through holes in a roll of paper to press the keys and play a tune. [BRIT , TRADEMARK ] in AM, use player piano
pi|az|za /piæ tsə/ (piazzas ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A piazza is a large open square in a town or city, especially in Italy. □ They were seated at a table outside a pub in a pleasant piazza close by St Paul's.
pic /p I k/ (pics )
1 N‑COUNT A pic is a cinema film. [INFORMAL ] □ 'Angels with Dirty Faces' is a Cagney gangster pic.
2 N‑COUNT A pic is a photograph. [INFORMAL ] □ [+ of ] Photographer Weegee shot to fame with his shocking pics of New York crime in the 30s.
pica|resque /p I kəre sk/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A picaresque story is one in which a dishonest but likeable person travels around and has lots of exciting experiences. [LITERARY ]
pic|co|lo /p I kəloʊ/ (piccolos ) N‑VAR A piccolo is a small musical instrument that is like a flute but produces higher notes. You play the piccolo by blowing into it.
pick ◆◆◇ /p I k/ (picks , picking , picked )
1 VERB If you pick a particular person or thing, you choose that one. □ [V n] Mr Nowell had picked ten people to interview for six sales jobs in London. □ [V n] I had deliberately picked a city with a tropical climate.
2 N‑SING You can refer to the best things or people in a particular group as the pick of that group. □ [+ of ] The boys here are the pick of the under-15 cricketers in the country.
3 VERB When you pick flowers, fruit, or leaves, you break them off the plant or tree and collect them. □ [V n] She used to pick flowers in the Cromwell Road.
4 VERB If you pick something from a place, you remove it from there with your fingers or your hand. □ [V n prep] He picked the napkin from his lap and placed it alongside his plate.
5 VERB If you pick your nose or teeth , you remove substances from inside your nose or between your teeth. □ [V n] Edgar, don't pick your nose, dear.
6 VERB If you pick a fight or quarrel with someone, you deliberately cause one. □ [V n + with ] He picked a fight with a waiter and landed in jail. [Also V n]
7 VERB If someone such as a thief picks a lock, they open it without a key, for example by using a piece of wire. □ [V n] He picked each lock deftly, and rifled the papers within each drawer.
8 N‑COUNT A pick is the same as a pickaxe .
9 → see also hand-pick , ice pick
10 PHRASE If you pick and choose , you carefully choose only things that you really want and reject the others. □ We, the patients, cannot pick and choose our doctors.
11 PHRASE If you have your pick of a group of things, you are able to choose any of them that you want. □ Here is an actress who could have her pick of any part.
12 PHRASE If you are told to take your pick , you can choose any one that you like from a group of things. □ [+ of/from ] Accountants can take their pick of company cars.
13 PHRASE If you pick your way across an area, you walk across it very carefully in order to avoid obstacles or dangerous things. □ The girls were afraid of snakes and picked their way along with extreme caution.
14 to pick someone's brains → see brain
15 to pick holes in something → see hole
16 to pick someone's pocket → see pocket
▸ pick at PHRASAL VERB If you pick at the food that you are eating, you eat only very small amounts of it. □ [V P n] Sarah picked at a plate of cheese for supper, but she wasn't really hungry.
▸ pick off PHRASAL VERB If someone picks off people or aircraft, they shoot them down one by one, aiming carefully at them from a distance. □ [V P n] Both groups on either side are just picking off innocent bystanders. □ [V n P ] Any decent shot with telescopic sights could pick us off at random.
▸ pick on
1 PHRASAL VERB If someone picks on you, they repeatedly criticize you unfairly or treat you unkindly. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Bullies pick on younger children.
2 PHRASAL VERB If someone picks on a particular person or thing, they choose them, for example for special attention or treatment. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V P n] When you have made up your mind, pick on a day when you will not be under much stress.
▸ pick out
1 PHRASAL VERB If you pick out someone or something, you recognize them when it is difficult to see them, for example because they are among a large group. □ [V P n] The detective-constable picked out the words with difficulty. □ [V n P ] Steven describes himself as 'a regular guy–you couldn't pick me out of a crowd'.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you pick out someone or something, you choose them from a group of people or things. □ [be V -ed P ] I have been picked out to represent the whole team. □ [V n P ] There are so many great newscasters it's difficult to pick one out. [Also V P n]
3 PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If part of something is picked out in a particular colour, it is painted in that colour so that it can be seen clearly beside the other parts. □ [be V -ed P ] The name is picked out in gold letters over the shop-front.
▸ pick over PHRASAL VERB If you pick over a quantity of things, you examine them carefully, for example to reject the ones you do not want. □ [V P n] Pick over the fruit and pile on top of the cream.
▸ pick up
1 PHRASAL VERB When you pick something up , you lift it up. □ [V n P ] He picked his cap up from the floor and stuck it back on his head. □ [V P n] Ridley picked up a pencil and fiddled with it.
2 PHRASAL VERB When you pick yourself up after you have fallen or been knocked down, you stand up rather slowly. □ [V pron-refl P ] Anthony picked himself up and set off along the track.
3 PHRASAL VERB When you pick up someone or something that is waiting to be collected, you go to the place where they are and take them away, often in a car. □ [V P n] She went over to her parents' house to pick up some clean clothes. □ [V n P ] I picked her up at Covent Garden to take her to lunch with my mother.
4 PHRASAL VERB If someone is picked up by the police, they are arrested and taken to a police station. □ [be V -ed P ] Rawlings had been picked up by police at his office. □ [V n P ] The police picked him up within the hour. [Also V P n]
5 PHRASAL VERB If you pick up something such as a skill or an idea, you acquire it without effort over a period of time. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] Where did you pick up your English? [Also V n P ]
6 PHRASAL VERB If you pick up someone you do not know, you talk to them and try to start a sexual relationship with them. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] He had picked her up at a nightclub on Kallari Street, where she worked as a singer. [Also V P n]
7 PHRASAL VERB If you pick up an illness, you get it from somewhere or something. □ [V P n] They've picked up a really nasty infection from something they've eaten. [Also V n P ]
8 PHRASAL VERB If a piece of equipment, for example a radio or a microphone, picks up a signal or sound, it receives it or detects it. □ [V P n] We can pick up Italian television.
9 PHRASAL VERB If you pick up something, such as a feature or a pattern, you discover or identify it. □ [V P n] They were slow to pick up trends in consumer behaviour.
10 PHRASAL VERB If someone picks up a point or topic that has already been mentioned, or if they pick up on it, they refer to it or develop it. □ [V P n] Can I just pick up that gentleman's point? □ [V P P n] I'll pick up on what I said a couple of minutes ago. [Also V n P ]
11 PHRASAL VERB If trade or the economy of a country picks up , it improves. □ [V P ] Industrial production is beginning to pick up.
12 PHRASAL VERB If you pick someone up on something that they have said or done, you mention it and tell them that you think it is wrong. [mainly BRIT ] □ [V n P P n] …if I may pick you up on that point.
13 → see also pick-up
14 PHRASE When you pick up the pieces after a disaster, you do what you can to get the situation back to normal again. □ Do we try and prevent problems or do we try and pick up the pieces afterwards?
15 PHRASE When a vehicle picks up speed , it begins to move more quickly. □ Brian pulled away slowly, but picked up speed. SYNONYMS pick VERB 1
select: Voters are selecting candidates for both U.S. Senate seats and for 52 congressional seats.
choose: They will be able to choose their own leaders in democratic elections.
opt for: You may wish to opt for one method or the other.
pick|axe /p I kæks/ (pickaxes ) in AM, use pickax N‑COUNT A pickaxe is a large tool consisting of a curved, pointed piece of metal with a long handle joined to the middle. Pickaxes are used for breaking up rocks or the ground.
pick|er /p I kə r / (pickers ) N‑COUNT A fruit picker or cotton picker , for example, is a person who picks fruit or cotton, usually for money.
pick|et /p I k I t/ (pickets , picketing , picketed )
1 VERB When a group of people, usually trade union members, picket a place of work, they stand outside it in order to protest about something, to prevent people from going in, or to persuade the workers to join a strike. □ [V n] The miners went on strike and picketed the power stations. □ [V ] 100 union members and supporters picketed outside. ● N‑COUNT Picket is also a noun. □ …forty demonstrators who have set up a twenty-four-hour picket. ● pick|et|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] There was widespread picketing of mines where work was continuing.
2 N‑COUNT Pickets are people who are picketing a place of work. □ The strikers agreed to remove their pickets and hold talks with the government.
pi ck|et fence (picket fences ) N‑COUNT A picket fence is a fence made of pointed wooden sticks fixed into the ground, with pieces of wood nailed across them.
pi ck|et line (picket lines ) N‑COUNT A picket line is a group of pickets outside a place of work. □ No one tried to cross the picket lines.
pick|ings /p I k I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL You can refer to the money that can be made easily in a particular place or area of activity as the pickings . □ Traditional hiding places are easy pickings for experienced burglars.
pick|le /p I k ə l/ (pickles , pickling , pickled )
1 N‑PLURAL Pickles are vegetables or fruit, sometimes cut into pieces, which have been kept in vinegar or salt water for a long time so that they have a strong, sharp taste.
2 N‑VAR Pickle is a cold spicy sauce with pieces of vegetables and fruit in it. □ …jars of pickle.
3 VERB When you pickle food, you keep it in vinegar or salt water so that it does not go bad and it develops a strong, sharp taste. □ [V n] Select your favourite fruit or veg and pickle them while they are still fresh. ● pick|ling N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □ Small pickling onions can be used instead of sliced ones.
pick|led /p I k ə ld/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pickled food, such as vegetables, fruit, and fish, has been kept in vinegar or salt water to preserve it. □ …a jar of pickled fruit.
pi ck-me-up (pick-me-ups ) N‑COUNT A pick-me-up is something that you have or do when you are tired or depressed in order to make you feel better. [INFORMAL ] □ This is an ideal New Year pick-me-up–a five-day holiday in the Bahamas.
pi ck 'n' mi x also pick and mix ADJ [ADJ n] Pick 'n' mix is used to describe a way of getting a collection of things together by choosing a number of different ones. [BRIT ] □ It is, as some senior officials conceded, a pick 'n' mix approach to policy. □ …a pick-and-mix selection of fabrics and wallpapers.
pick|pocket /p I kpɒk I t/ (pickpockets ) N‑COUNT A pickpocket is a person who steals things from people's pockets or bags in public places.
pi ck-up ◆◇◇ (pick-ups ) also pickup
1 N‑COUNT A pick-up or a pick-up truck is a small truck with low sides that can be easily loaded and unloaded.
2 N‑SING A pick-up in trade or in a country's economy is an improvement in it. □ [+ in ] …a pick-up in the housing market.
3 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A pick-up takes place when someone picks up a person or thing that is waiting to be collected. □ The company had pick-up points in most cities.
4 N‑COUNT When a pick-up takes place, someone talks to a person in a friendly way in the hope of having a casual sexual relationship with them. [INFORMAL ] □ They had come to the world's most famous pick-up joint.
picky /p I ki/ (pickier , pickiest ) ADJ Someone who is picky is difficult to please and only likes a small range of things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ about ] Some people are very picky about who they choose to share their lives with.
pic|nic /p I kn I k/ (picnics , picnicking , picnicked )
1 N‑COUNT When people have a picnic , they eat a meal out of doors, usually in a field or a forest, or at the beach. □ We're going on a picnic tomorrow. □ We'll take a picnic lunch.
2 VERB When people picnic somewhere, they have a picnic. □ [V ] Afterwards, we picnicked on the riverbank. □ [V -ing] …such a perfect day for picnicking. ● pic|nick|er (picnickers ) N‑COUNT □ …fires started by careless picnickers.
3 PHRASE If you say that an experience, task, or activity is no picnic , you mean that it is quite difficult or unpleasant. [INFORMAL ] □ Emigrating is no picnic.
pic|to|gram /p I ktəgræm/ (pictograms ) or pictograph /p I ktəgrɑːf, -græf/ N‑COUNT A pictogram is a simple drawing that represents something. Pictograms were used as the earliest form of writing. □ [+ of ] …a pictogram of a pine tree.
pic|to|rial /p I ktɔː riəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pictorial means using or relating to pictures. □ …a pictorial history of the Special Air Service. ● pic|to|ri|al|ly ADV □ Each section is explained pictorially.
pic|ture ◆◆◇ /p I ktʃə r / (pictures , picturing , pictured )
1 N‑COUNT A picture consists of lines and shapes which are drawn, painted, or printed on a surface and show a person, thing, or scene. □ [+ of ] A picture of Rory O'Moore hangs in the dining room at Kildangan.
2 N‑COUNT A picture is a photograph. □ [+ of ] The tourists have nothing to do but take pictures of each other.
3 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Television pictures are the scenes which you see on a television screen. □ [+ of ] …heartrending television pictures of human suffering.
4 VERB [usu passive] To be pictured somewhere, for example in a newspaper or magazine, means to appear in a photograph or picture. □ [be V -ed] The golfer is pictured on many of the front pages, kissing his trophy as he holds it aloft. □ [be V -ed v-ing] …a woman who claimed she had been pictured dancing with a celebrity in Stringfellows nightclub. □ [V -ed] The rattan and wrought-iron chair pictured here costs £125.
5 N‑COUNT You can refer to a film as a picture . □ …a director of epic action pictures.
6 N‑PLURAL If you go to the pictures , you go to a cinema to see a film. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ] □ We're going to the pictures tonight. in AM, use the movies 7 N‑COUNT If you have a picture of something in your mind, you have a clear idea or memory of it in your mind as if you were actually seeing it. □ [+ of ] We are just trying to get our picture of the whole afternoon straight.
8 VERB If you picture something in your mind, you think of it and have such a clear memory or idea of it that you seem to be able to see it. □ [V n prep] He pictured her with long black braided hair. □ [V n v-ing] He pictured Claire sitting out in the car, waiting for him. □ [V n] I tried to picture the place, but could not. [Also V n adj]
9 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A picture of something is a description of it or an indication of what it is like. □ [+ of ] I'll try and give you a better picture of what the boys do.
10 N‑SING When you refer to the picture in a particular place, you are referring to the situation there. □ It's a similar picture across the border in Ethiopia.
11 PHRASE If you get the picture , you understand the situation, especially one which someone is describing to you. □ Luke never tells you the whole story, but you always get the picture.
12 PHRASE If you say that someone is in the picture , you mean that they are involved in the situation that you are talking about. If you say that they are out of the picture , you mean that they are not involved in the situation. □ Meyerson is back in the picture after disappearing in July.
13 PHRASE You use picture to describe what someone looks like. For example, if you say that someone is a picture of health or the picture of misery , you mean that they look extremely healthy or extremely miserable. □ [+ of ] We found her standing on a chair, the picture of terror, screaming hysterically.
14 PHRASE If you put someone in the picture , you tell them about a situation which they need to know about. □ Has Inspector Fayard put you in the picture?
pi c|ture book (picture books ) also picture-book N‑COUNT A picture book is a book with a lot of pictures and not much writing. Many picture books are intended for children.
pi c|ture li |brary (picture libraries ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A picture library is a collection of photographs that is held by a particular company or organization. Newspapers or publishers can pay to use the photographs in their publications.
pi c|ture mes|sag|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Picture messaging is the sending of photographs or pictures from one mobile phone to another. □ …picture messaging on camera phones. □ …a picture messaging service.
pi c|ture po st|card (picture postcards ) The spelling picture-postcard is also used for meaning 2 . 1 N‑COUNT A picture postcard is a postcard with a photograph of a place on it. People often buy picture postcards of places they visit when on holiday.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use picture postcard to describe a place that is very attractive. □ …picture-postcard Normandy villages.
pi c|ture rail (picture rails ) also picture-rail N‑COUNT A picture rail is a continuous narrow piece of wood which is fixed round a room just below the ceiling. Pictures can be hung from it using string and hooks. [mainly BRIT ]
pi c|ture show (picture shows ) N‑COUNT A picture show is a film shown at a cinema. [AM , OLD-FASHIONED ]
pic|tur|esque /p I ktʃəre sk/
1 ADJ A picturesque place is attractive and interesting, and has no ugly modern buildings. □ Alte, in the hills northwest of Loule, is the Algarve's most picturesque village. ● N‑SING You can refer to picturesque things as the picturesque . □ …lovers of the picturesque. ● pic|tur|esque|ly ADV □ …the shanty-towns perched picturesquely on the hillsides.
2 ADJ Picturesque words and expressions are unusual or poetic. □ Every inn had a picturesque name–the Black Locust Inn, the Blueberry Inn. ● pic|tur|esque|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The historian Yakut described it picturesquely as a 'mother of castles'.
pi c|ture win|dow (picture windows ) N‑COUNT A picture window is a window containing one large sheet of glass, so that people have a good view of what is outside.
pid|dle /p I d ə l/ (piddles , piddling , piddled ) VERB To piddle means to urinate. [INFORMAL ]
pid|dling /p I dəl I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Piddling means small or unimportant. [INFORMAL ] □ …arguing over piddling amounts of money.
pidg|in /p I dʒ I n/ (pidgins )
1 N‑VAR Pidgin is a simple form of a language which speakers of a different language use to communicate. Pidgin is not anyone's first language. □ He's at ease speaking pidgin with the factory workers and guys on the docks.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone is speaking their own language simply or another language badly and is trying to communicate, you can say that they are speaking, for example, pidgin English or pidgin Italian. □ The restaurant owner could only speak pidgin English.
pie /pa I / (pies )
1 N‑VAR A pie consists of meat, vegetables, or fruit baked in pastry. □ …a chicken pie. □ …apple pie and custard.
2 → see also cottage pie , shepherd's pie
3 PHRASE If you describe an idea, plan, or promise of something good as pie in the sky , you mean that you think that it is very unlikely to happen. □ The true regeneration of devastated Docklands seemed like pie in the sky.
4 to eat humble pie → see humble
pie|bald /pa I bɔːld/ ADJ A piebald animal has patches of black and white on it. □ …a piebald pony.
piece ◆◆◇ /piː s/ (pieces , piecing , pieced )
1 N‑COUNT A piece of something is an amount of it that has been broken off, torn off, or cut off. □ [+ of ] …a piece of cake. □ [+ of ] …a few words scrawled on a piece of paper. □ Cut the ham into pieces. □ Do you want another piece?
2 N‑COUNT A piece of an object is one of the individual parts or sections which it is made of, especially a part that can be removed. □ The equipment was taken down the shaft in pieces.
3 N‑COUNT A piece of land is an area of land. □ [+ of ] People struggle to get the best piece of land.
4 N‑COUNT You can use piece of with many uncount nouns to refer to an individual thing of a particular kind. For example, you can refer to some advice as a piece of advice . □ [+ of ] When I produced this piece of work, my lecturers were very critical. □ [+ of ] …an interesting piece of information. □ [+ of ] …a sturdy piece of furniture.
5 N‑COUNT You can refer to an article in a newspaper or magazine, some music written by someone, a broadcast, or a play as a piece . □ [+ on ] I disagreed with Andrew Russell over his piece on British Rail.
6 N‑COUNT You can refer to a work of art as a piece . [FORMAL ] □ Each piece is unique, an exquisite painting of a real person, done on ivory.
7 N‑COUNT You can refer to specific coins as pieces . For example, a 10p piece is a coin that is worth 10p.
8 N‑COUNT The pieces which you use when you play a board game such as chess are the specially made objects which you move around on the board.
9 QUANT A piece of something is part of it or a share of it. [AM ] □ [+ of ] They got a small piece of the net profits and a screen credit.
10 → see also museum piece , party piece , set piece
11 PHRASE If you give someone a piece of your mind , you tell them very clearly that you think they have behaved badly. [INFORMAL ] □ How very thoughtless. I'll give him a piece of my mind.
12 PHRASE If something with several different parts is all of a piece , each part is consistent with the others. If one thing is of a piece with another, it is consistent with it. □ At its peak in the Thirties, Underground design and architecture was all of a piece.
13 PHRASE If someone or something is still in one piece after a dangerous journey or experience, they are safe and not damaged or hurt. □ …providing that my brother gets back alive and in one piece from his mission.
14 PHRASE You use to pieces in expressions such as 'smash to pieces', and mainly in British English 'fall to pieces' or 'take something to pieces', when you are describing how something is broken or comes apart so that it is in separate pieces. □ If the shell had hit the boat, it would have blown it to pieces. □ Do you wear your old clothes until they fall to pieces?
15 PHRASE If you go to pieces , you are so upset or nervous that you lose control of yourself and cannot do what you should do. [INFORMAL ] □ She's a strong woman, but she nearly went to pieces when Arnie died.
16 a piece of the action → see action
17 bits and pieces → see bit
18 a piece of cake → see cake
19 pick up the pieces → see pick
▸ piece together
1 PHRASAL VERB If you piece together the truth about something, you gradually discover it. □ [V P n] They've pieced together his movements for the last few days before his death. □ [V P wh] In the following days, Francis was able to piece together what had happened. □ [V n P ] Frank was beginning to piece things together.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you piece something together , you gradually make it by joining several things or parts together. □ [V P n] This process is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. [Also V n P ]
-piece /-piːs/ COMB [ADJ n] -piece combines with numbers to form adjectives indicating that something consists of a particular number of items. □ …his well-cut three-piece suit. □ …a hundred-piece dinner service.
pièce de ré|sis|tance /pie s də re I z I stɒns, [AM ] -z I stɑː ns/ N‑SING The pièce de résistance of a collection or series of things is the most impressive thing in it. [FORMAL ] □ The pièce de résistance, however, was a gold evening gown.
piece|meal /piː smiːl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe a change or process as piecemeal , you disapprove of it because it happens gradually, usually at irregular intervals, and is probably not satisfactory. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …piecemeal changes to the constitution. ● ADV [ADV after v] Piecemeal is also an adverb. □ The government plans to sell the railways piecemeal to the private sector.
piece|work /piː swɜː r k/ also piece-work N‑UNCOUNT If you do piecework , you are paid according to the amount of work that you do rather than the length of time that you work. □ All my men are on piece-work. □ The tobacco workers were paid on a piecework basis.
pie chart (pie charts ) N‑COUNT A pie chart is a circle divided into sections to show the relative proportions of a set of things.
pied-à-terre /pie I d ɑː teə r / (pieds-à-terre ) N‑COUNT A pied-à-terre is a small house or flat, especially in a town, which you own or rent but only use occasionally.
pier /p I ə r / (piers ) N‑COUNT [oft in names] A pier is a platform sticking out into water, usually the sea, which people walk along or use when getting onto or off boats. □ …Brighton Pier.
pierce /p I ə r s/ (pierces , piercing , pierced )
1 VERB If a sharp object pierces something, or if you pierce something with a sharp object, the object goes into it and makes a hole in it. □ [V n] One bullet pierced the left side of his chest. □ [V n] Pierce the skin of the potato with a fork.
2 VERB If you have your ears or some other part of your body pierced , you have a small hole made through them so that you can wear a piece of jewellery in them. □ [have n V -ed] I'm having my ears pierced on Saturday. □ [V -ed] …her pierced ears with their tiny gold studs. [Also V n]
pierc|ing /p I ə r s I ŋ/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A piercing sound or voice is high-pitched and very sharp and clear in an unpleasant way. □ A piercing scream split the air. □ …a piercing whistle. ● pierc|ing|ly ADV □ She screamed again, piercingly.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If someone has piercing eyes or a piercing stare, they seem to look at you very intensely. [WRITTEN ] □ …his sandy blond hair and piercing blue eyes. ● pierc|ing|ly ADV □ Ben looked at him piercingly.
3 ADJ A piercing wind makes you feel very cold.
pi|eties /pa I I tiz/ N‑PLURAL You refer to statements about what is morally right as pieties when you think they are insincere or unrealistic. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ about ] …politicians who constantly intone pieties about respect for the rule of law.
pi|ety /pa I I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Piety is strong religious belief, or behaviour that is religious or morally correct.
pif|fle /p I f ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe what someone says as piffle , you think that it is nonsense. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He talks such a load of piffle.
pif|fling /p I fəl I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as piffling , you are critical of it because it is very small or unimportant. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …some piffling dispute regarding visiting rights.
pig /p I g/ (pigs , pigging , pigged )
1 N‑COUNT A pig is a pink or black animal with short legs and not much hair on its skin. Pigs are often kept on farms for their meat, which is called pork, ham, bacon, or gammon. □ …the grunting of the pigs. □ …a pig farmer.
2 → see also guinea pig
3 N‑COUNT If you call someone a pig , you think that they are unpleasant in some way, especially that they are greedy or unkind. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
4 VERB If you say that people are pigging themselves , you are criticizing them for eating a very large amount at one meal. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V pron-refl] After pigging herself on ice cream she went upstairs.
5 PHRASE If you say ' pigs might fly ' after someone has said that something might happen, you are emphasizing that you think it is very unlikely. [HUMOROUS , INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ 'There's a chance he won't get involved in this, of course.'—'And pigs might fly.'
6 PHRASE If you say that someone is making a pig of themselves , you are criticizing them for eating a very large amount at one meal. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ I'm afraid I made a pig of myself at dinner.
▸ pig out PHRASAL VERB If you say that people are pigging out , you are criticizing them for eating a very large amount at one meal. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P ] I stopped pigging out on chips and crisps.
pi|geon /p I dʒ I n/ (pigeons )
1 N‑COUNT A pigeon is a bird, usually grey in colour, which has a fat body. Pigeons often live in towns.
2 → see also clay pigeon , homing pigeon
3 to put the cat among the pigeons → see cat
pi geon-hole (pigeon-holes , pigeon-holing , pigeon-holed ) also pigeonhole
1 N‑COUNT A pigeon-hole is one of the sections in a frame on a wall where letters and messages can be left for someone, or one of the sections in a writing desk where you can keep documents.
2 VERB To pigeon-hole someone or something means to decide that they belong to a particular class or category, often without considering all their qualities or characteristics. □ [V n] He felt they had pigeonholed him. □ [be V -ed + as ] I don't want to be pigeonholed as a kids' presenter.
pi geon-toe d ADJ Someone who is pigeon-toed walks with their toes pointing slightly inwards.
pig|gery /p I gəri/ (piggeries ) N‑COUNT A piggery is a farm or building where pigs are kept. [mainly BRIT ]
pig|gy /p I gi/ (piggies )
1 N‑COUNT A piggy is a child's word for a pig or a piglet.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone has piggy eyes, their eyes are small and unattractive.
piggy|back /p I gibæk/ (piggybacks , piggybacking , piggybacked ) also piggy-back
1 N‑COUNT If you give someone a piggyback , you carry them high on your back, supporting them under their knees. □ They give each other piggy-back rides. ● ADV [ADV after v] Piggyback is also an adverb. □ My father carried me up the hill, piggyback.
2 VERB If you piggyback on something that someone else has thought of or done, you use it to your advantage. □ [V + on ] I was just piggybacking on Stokes's idea. □ [V + onto ] They are piggybacking onto developed technology. [Also V ]
pi g|gy bank (piggy banks ) also piggybank N‑COUNT A piggy bank is a small container shaped like a pig, with a narrow hole in the top through which to put coins. Children often use piggy banks to save money.
pi ggy-in-the-mi ddle also pig-in-the-middle
1 N‑UNCOUNT Piggy-in-the-middle or pig-in-the-middle is a game in which two children throw a ball to each other and a child standing between them tries to catch it. [BRIT ]
2 N‑SING If someone is piggy-in-the-middle or pig-in-the-middle , they are unwillingly involved in a dispute between two people or groups. [BRIT ]
pi g-hea ded also pigheaded ADJ If you describe someone as pig-headed , you are critical of them because they refuse to change their mind about things, and you think they are unreasonable. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ She, in her pig-headed way, insists that she is right and that everyone else is wrong. ● pig-headedness N‑UNCOUNT □ I am not sure whether this was courage or pig-headedness.
pig|let /p I glət/ (piglets ) N‑COUNT A piglet is a young pig.
pig|ment /p I gmənt/ (pigments ) N‑VAR A pigment is a substance that gives something a particular colour. [FORMAL ] □ The Romans used natural pigments on their fabrics and walls.
pig|men|ta|tion /p I gmente I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The pigmentation of a person's or animal's skin is its natural colouring. [FORMAL ] □ [+ in/of ] I have a skin disorder, it destroys the pigmentation in my skin.
pig|ment|ed /p I gme nt I d/ ADJ Pigmented skin has a lot of natural colouring. [FORMAL ]
pig|my /p I gmi/ → see pygmy
pig|pen /p I gpen/ (pigpens ) also pig pen N‑COUNT A pigpen is an enclosed place where pigs are kept on a farm. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, use pigsty
pig|skin /p I gsk I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pigskin is leather made from the skin of a pig.
pig|sty /p I gsta I / (pigsties ) also pig sty
1 N‑COUNT A pigsty is an enclosed place where pigs are kept on a farm. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use pigpen 2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe a room or a house as a pigsty , you are criticizing the fact that it is very dirty and untidy. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The office is a pigsty.
pig|swill /p I gsw I l/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Pigswill is waste food that is fed to pigs.
2 N‑UNCOUNT If you describe food as pigswill , you are criticizing it because it is of very poor quality. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
pig|tail /p I gte I l/ (pigtails ) N‑COUNT If someone has a pigtail or pigtails , their hair is plaited or braided into one or two lengths. □ …a little girl with pigtails.
pike /pa I k/ (pikes ) The form pike is often used as the plural for meaning 1 . 1 N‑VAR A pike is a large fish that lives in rivers and lakes and eats other fish. ● N‑UNCOUNT Pike is this fish eaten as food.
2 N‑COUNT In former times, a pike was a weapon consisting of a pointed blade on the end of a long pole.
3 PHRASE When something comes down the pike , it happens or occurs. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ There have been threats to veto any legislation that comes down the pike.
pil|af /p I læf, [AM ] p I lɑː f/ (pilafs ) also pilaff N‑VAR Pilaf is the same as pilau .
pi|las|ter /p I lɑː stə r / (pilasters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pilasters are shallow decorative pillars attached to a wall.
Pi|la|tes /p I lɑː tiz/ N‑UNCOUNT Pilates is a type of exercise that is similar to yoga. □ She'd never done Pilates before.
pi|lau /piː laʊ, [AM ] p I loʊ / (pilaus ) N‑VAR Pilau or pilau rice is rice flavoured with spices, often mixed with pieces of meat or fish.
pil|chard /p I ltʃə r d/ (pilchards ) N‑COUNT Pilchards are small fish that live in the sea. Pilchards can be eaten as food. □ …tinned pilchards.
pile ◆◇◇ /pa I l/ (piles , piling , piled )
1 N‑COUNT A pile of things is a mass of them that is high in the middle and has sloping sides. □ [+ of ] …a pile of sand. □ The leaves had been swept into huge piles.
2 N‑COUNT A pile of things is a quantity of things that have been put neatly somewhere so that each thing is on top of the one below. □ [+ of ] …a pile of boxes. □ The clothes were folded in a neat pile.
3 VERB If you pile things somewhere, you put them there so that they form a pile. □ [V n adv/prep] He was piling clothes into the suitcase. □ [be V -ed adv/prep] A few newspapers and magazines were piled on a table.
4 VERB [usu passive] If something is piled with things, it is covered or filled with piles of things. □ [be V -ed + with ] Tables were piled high with local produce.
5 QUANT If you talk about a pile of something or piles of something, you mean a large amount of it. [INFORMAL ] □ …a whole pile of disasters.
6 VERB If a group of people pile into or out of a vehicle, they all get into it or out of it in a disorganized way. □ [V + into/out of ] They all piled into Jerrold's car. □ [V in/out ] A fleet of police cars suddenly arrived. Dozens of officers piled out.
7 N‑COUNT You can refer to a large impressive building as a pile , especially when it is the home of a rich important person. □ …some stately pile in the country.
8 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Piles are wooden, concrete, or metal posts which are pushed into the ground and on which buildings or bridges are built. Piles are often used in very wet areas so that the buildings do not flood. □ …settlements of wooden houses, set on piles along the shore.
9 N‑PLURAL Piles are painful swellings that can appear in the veins inside a person's anus.
10 N‑SING The pile of a carpet or of a fabric such as velvet is its soft surface. It consists of a lot of little threads standing on end. □ …the carpet's thick pile.
11 PHRASE Someone who is at the bottom of the pile is low down in society or low down in an organization. Someone who is at the top of the pile is high up in society or high up in an organization. [INFORMAL ]
▸ pile up
1 PHRASAL VERB If you pile up a quantity of things or if they pile up , they gradually form a pile. □ [V P n] Bulldozers piled up huge mounds of dirt. □ [V P ] Mail was still piling up at the office.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you pile up work, problems, or losses or if they pile up , you get more and more of them. □ [V P ] Problems were piling up at work. □ [V P n] He piled up huge debts. SYNONYMS pile NOUN 1
heap: …a heap of bricks.
stack: There were stacks of books on the bedside table and floor.
mound: The bulldozers piled up huge mounds of dirt.
pi le-up (pile-ups ) in AM, use pileup N‑COUNT A pile-up is a road accident in which a lot of vehicles crash into each other. □ …a 54-car pile-up.
pil|fer /p I lfə r / (pilfers , pilfering , pilfered ) VERB If someone pilfers , they steal things, usually small cheap things. □ [V ] Staff were pilfering behind the bar. □ [V n] When food stores close, they go to work, pilfering food for resale on the black market. ● pil|fer|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Precautions had to be taken to prevent pilfering.
pil|grim /p I lgr I m/ (pilgrims ) N‑COUNT Pilgrims are people who make a journey to a holy place for a religious reason.
pil|grim|age /p I lgr I m I dʒ/ (pilgrimages )
1 N‑COUNT If you make a pilgrimage to a holy place, you go there for a religious reason. □ [+ to ] …the pilgrimage to Mecca.
2 N‑COUNT A pilgrimage is a journey that someone makes to a place that is very important to them. □ [+ to ] …a private pilgrimage to family graves.
pil|ing /pa I l I ŋ/ (pilings ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pilings are wooden, concrete, or metal posts which are pushed into the ground and on which buildings or bridges are built. Pilings are often used in very wet areas so that the buildings do not flood. □ …bridges set on stone pilings.
pill ◆◇◇ /p I l/ (pills )
1 N‑COUNT Pills are small solid round masses of medicine or vitamins that you swallow without chewing. □ Why do I have to take all these pills? □ …sleeping pills.
2 N‑SING If a woman is on the pill , she takes a special pill that prevents her from becoming pregnant. □ She had been on the pill for three years.
3 PHRASE If a person or group has to accept a failure or an unpleasant piece of news, you can say that it was a bitter pill or a bitter pill to swallow . □ You're too old to be given a job. That's a bitter pill to swallow.
4 PHRASE If someone does something to sweeten the pill or sugar the pill , they do it to make some unpleasant news or an unpleasant measure more acceptable. □ He sweetened the pill by increasing wages, although by slightly less than he raised prices.
pil|lage /p I l I dʒ/ (pillages , pillaging , pillaged ) VERB If a group of people pillage a place, they steal property from it using violent methods. □ [V n] Soldiers went on a rampage, pillaging stores and shooting. □ [V ] …the boldness to pillage and rape. ● N‑UNCOUNT Pillage is also a noun. □ There were no signs of violence or pillage. ● pil|lag|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …pillaging by people looking for something to eat.
pil|lar /p I lə r / (pillars )
1 N‑COUNT A pillar is a tall solid structure, which is usually used to support part of a building. □ …the pillars supporting the roof.
2 N‑COUNT If something is the pillar of a system or agreement, it is the most important part of it or what makes it strong and successful. □ [+ of ] The pillar of her economic policy was keeping tight control over money supply.
3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a pillar of society or as a pillar of the community, you approve of them because they play an important and active part in society or in the community. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ of ] My father had been a pillar of the community.
pi l|lar box (pillar boxes ) also pillar-box N‑COUNT In Britain, a pillar box is a tall red box in the street in which you put letters that you are sending by post. [BRIT ] in AM, use mailbox
pil|lared /p I lə r d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pillared building is a building that is supported by pillars.
pill|box /p I lbɒks/ (pillboxes ) also pill box
1 N‑COUNT A pillbox is a small tin or box in which you can keep pills.
2 N‑COUNT A pillbox is a small building made of concrete and is used to defend a place.
3 N‑COUNT A pillbox or a pillbox hat is a small round hat for a woman.
pil|lion /p I liən/ (pillions )
1 ADV [ADV after v] If someone rides pillion on a motorcycle or bicycle, they sit behind the person who is controlling it. □ She rode pillion on her son's motorbike.
2 N‑COUNT [oft N n] On a motorcycle, the pillion is the seat or part behind the rider. □ As a learner rider you must not carry a pillion passenger.
pil|lock /p I lək/ (pillocks ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a pillock , you are showing that you think they are very stupid. [BRIT , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ The guy you put in charge is a complete pillock.
pil|lo|ry /p I ləri/ (pillories , pillorying , pilloried ) VERB [usu passive] If someone is pilloried , a lot of people, especially journalists, criticize them and make them look stupid. □ [be V -ed] A man has been forced to resign as a result of being pilloried by some of the press.
pil|low /p I loʊ/ (pillows ) N‑COUNT A pillow is a rectangular cushion which you rest your head on when you are in bed.
pillow|case /p I loʊke I s/ (pillowcases ) also pillow case N‑COUNT A pillowcase is a cover for a pillow, which can be removed and washed.
pi l|low slip (pillow slips ) N‑COUNT A pillow slip is the same as a pillowcase .
pi l|low talk N‑UNCOUNT Conversations that people have when they are in bed together can be referred to as pillow talk , especially when they are about secret or private subjects.
pi|lot ◆◇◇ /pa I lət/ (pilots , piloting , piloted )
1 N‑COUNT A pilot is a person who is trained to fly an aircraft. □ He spent seventeen years as an airline pilot. □ …fighter pilots of the British Royal Air Force.
2 N‑COUNT A pilot is a person who steers a ship through a difficult stretch of water, for example the entrance to a harbour.
3 VERB If someone pilots an aircraft or ship, they act as its pilot. □ [V n] He piloted his own plane part of the way to Washington.
4 N‑COUNT [usu N n] A pilot scheme or a pilot project is one which is used to test an idea before deciding whether to introduce it on a larger scale. □ The service is being expanded following the success of a pilot scheme.
5 VERB If a government or organization pilots a programme or a scheme, they test it, before deciding whether to introduce it on a larger scale. □ [V n] The trust is looking for 50 schools to pilot a programme aimed at teenage pupils.
6 VERB If a government minister pilots a new law or bill through parliament, he or she makes sure that it is introduced successfully. □ [V n + through ] His achievement in piloting the Bill through a querulous House of Commons was an outstanding parliamentary feat. [Also V n]
7 N‑COUNT [oft N n] A pilot or a pilot episode is a single television programme that is shown in order to find out whether a particular series of programmes is likely to be popular. □ A pilot episode has been shot and a full series has been ordered.
8 → see also automatic pilot , test pilot
pi |lot light (pilot lights ) N‑COUNT A pilot light is a small gas flame in a cooker, stove, boiler, or fire. It burns all the time and lights the main large flame when the gas is turned fully on.
pi |lot of|fic|er (pilot officers ) N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE A pilot officer is an officer of low rank in the British Royal Air Force.
pi|men|to /p I me ntoʊ/ (pimentos ) N‑VAR A pimento is a small red pepper.
pimp /p I mp/ (pimps , pimping , pimped )
1 N‑COUNT A pimp is a man who gets clients for prostitutes and takes a large part of the money the prostitutes earn.
2 VERB Someone who pimps gets clients for prostitutes and takes a large part of the money the prostitutes earn. □ [V n] He stole, lied, deceived and pimped his way out of poverty. ● pimp|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …corruption, pimping and prostitution.
pim|per|nel /p I mpə r nel/ (pimpernels ) N‑VAR A pimpernel is a small wild plant that usually has red flowers.
pim|ple /p I mp ə l/ (pimples ) N‑COUNT Pimples are small raised spots, especially on the face. □ …spots and pimples. □ His face was covered with pimples.
pim|ply /p I mpli/ ADJ If someone is pimply or has a pimply face, they have a lot of pimples on their face. □ …pimply teenagers. □ …an old man with a pimply nose.
pin ◆◇◇ /p I n/ (pins , pinning , pinned )
1 N‑COUNT Pins are very small thin pointed pieces of metal. They are used in sewing to fasten pieces of material together until they have been sewn. □ …needles and pins.
2 VERB If you pin something on or to something, you attach it with a pin, a drawing pin, or a safety pin. □ [V n prep] They pinned a notice to the door. □ [V n with adv] He had pinned up a map of Finland.
3 VERB If someone pins you to something, they press you against a surface so that you cannot move. □ [V n adv/prep] I pinned him against the wall. □ [V n] She fought at the bulk that pinned her.
4 N‑COUNT A pin is any long narrow piece of metal or wood that is not sharp, especially one that is used to fasten two things together. □ …the 18-inch steel pin holding his left leg together.
5 VERB If someone tries to pin something on you or to pin the blame on you, they say, often unfairly, that you were responsible for something bad or illegal. □ [V n + on ] The trade unions are pinning the blame for the violence on the government.
6 VERB If you pin your hopes on something or pin your faith on something, you hope very much that it will produce the result you want. □ [V n + on ] The Democrats are pinning their hopes on the next election.
7 VERB If someone pins their hair up or pins their hair back, they arrange their hair away from their face using hair pins. □ [V n with adv] Cleanse your face thoroughly and pin back your hair. □ [V n prep] In an effort to look older she has pinned her hair into a bun.
8 N‑COUNT A pin is something worn on your clothing, for example as jewellery, which is fastened with a pointed piece of metal. [AM ] □ …necklaces, bracelets, and pins.
9 → see also drawing pin , pins and needles , rolling pin , safety pin
▸ pin down
1 PHRASAL VERB If you try to pin something down , you try to discover exactly what, where, or when it is. □ [V P n] It has taken until now to pin down its exact location. □ [V n P + to ] I can only pin it down to between 1936 and 1942. □ [V P wh] If we cannot pin down exactly what we are supposed to be managing, how can we manage it? [Also V n P ]
2 PHRASAL VERB If you pin someone down , you force them to make a decision or to tell you what their decision is, when they have been trying to avoid doing this. □ [V n P + to/on ] She couldn't pin him down to a date. □ [V n P ] If you pin people down, they will tell you some puzzling things about stress. [Also V P n (not pron)]
PIN /p I n/ N‑SING [oft N n] Someone's PIN or PIN number is a secret number which they can use, for example, with a bank card to withdraw money from a cash machine or ATM. PIN is an abbreviation for 'personal identification number'.
pina co|la|da /piː nə koʊlɑː də, [AM ] piː njə -/ (pina coladas ) N‑COUNT A pina colada is a drink made from rum, coconut juice, and pineapple juice.
pina|fore /p I nəfɔː r / (pinafores ) N‑COUNT [oft N n] A pinafore or a pinafore dress is a sleeveless dress. It is worn over a blouse or sweater. [mainly BRIT ] in AM, usually use jumper
pin|ball /p I nbɔːl/ N‑UNCOUNT Pinball is a game in which a player presses two buttons on each side of a pinball machine in order to hit a small ball to the top of the machine. The aim of the game is to prevent the ball reaching the bottom of the machine by pressing the buttons.
pi n|ball ma|chine (pinball machines ) N‑COUNT A pinball machine is a games machine on which pinball is played. It consists of a sloping table with objects that a ball hits as it rolls down.
pince-nez /pæ ns ne I / N‑PLURAL [oft a N ] Pince-nez are old-fashioned glasses that consist of two lenses that fit tightly onto the top of your nose and do not have parts that rest on your ears.
pin|cer /p I nsə r / (pincers )
1 N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Pincers consist of two pieces of metal that are hinged in the middle. They are used as a tool for gripping things or for pulling things out. □ His surgical instruments were a knife and a pair of pincers.
2 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The pincers of an animal such as a crab or a lobster are its front claws.
pi n|cer move|ment (pincer movements ) N‑COUNT A pincer movement is an attack by an army or other group in which they attack their enemies in two places at once with the aim of surrounding them. □ They are moving in a pincer movement to cut the republic in two.
pinch /p I ntʃ/ (pinches , pinching , pinched )
1 VERB If you pinch a part of someone's body, you take a piece of their skin between your thumb and first finger and give it a short squeeze. □ [V n] She pinched his arm as hard as she could. □ [V pron-refl] We both kept pinching ourselves to prove that it wasn't all a dream. ● N‑COUNT Pinch is also a noun. □ She gave him a little pinch.
2 N‑COUNT A pinch of an ingredient such as salt is the amount of it that you can hold between your thumb and your first finger. □ [+ of ] Put all the ingredients, including a pinch of salt, into a food processor.
3 to take something with a pinch of salt → see salt
4 VERB To pinch something, especially something of little value, means to steal it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n] …pickpockets who pinched his wallet.
5 PHRASE If you say that something is possible at a pinch , or in American English if you say that something is possible in a pinch , you mean that it would be possible if it was necessary, but it might not be very comfortable or convenient. □ Six people, and more at a pinch, could be seated comfortably at the table.
6 PHRASE If a person or company is feeling the pinch , they do not have as much money as they used to, and so they cannot buy the things they would like to buy. □ Consumers are spending less and traders are feeling the pinch.
pinched /p I ntʃt/ ADJ If someone's face is pinched , it looks thin and pale, usually because they are ill or old. □ Her face was pinched and drawn.
pi nch-hit (pinch-hits , pinch-hitting , pinch-hit ) also pinch hit
1 VERB If you pinch-hit for someone, you do something for them because they are unexpectedly unable to do it. [AM ] □ [V + for ] The staff here can pinch hit for each other when the hotel is busy.
2 VERB In a game of baseball, if you pinch-hit for another player, you hit the ball instead of them. [AM ] □ [V ] Davalillo goes up to pinch-hit. ● pinch-hitter (pinch-hitters ) N‑COUNT □ The pinch-hitter lashed a single to left field.
pin|cushion /p I nkʊʃ ə n/ (pincushions ) also pin-cushion N‑COUNT A pincushion is a very small cushion that you stick pins and needles into so that you can get them easily when you need them.
pine /pa I n/ (pines , pining , pined )
1 N‑VAR A pine tree or a pine is a tall tree which has very thin, sharp leaves and a fresh smell. Pine trees have leaves all year round. □ …high mountains covered in pine trees. ● N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Pine is the wood of this tree. □ …a big pine table.
2 VERB If you pine for someone who has died or gone away, you want them to be with you very much and feel sad because they are not there. □ [V + for ] When the family moved away, Polly pined for them. □ [V ] Make sure your pet won't pine while you're away.
3 VERB If you pine for something, you want it very much, especially when it is unlikely that you will be able to have it. □ [V + for ] I pine for the countryside.
pine|apple /pa I næp ə l/ (pineapples ) N‑VAR A pineapple is a large oval fruit that grows in hot countries. It is sweet, juicy, and yellow inside, and it has a thick brownish skin.
pi ne cone (pine cones ) N‑COUNT A pine cone is one of the brown oval seed cases produced by a pine tree.
pi ne nee|dle (pine needles ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pine needles are very thin, sharp leaves that grow on pine trees.
pi ne nut (pine nuts ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pine nuts are small cream-coloured seeds that grow on pine trees. They can be used in salads and other dishes.
pine|wood /pa I nwʊd/ (pinewoods ) The spelling pine wood is also used for meaning 1 . 1 N‑COUNT A pinewood is a wood which consists mainly of pine trees. □ …the hilly pinewoods of northeast Georgia.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] Pinewood is wood that has come from a pine tree. □ …Italian pinewood furniture.
ping /p I ŋ/ (pings , pinging , pinged ) VERB If a bell or a piece of metal pings , it makes a short, high-pitched noise. □ [V ] The lift bell pinged at the fourth floor. ● N‑COUNT Ping is also a noun. □ …a metallic ping.
pi ng-pong N‑UNCOUNT Ping-pong is the game of table tennis . [INFORMAL ]
pin|head /p I nhed/ (pinheads ) N‑COUNT A pinhead is the small metal or plastic part on the top of a pin. □ It may even be possible to make computers the size of a pinhead one day.
pin|hole /p I nhoʊl/ (pinholes ) N‑COUNT A pinhole is a tiny hole.
pin|ion /p I njən/ (pinions , pinioning , pinioned ) VERB If you are pinioned , someone prevents you from moving or escaping, especially by holding or tying your arms. □ [be V -ed] At nine the next morning Bentley was pinioned, hooded and hanged. [Also V n]
pink ◆◆◇ /p I ŋk/ (pinker , pinkest , pinks )
1 COLOUR Pink is the colour between red and white. □ …pink lipstick. □ …white flowers edged in pink. □ …sweaters in a variety of pinks and blues. ● pink|ish ADJ □ Her nostrils were pinkish, as though she had a cold. ● pink|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ Meat which has been cooked thoroughly shows no traces of pinkness.
2 COLOUR If you go pink , your face turns a slightly redder colour than usual because you are embarrassed or angry, or because you are doing something energetic. □ She went pink again as she remembered her mistake.
3 ADJ Pink is used to refer to things relating to or connected with homosexuals. □ Businesses are now more aware of the importance of the 'pink pound'.
4 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pinks are small plants that people grow in their gardens. They have sweet-smelling pink, white, or red flowers.
pinkie /p I ŋki/ (pinkies ) also pinky N‑COUNT Your pinkie is the smallest finger on your hand. [INFORMAL ] □ He pushes his glasses up his nose with his pinkie.
pinko /p I ŋkoʊ/ (pinkos or pinkoes ) N‑COUNT If you call someone a pinko , you mean that they have left-wing views. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
pinky /p I ŋki/ → see pinkie
pi n mon|ey N‑UNCOUNT Pin money is small amounts of extra money that someone earns or gets in order to buy things that they want but that they do not really need. [INFORMAL ] □ She'd do anything for a bit of pin money.
pin|na|cle /p I n I kəl/ (pinnacles )
1 N‑COUNT A pinnacle is a pointed piece of stone or rock that is high above the ground. □ A walker fell 80ft from a rocky pinnacle.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If someone reaches the pinnacle of their career or the pinnacle of a particular area of life, they are at the highest point of it. □ [+ of ] She was still a screen goddess at the pinnacle of her career.
pin|ny /p I ni/ (pinnies ) N‑COUNT A pinny is an apron . [BRIT , INFORMAL ]
pin|point /p I npɔ I nt/ (pinpoints , pinpointing , pinpointed )
1 VERB If you pinpoint the cause of something, you discover or explain the cause exactly. □ [V n] It was almost impossible to pinpoint the cause of death. □ [V wh] …if you can pinpoint exactly what the anger is about. □ [V n + as ] The commission pinpoints inadequate housing as a basic problem threatening village life.
2 VERB If you pinpoint something or its position, you discover or show exactly where it is. □ [V n] I could pinpoint his precise location on a map. □ [V wh] Computers pinpointed where the shells were coming from.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] If something is placed with pinpoint accuracy, it is placed in exactly the right place or position. □ …the pinpoint accuracy of the bombing campaigns.
pin|prick /p I npr I k/ (pinpricks ) also pin-prick , pin prick N‑COUNT A very small spot of something can be described as a pinprick . □ [+ of ] …a pinprick of light.
pi ns and nee |dles N‑UNCOUNT If you have pins and needles in part of your body, you feel small sharp pains there for a short period of time. It usually happens when that part of your body has been in an uncomfortable position. □ [+ in ] I had pins and needles in the tips of my fingers.
pin|stripe /p I nstra I p/ (pinstripes ) also pin-stripe N‑COUNT [usu N n] Pinstripes are very narrow vertical stripes found on certain types of clothing. Businessmen's suits often have pinstripes. □ He wore an expensive, dark-blue pinstripe suit.
pin|striped /p I nstra I pt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A pinstriped suit is made of cloth that has very narrow vertical stripes.
pint /pa I nt/ (pints )
1 N‑COUNT A pint is a unit of measurement for liquids. In Britain, it is equal to 568 cubic centimetres or one eighth of an imperial gallon. In America, it is equal to 473 cubic centimetres or one eighth of an American gallon. □ [+ of ] …a pint of milk. □ [+ of ] The military requested 6,000 pints of blood from the American Red Cross.
2 N‑COUNT If you go for a pint , you go to the pub to drink a pint of beer or more. [BRIT ]
pi nt-sized ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as pint-sized , you think they are smaller than is normal or smaller than they should be. [INFORMAL ] □ Two pint-sized kids emerged from a doorway.
pi n-up (pin-ups ) also pinup N‑COUNT A pin-up is an attractive man or woman who appears on posters, often wearing very few clothes. □ …pin-up boys.
pio|neer /pa I ən I ə r / (pioneers , pioneering , pioneered )
1 N‑COUNT [N n] Someone who is referred to as a pioneer in a particular area of activity is one of the first people to be involved in it and develop it. □ [+ of/in ] …one of the leading pioneers of British photo journalism.
2 VERB Someone who pioneers a new activity, invention, or process is one of the first people to do it. □ [V n] …Professor Alec Jeffreys, who invented and pioneered DNA tests. □ [V -ed] …the folk-tale writing style pioneered by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. [Also V ]
3 N‑COUNT Pioneers are people who leave their own country or the place where they were living, and go and live in a place that has not been lived in before. □ …abandoned settlements of early European pioneers.
pio|neer|ing /pa I ən I ə r I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Pioneering work or a pioneering individual does something that has not been done before, for example by developing or using new methods or techniques. □ The school has won awards for its pioneering work with the community.
pi|ous /pa I əs/
1 ADJ Someone who is pious is very religious and moral. □ He was brought up by pious female relatives. □ …pious acts of charity. ● pi|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Conti kneeled and crossed himself piously.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] If you describe someone's words as pious , you think that their words are full of good intentions but do not lead to anything useful being done. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ What we need is not manifestos of pious intentions, but real action. ● pi|ous|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ The groups at the conference spoke piously of their fondness for democracy.
pip /p I p/ (pips , pipping , pipped )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Pips are the small hard seeds in a fruit such as an apple, orange, or pear.
2 VERB If someone is pipped to something such as a prize or an award, they are defeated by only a small amount. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [be V -ed prep] O'Sullivan's team were pipped by France, who scored in injury time. □ [V n prep] She pipped Jennifer Lawrence to the part.
3 PHRASE If someone is pipped at the post or pipped to the post they are just beaten in a competition or in a race to achieve something. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ I didn't want us to be pipped to the post.
pipe ◆◇◇ /pa I p/ (pipes , piping , piped )
1 N‑COUNT A pipe is a long, round, hollow object, usually made of metal or plastic, through which a liquid or gas can flow. □ They had accidentally damaged a gas pipe while drilling.
2 N‑COUNT A pipe is an object which is used for smoking tobacco. You put the tobacco into the cup-shaped part at the end of the pipe, light it, and breathe in the smoke through a narrow tube.
3 N‑COUNT A pipe is a simple musical instrument in the shape of a tube with holes in it. You play a pipe by blowing into it while covering and uncovering the holes with your fingers.
4 N‑COUNT An organ pipe is one of the long hollow tubes in which air vibrates and produces a musical note.
5 VERB If liquid or gas is piped somewhere, it is transferred from one place to another through a pipe. □ [be V -ed prep] The heated gas is piped through a coil surrounded by water. □ [V n with adv] The villagers piped in drinking water from the reservoir. □ [V -ed] Most of the houses in the capital don't have piped water.
6 → see also piping , piping hot COLLOCATIONS pipe NOUN 1
noun + pipe : drainage, exhaust, overflow, sewage; gas, water; concrete, copper, lead, metal
adjective + pipe : burst, leaking
verb + pipe : lay, repair, replace
pi pe bomb (pipe bombs ) N‑COUNT A pipe bomb is a small bomb in a narrow tube made by someone such as a terrorist.
pi pe clean|er (pipe cleaners ) N‑COUNT A pipe cleaner is a piece of wire covered with a soft substance which is used to clean a tobacco pipe.
pi ped mu |sic N‑UNCOUNT Piped music is recorded music which is played in some supermarkets, restaurants, and other public places. [BRIT ] in AM, use Muzak
pi pe dream (pipe dreams ) also pipe-dream N‑COUNT A pipe dream is a hope or plan that you have which you know will never really happen. □ You could waste your whole life on a pipe-dream.
pipe|line /pa I pla I n/ (pipelines )
1 N‑COUNT A pipeline is a large pipe which is used for carrying oil or gas over a long distance, often underground. □ Two natural gas pipelines have been laid to replace coal-burning plants.
2 PHRASE If something is in the pipeline , it has already been planned or begun. □ Already in the pipeline is a 2.9 per cent pay increase for teachers.
pip|er /pa I pə r / (pipers )
1 N‑COUNT A piper is a musician who plays the bagpipes.
2 PHRASE If you say ' He who pays the piper ' or ' He who pays the piper calls the tune ', you mean that the person who provides the money for something decides what will be done, or has a right to decide what will be done.
pipe|work /pa I pwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Pipework consists of the pipes that are part of a machine, building, or structure. □ The stainless steel pipework has been constructed, tested and inspected to very high standards.
pip|ing /pa I p I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Piping is metal, plastic, or another substance made in the shape of a pipe or tube. □ …rolls of bright yellow plastic piping.
pi p|ing ho t also piping-hot ADJ Food or water that is piping hot is very hot. □ …large cups of piping-hot coffee.
pi|quant /piː kənt, -kɑːnt/
1 ADJ Food that is piquant has a pleasantly spicy taste. [WRITTEN ] □ …a crisp mixed salad with an unusually piquant dressing. ● pi|quan|cy /piː kənsi/ N‑UNCOUNT □ A little mustard is served on the side to add further piquancy.
2 ADJ Something that is piquant is interesting and exciting. [WRITTEN ] □ There may well have been a piquant novelty about her books when they came out. ● pi|quan|cy N‑UNCOUNT □ Piquancy was added to the situation because Dr Porter was then on the point of marrying Hugh Miller.
pique /piː k/ (piques , piquing , piqued )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Pique is the feeling of annoyance you have when you think someone has not treated you properly. □ [+ at ] Eventually, Mr Green left, although not, as widely believed, out of pique at not becoming chief executive.
2 VERB If something piques your interest or curiosity, it makes you interested or curious. □ [V n] This phenomenon piqued Dr Morris' interest. □ [V -ed] Their curiosity piqued, they stopped writing.
3 PHRASE If someone does something in a fit of pique , they do it suddenly because they are annoyed at being not treated properly. □ Lawrence, in a fit of pique, left the Army and took up a career in the City.
piqued /piː kt/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is piqued , they are offended or annoyed, often by something that is not very important. □ If you end up with the smallest room, it's hard not to be a little piqued. □ [+ by ] She wrinkled her nose, piqued by his total lack of enthusiasm.
pi|ra|cy /pa I rəsi/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Piracy is robbery at sea carried out by pirates. □ Seven of the fishermen have been formally charged with piracy.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the illegal copying of things such as DVDs and computer programs as piracy . □ …protection against piracy of books and films.
pi|ra|nha /p I rɑː nə/ (piranhas or piranha ) N‑COUNT A piranha is a small, fierce fish which is found in South America.
pi|rate /pa I rət/ (pirates , pirating , pirated )
1 N‑COUNT Pirates are sailors who attack other ships and steal property from them. □ In the nineteenth century, pirates roamed the seas.
2 VERB Someone who pirates films, books, files or computer programs copies and sells them when they have no right to do so. □ [V n] He was accused of pirating music, movies and other web material. ● pi|rat|ed ADJ □ They had modified their consoles to play pirated games.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] A pirate version of something is an illegal copy of it. □ Pirate copies can be downloaded easily.
pi |rate ra |dio N‑UNCOUNT Pirate radio is the broadcasting of radio programmes illegally. [BRIT ] □ …a pirate radio station.
pirou|ette /p I rue t/ (pirouettes , pirouetting , pirouetted )
1 N‑COUNT A pirouette is a movement in ballet dancing. The dancer stands on one foot and spins their body round fast.
2 VERB If someone pirouettes , they perform one or more pirouettes. □ [V ] She pirouetted in front of the glass.
Pi|sces /pa I siːz/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Pisces is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is two fish. People who are born approximately between the 19th of February and the 20th of March come under this sign.
2 N‑SING A Pisces is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Pisces.
piss /p I s/ (pisses , pissing , pissed )
1 VERB To piss means to urinate. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]
2 N‑SING If someone has a piss , they urinate. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]
3 N‑UNCOUNT Piss is urine. [INFORMAL , RUDE ]
4 VERB [usu cont] If it is pissing with rain, it is raining very hard. ● PHRASAL VERB Piss down means the same as piss . [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ [V P ] It was pissing down out there.
5 VERB If someone is pissing themselves , or is pissing themselves laughing, they are laughing a lot. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ [V pron-refl] I just pissed myself with laughter.
6 PHRASE If you take the piss out of someone, you tease them and make fun of them. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]
▸ piss around in BRIT, also use piss about 1 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone pisses around or pisses about , you mean they waste a lot of time doing unimportant things. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V P ] Now, let's stop pissing about, shall we?
2 PHRASAL VERB If you say that someone pisses around or pisses about , you mean they behave in a silly, childish way. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ [V P ] We just pissed about, laughing.
▸ piss down → see piss 4
▸ piss off
1 PHRASAL VERB If someone or something pisses you off , they annoy you. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ [V n P ] It pisses me off when they start moaning about going to war. ● pissed off ADJ □ I was really pissed off.
2 PHRASAL VERB If someone tells a person to piss off , they are telling the person in a rude way to go away. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]
pissed /p I st/
1 ADJ Someone who is pissed is drunk. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ He was just lying there completely pissed.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ ] If you say that someone is pissed , you mean that they are annoyed. [AM , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ [+ at ] You know Molly's pissed at you.
pi ss-poo r ADJ If you describe something as piss-poor , you think it is of extremely poor quality. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ …a piss-poor comedy.
pi ss-take (piss-takes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A piss-take is an act of making fun of someone or something. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]
pi ss-up (piss-ups ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If a group of people have a piss-up , they drink a lot of alcohol. [BRIT , INFORMAL , RUDE ]
pis|ta|chio /p I stæ tʃioʊ/ (pistachios ) N‑VAR Pistachios or pistachio nuts are small, green, edible nuts.
piste /piː st/ (pistes ) N‑COUNT A piste is a track of firm snow for skiing on.
pis|tol /p I st ə l/ (pistols ) N‑COUNT A pistol is a small gun.
pis|ton /p I st ə n/ (pistons ) N‑COUNT A piston is a cylinder or metal disc that is part of an engine. Pistons slide up and down inside tubes and cause various parts of the engine to move.
pit ◆◇◇ /p I t/ (pits , pitting , pitted )
1 N‑COUNT A pit is a coal mine. □ It was a better community then when all the pits were working.
2 N‑COUNT A pit is a large hole that is dug in the ground. □ Eric lost his footing and began to slide into the pit.
3 N‑COUNT A gravel pit or clay pit is a very large hole that is left where gravel or clay has been dug from the ground. □ This area of former farmland was worked as a gravel pit until 1964.
4 VERB [usu passive] If two opposing things or people are pitted against one another, they are in conflict. □ [be V -ed + against ] You will be pitted against people who are every bit as good as you are. □ [V -ed] This was one man pitted against the universe.
5 N‑PLURAL [usu pl] In motor racing, the pits are the areas at the side of the track where drivers stop to get more fuel and to repair their cars during races.
6 → see also pit stop
7 N‑PLURAL If you describe something as the pits , you mean that it is extremely bad. [SPOKEN ] □ Mary Ann asked him how dinner had been. 'The pits,' he replied.
8 N‑COUNT A pit is the stone of a fruit or vegetable. [AM ]
9 → see also pitted , fleapit , orchestra pit , sandpit
10 PHRASE If you pit your wits against someone, you compete with them in a test of knowledge or intelligence. □ I'd like to pit my wits against the best.
11 PHRASE If you have a feeling in the pit of your stomach , you have a tight or sick feeling in your stomach, usually because you are afraid or anxious. □ I had a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach.
12 a bottomless pit → see bottomless
pita /piː tə/ (pitas ) → see pitta
pi t bull ter|ri|er (pit bull terriers ) N‑COUNT A pit bull terrier or a pit bull is a very fierce kind of dog. Some people train pit bull terriers to fight other dogs. It is illegal to own one in the UK.
pitch ◆◇◇ /p I tʃ/ (pitches , pitching , pitched )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A pitch is an area of ground that is marked out and used for playing a game such as football, cricket, or hockey. [mainly BRIT ] □ There was a swimming-pool, cricket pitches, and playing fields. □ Their conduct both on and off the pitch was excellent. in AM, usually use field 2 VERB If you pitch something somewhere, you throw it with quite a lot of force, usually aiming it carefully. □ [V n prep] Simon pitched the empty bottle into the lake.
3 VERB To pitch somewhere means to fall forwards suddenly and with a lot of force. □ [V adv] The movement took him by surprise, and he pitched forward. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] I was pitched into the water and swam ashore.
4 VERB If someone is pitched into a new situation, they are suddenly forced into it. □ [be V -ed prep] They were being pitched into a new adventure. □ [V n prep] This could pitch the government into confrontation with the work-force.
5 VERB In the game of baseball or rounders, when you pitch the ball, you throw it to the batter for them to hit it. □ [V n] We passed long, hot afternoons pitching a baseball. [Also V prep] ● pitch|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ His pitching was a legend among major league hitters.
6 N‑UNCOUNT The pitch of a sound is how high or low it is. □ He raised his voice to an even higher pitch.
7 → see also perfect pitch
8 VERB [usu passive] If a sound is pitched at a particular level, it is produced at the level indicated. □ [be V -ed prep/adv] His cry is pitched at a level that makes it impossible to ignore. □ [V -ed] Her voice was well pitched and brisk.
9 → see also high-pitched , low-pitched
10 VERB If something is pitched at a particular level or degree of difficulty, it is set at that level. □ [be V -ed prep] I think the material is pitched at too high a level for our purposes. □ [V n prep] The government has pitched High Street interest rates at a new level.
11 N‑SING If something such as a feeling or a situation rises to a high pitch , it rises to a high level. □ The hysteria reached such a pitch that police were deployed to reassure parents at the school gates.
12 → see also fever pitch
13 VERB If you pitch your tent , or pitch camp , you put up your tent in a place where you are going to stay. □ [V n] He had pitched his tent in the yard. □ [V n] At dusk we pitched camp in the middle of nowhere.
14 VERB If a boat pitches , it moves violently up and down with the movement of the waves when the sea is rough. □ [V ] The ship is pitching and rolling in what looks like about fifteen-foot seas.
15 → see also pitched
16 PHRASE If someone makes a pitch for something, they try to persuade people to do or buy it. □ [+ for ] The President made another pitch for his economic program.
17 → see also sales pitch
▸ pitch for PHRASAL VERB [usu cont] If someone is pitching for something, they are trying to persuade other people to give it to them. □ [V P n] …laws prohibiting the state's accountants from pitching for business.
▸ pitch in PHRASAL VERB If you pitch in , you join in and help with an activity. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P ] The agency says international relief agencies also have pitched in. □ [V P to-inf] The entire company pitched in to help. SYNONYMS pitch NOUN 1
ground: …the city's football ground.
arena: …the largest indoor sports arena in the world.
field: …a football field.
stadium: …a baseball stadium.
pi tch-bla ck ADJ If a place or the night is pitch-black , it is completely dark. □ …a cold pitch-black winter morning.
pi tch-da rk also pitch dark ADJ Pitch-dark means the same as pitch-black . □ It was pitch-dark in the room and I couldn't see a thing.
pitched /p I tʃt/
1 ADJ A pitched roof is one that slopes as opposed to one that is flat. □ …a rather quaint lodge with a steeply pitched roof.
2 → see also high-pitched , low-pitched
pi tched ba t|tle (pitched battles ) N‑COUNT A pitched battle is a very fierce and violent fight involving a large number of people. □ Pitched battles were fought with the police.
pitch|er /p I tʃə r / (pitchers )
1 N‑COUNT A pitcher is a jug. [mainly AM ] □ [+ of ] …a pitcher of iced water.
2 N‑COUNT A pitcher is a large container made of clay. Pitchers are usually round in shape and have a narrow neck and two handles shaped like ears.
3 N‑COUNT In baseball, the pitcher is the person who throws the ball to the batter, who tries to hit it.
pitch|fork /p I tʃfɔː r k/ (pitchforks ) N‑COUNT A pitchfork is a tool with a long handle and two pointed parts that is used on a farm for lifting hay or cut grass.
pi tch in|va|sion (pitch invasions ) N‑COUNT If there is a pitch invasion during or after a football, rugby, or cricket match, fans run on to the pitch. [BRIT ]
pit|eous /p I tiəs/ ADJ Something that is piteous is so sad that you feel great pity for the person involved. [WRITTEN ] □ As they pass by, a piteous wailing is heard.
pit|fall /p I tfɔːl/ (pitfalls ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] The pitfalls involved in a particular activity or situation are the things that may go wrong or may cause problems. □ [+ of ] The pitfalls of working abroad are numerous.
pith /p I θ/ N‑UNCOUNT The pith of an orange, lemon, or similar fruit is the white substance between the skin and the inside of the fruit.
pit|head /p I thed/ (pitheads ) N‑COUNT The pithead at a coal mine is all the buildings and machinery which are above ground. □ Across the river the railway track ran up to the pithead.
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