2 N‑COUNT A scanner is a piece of computer equipment that you use for copying a picture or document onto a computer. [COMPUTING ]
scant /skæ nt/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use scant to indicate that there is very little of something or not as much of something as there should be. □ She began to berate the police for paying scant attention to the theft from her car.
2 ADJ If you describe an amount as scant , you are emphasizing that it is small. [EMPHASIS ] □ This hole was a scant .23 inches in diameter.
scanty /skæ nti/ (scantier , scantiest )
1 ADJ You describe something as scanty when there is less of it than you think there should be. □ So far, what scanty evidence we have points to two suspects.
2 ADJ If someone is wearing scanty clothing, he or she is wearing clothes which are sexually revealing. □ …a model in scanty clothing. ● scanti|ly ADV [ADV -ed/adj] □ …a troupe of scantily-clad dancers.
scape|goat /ske I pgoʊt/ (scapegoats , scapegoating , scapegoated )
1 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is made a scapegoat for something bad that has happened, you mean that people blame them and may punish them for it although it may not be their fault. □ [+ for ] I don't deserve to be made the scapegoat for a couple of bad results.
2 VERB To scapegoat someone means to blame them publicly for something bad that has happened, even though it was not their fault. □ [be V -ed] Ethnic minorities are continually scapegoated for the lack of jobs.
scapu|la /skæ pjʊlə/ (scapulae ) N‑COUNT Your scapula is your shoulder blade. [MEDICAL ]
scar /skɑː r / (scars , scarring , scarred )
1 N‑COUNT A scar is a mark on the skin which is left after a wound has healed. □ [+ on ] He had a scar on his forehead. □ …facial injuries which have left permanent scars.
2 VERB [usu passive] If your skin is scarred , it is badly marked as a result of a wound. □ [be V -ed] He was scarred for life during a pub fight. □ [V -ed] His scarred face crumpled with pleasure.
3 VERB [usu passive] If a surface is scarred , it is damaged and there are ugly marks on it. □ [be V -ed] The arena was scarred by deep muddy ruts. □ [V -ed] …scarred wooden table tops.
4 N‑COUNT If an unpleasant physical or emotional experience leaves a scar on someone, it has a permanent effect on their mind. □ [+ on ] The early years of fear and the hostility left a deep scar on the young boy.
5 VERB If an unpleasant physical or emotional experience scars you, it has a permanent effect on your mind. □ [V n] This is something that's going to scar him forever.
scarce /skeə r s/ (scarcer , scarcest )
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If something is scarce , there is not enough of it. □ Food was scarce and expensive. □ …the allocation of scarce resources.
2 PHRASE If you make yourself scarce , you quickly leave the place you are in, usually in order to avoid a difficult or embarrassing situation. [INFORMAL ] □ It probably would be a good idea if you made yourself scarce.
scarce|ly /skeə r sli/
1 ADV [ADV before v] You use scarcely to emphasize that something is only just true or only just the case. [EMPHASIS ] □ He could scarcely breathe. □ I scarcely knew him. □ He was scarcely more than a boy.
2 ADV [ADV before v] You can use scarcely to say that something is not true or is not the case, in a humorous or critical way. □ It can scarcely be coincidence.
3 ADV [ADV before v] If you say scarcely had one thing happened when something else happened, you mean that the first event was followed immediately by the second. □ Scarcely had they left before soldiers arrived armed with rifles.
scar|city /skeə r s I ti/ (scarcities ) N‑VAR If there is a scarcity of something, there is not enough of it for the people who need it or want it. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …an ever-increasing scarcity of water.
scare /skeə r / (scares , scaring , scared )
1 VERB If something scares you, it frightens or worries you. □ [V n] You're scaring me. □ [V n adj] The prospect of failure scares me rigid. □ [V n to-inf] It scared him to realise how close he had come to losing everything. ● PHRASE If you want to emphasize that something scares you a lot, you can say that it scares the hell out of you or scares the life out of you. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]
2 N‑SING If a sudden unpleasant experience gives you a scare , it frightens you. □ Don't you realize what a scare you've given us all? □ We got a bit of a scare.
3 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A scare is a situation in which many people are afraid or worried because they think something dangerous is happening which will affect them all. □ He's had a prostate cancer scare.
4 N‑COUNT [usu n N ] A bomb scare or a security scare is a situation in which there is believed to be a bomb in a place. □ Despite many recent bomb scares, no one has yet been hurt.
5 → see also scared
▸ scare away → see scare off 1
▸ scare off
1 PHRASAL VERB If you scare off or scare away a person or animal, you frighten them so that they go away. □ [V P n] …an alarm to scare off an attacker. □ [V n P ] …the problem of scaring birds away from airport runways.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you scare someone off , you accidentally make them unwilling to become involved with you. □ [V n P ] I don't think that revealing your past to your boyfriend scared him off. □ [V P n] The new Democratic Party is not likely to scare off voters.
▸ scare up PHRASAL VERB If you scare up something, you provide, produce, or obtain it, often when it is difficult to do so or when you do not have many resources. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] An all-star game might scare up a little interest.
scare|crow /skeə r kroʊ/ (scarecrows ) N‑COUNT A scarecrow is an object in the shape of a person, which is put in a field where crops are growing in order to frighten birds away.
scared /skeə r d/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , ADJ to-inf] If you are scared of someone or something, you are frightened of them. □ [+ of ] I'm certainly not scared of him. □ I was too scared to move. □ Why are you so scared?
2 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ that] If you are scared that something unpleasant might happen, you are nervous and worried because you think that it might happen. □ I was scared that I might be sick. □ [+ of ] He was scared of letting us down.
scare|monger|ing /skeə r mʌŋgər I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT If one person or group accuses another person or group of scaremongering , they accuse them of deliberately spreading worrying stories to try and frighten people. □ The Government yesterday accused Greenpeace of scaremongering.
sca re sto|ry (scare stories ) N‑COUNT A scare story is something that is said or written to make people feel frightened and think that a situation is much more unpleasant or dangerous than it really is. □ He described talk of sackings as scare stories.
scarf /skɑː r f/ (scarfs or scarves ) N‑COUNT A scarf is a piece of cloth that you wear round your neck or head, usually to keep yourself warm. □ He reached up to loosen the scarf around his neck.
scar|let /skɑː r lət/ (scarlets ) COLOUR Something that is scarlet is bright red. □ …her scarlet lipstick.
sca r|let fe |ver N‑UNCOUNT Scarlet fever is an infectious disease which gives you a painful throat, a high temperature, and red spots on your skin.
scarp|er /skɑː r pə r / (scarpers , scarpering , scarpered ) VERB If someone scarpers , they leave a place quickly. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V ] Onlookers called 999 but the group had scarpered by the time cops arrived.
-scarred /-skɑː r d/
1 COMB [ADJ n] -scarred is used after nouns such as 'bullet' and 'fire' to form adjectives which indicate that something has been damaged or marked by the thing mentioned. □ …a bullet-scarred bus. □ …a lightning-scarred tree.
2 COMB [usu ADJ n] -scarred is used after nouns such as 'battle' or 'drug' to form adjectives which indicate that the thing mentioned has had a permanent effect on someone's mind. □ …battle-scarred soldiers.
3 → see also scar
scarves /skɑː r vz/ Scarves is a plural of scarf .
scary /skeə ri/ (scarier , scariest ) ADJ Something that is scary is rather frightening. [INFORMAL ] □ I think prison is going to be a scary thing for Harry. □ [+ about ] There's something very scary about him. ● scari|ly /skeə r I li/ ADV [usu ADV adj] □ …the scarily unstable new world order.
scat /skæ t/ N‑UNCOUNT Scat is a type of jazz singing in which the singer sings sounds rather than complete words.
scath|ing /ske I ð I ŋ/ ADJ If you say that someone is being scathing about something, you mean that they are being very critical of it. □ [+ about ] His report was scathing about all terror groups.
scato|logi|cal /skæ təlɒ dʒ I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as scatological , you mean that it deliberately refers to or represents faeces in some way. [FORMAL ] □ …scatological anecdotes.
scat|ter /skæ tə r / (scatters , scattering , scattered )
1 VERB If you scatter things over an area, you throw or drop them so that they spread all over the area. □ [V n prep/adv] She tore the rose apart and scattered the petals over the grave. □ [V n] He began by scattering seed and putting in plants.
2 VERB If a group of people scatter or if you scatter them, they suddenly separate and move in different directions. □ [V ] After dinner, everyone scattered. □ [V n] The cavalry scattered them and chased them off the field.
3 → see also scattered , scattering
scatter|brained /skæ tə r bre I nd/ also scatter-brained ADJ If you describe someone as scatterbrained , you mean that they often forget things and are unable to organize their thoughts properly.
sca t|ter cush|ion (scatter cushions ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Scatter cushions are small cushions for use on sofas and chairs.
scat|tered /skæ tə r d/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Scattered things are spread over an area in an untidy or irregular way. □ He picked up the scattered toys. □ [+ across/on/over ] The fridge door was open and food was scattered across the floor.
2 ADJ [v-link ADJ with n] If something is scattered with a lot of small things, they are spread all over it. □ [+ with ] Every surface is scattered with photographs.
sca tter|gun /skæ tə r gʌn/ (scatterguns ) also scatter-gun
1 N‑COUNT A scattergun is a gun that fires a lot of small metal balls at the same time. [AM ]
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Scattergun means the same as scattershot . □ They advocated a scattergun approach of posting dozens of letters.
scat|ter|ing /skæ tər I ŋ/ (scatterings ) N‑COUNT A scattering of things or people is a small number of them spread over an area. □ [+ of ] …the scattering of houses east of the village.
scatter|shot /skæ tə r ʃɒt/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scattershot approach or method involves doing something to a lot of things or people in disorganized way, rather than focusing on particular things or people. □ The report condemns America's scattershot approach to training workers.
scat|ty /skæ ti/ ADJ If you describe someone as scatty , you mean that they often forget things or behave in a silly way. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ Her mother is scatty and absent-minded.
scav|enge /skæ v I ndʒ/ (scavenges , scavenging , scavenged ) VERB If people or animals scavenge for things, they collect them by searching among waste or unwanted objects. □ [V + for ] Many are orphans, their parents killed as they scavenged for food. □ [V prep/adv] Children scavenge through garbage. □ [V n] Cruz had to scavenge information from newspapers and journals. [Also V ] ● scav|en|ger (scavengers ) N‑COUNT □ …scavengers such as rats.
sce|nario /s I nɑː rioʊ, [AM ] -ne r-/ (scenarios )
1 N‑COUNT If you talk about a likely or possible scenario , you are talking about the way in which a situation may develop. □ [+ of ] …the nightmare scenario of a divided and irrelevant Royal Family.
2 N‑COUNT The scenario of a film is a piece of writing that gives an outline of the story.
scene ◆◆◇ /siː n/ (scenes )
1 N‑COUNT A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place. □ I found the proposal scene tremendously poignant. □ …the opening scene of 'A Christmas Carol'.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You refer to a place as a scene when you are describing its appearance and indicating what impression it makes on you. □ [+ of ] It's a scene of complete devastation. □ Thick black smoke billowed over the scene.
3 N‑COUNT You can describe an event that you see, or that is broadcast or shown in a picture, as a scene of a particular kind. □ There were emotional scenes as the refugees enjoyed their first breath of freedom. □ [+ of ] Television broadcasters were warned to exercise caution over depicting scenes of violence.
4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The scene of an event is the place where it happened. □ [+ of ] The area has been the scene of fierce fighting for three months. □ Fire and police crews rushed to the scene, but the couple were already dead.
5 N‑SING You can refer to an area of activity as a particular type of scene . □ Sandman is a cult figure on the local music scene.
6 N‑COUNT Paintings and drawings of places are sometimes called scenes . □ …James Lynch's country scenes.
7 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you make a scene , you embarrass people by publicly showing your anger about something. □ I'm sorry I made such a scene.
8 PHRASE If something is done behind the scenes , it is done secretly rather than publicly. □ Behind the scenes he will be working quietly to try to get a deal done.
9 PHRASE If you refer to what happens behind the scenes , you are referring to what happens during the making of a film, play, or radio or television programme. □ It's an exciting opportunity to learn what goes on behind the scenes.
10 PHRASE If you have a change of scene , you go somewhere different after being in a particular place for a long time. □ What you need is a change of scene. Why not go on a cruise?
11 PHRASE If you set the scene for someone, you tell them what they need to know in order to understand what is going to happen or be said next. □ But first to set the scene: I was having a drink with my ex-boyfriend.
12 PHRASE Something that sets the scene for a particular event creates the conditions in which the event is likely to happen. □ Gillespie's goal set the scene for an exciting second half.
13 PHRASE When a person or thing appears on the scene , they come into being or become involved in something. When they disappear from the scene , they are no longer there or are no longer involved. □ He could react rather jealously if another child comes on the scene. COLLOCATIONS scene NOUN
1
noun + scene : action, fight, love, sex; crowd, street
adjective + scene : dramatic, explicit, funny, graphic
verb + scene : film, rehearse, shoot; delete
3
adjective + scene : chaotic, horrific, ugly; angry, emotional, violent
verb + scene : depict, describe
5
noun + scene : art, dance, music, party
adjective + scene : international, literary, political, social
verb + scene : dominate
scen|ery /siː nəri/
1 N‑UNCOUNT The scenery in a country area is the land, water, or plants that you can see around you. □ Sometimes they just drive slowly down the lane enjoying the scenery.
2 N‑UNCOUNT In a theatre, the scenery consists of the structures and painted backgrounds that show where the action in the play takes place.
3 PHRASE If you have a change of scenery , you go somewhere different after being in a particular place for a long time. □ A change of scenery might do you the power of good.
sce|nic /siː n I k/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scenic place has attractive scenery. □ This is an extremely scenic part of America.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scenic route goes through attractive scenery and has nice views. □ It was even marked on the map as a scenic route.
scent /se nt/ (scents , scenting , scented )
1 N‑COUNT The scent of something is the pleasant smell that it has. □ Flowers are chosen for their scent as well as their look.
2 VERB If something scents a place or thing, it makes it smell pleasant. □ [V n] Jasmine flowers scent the air. □ [V n + with ] Scent your drawers and wardrobe with your favourite aromas.
3 N‑VAR Scent is a liquid which women put on their necks and wrists to make themselves smell nice. [BRIT ] □ She dabbed herself with scent. in AM, use perfume 4 N‑VAR The scent of a person or animal is the smell that they leave and that other people sometimes follow when looking for them. □ A police dog picked up the murderer's scent.
5 VERB [no cont] When an animal scents something, it becomes aware of it by smelling it. □ [V n] …dogs which scent the hidden birds.
scent|ed /se nt I d/ ADJ Scented things have a pleasant smell, either naturally or because perfume has been added to them. □ The white flowers are pleasantly scented. □ …scented body lotion.
scep|ter /se ptə r / (scepters ) → see sceptre
scep|tic /ske pt I k/ (sceptics ) in AM, use skeptic N‑COUNT A sceptic is a person who has doubts about things that other people believe. □ But he now has to convince sceptics that he has a serious plan.
scep|ti|cal /ske pt I k ə l/ in AM, use skeptical ADJ If you are sceptical about something, you have doubts about it. □ [+ about ] Other archaeologists are sceptical about his findings. ● scep|ti|cal|ly /ske pt I kli/ ADV [ADV after v] □ I looked at him skeptically, sure he was exaggerating.
scep|ti|cism /ske pt I s I zəm/ in AM, use skepticism N‑UNCOUNT Scepticism is great doubt about whether something is true or useful. □ There is considerable scepticism about climate change.
scep|tre /se ptə r / (sceptres ) in AM, use scepter N‑COUNT A sceptre is an ornamental rod that a king or queen carries on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of his or her power.
sched|ule ◆◆◇ /ʃe djuːl, [AM ] ske dʒuːl/ (schedules , scheduling , scheduled )
1 N‑COUNT A schedule is a plan that gives a list of events or tasks and the times at which each one should happen or be done. □ He has been forced to adjust his schedule. □ We both have such hectic schedules.
2 N‑UNCOUNT You can use schedule to refer to the time or way something is planned to be done. For example, if something is completed on schedule , it is completed at the time planned. □ The jet arrived in Johannesburg two minutes ahead of schedule. □ Everything went according to schedule.
3 VERB [usu passive] If something is scheduled to happen at a particular time, arrangements are made for it to happen at that time. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The space shuttle had been scheduled to blast off at 04:38. □ [be V -ed + for ] A presidential election was scheduled for last December. □ [be V -ed] No new talks are scheduled.
4 N‑COUNT A schedule is a written list of things, for example a list of prices, details, or conditions.
5 N‑COUNT A schedule is a list of all the times when trains, boats, buses, or aircraft are supposed to arrive at or leave a particular place. [mainly AM ] □ …a bus schedule. in BRIT, usually use timetable 6 N‑COUNT In a school or college, a schedule is a diagram that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught. [AM ] in BRIT, usually use timetable SYNONYMS schedule NOUN 1
plan: …a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.
programme: The programme of sell-offs has been implemented by the new chief executive.
agenda: Please find attached the agenda for tomorrow's meeting.
timetable: The timetable was hopelessly optimistic.
sche|ma /skiː mə/ (schemas or schemata /skiː mətə/) N‑COUNT A schema is an outline of a plan or theory. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] …a definite position in the schema of the economic process.
sche|mat|ic /skiːmæ t I k/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A schematic diagram or picture shows something in a simple way. □ This is represented in the schematic diagram below.
scheme ◆◆◇ /skiː m/ (schemes , scheming , schemed )
1 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf, n N ] A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization. [mainly BRIT ] □ …schemes to help combat unemployment. □ …a private pension scheme. in AM, use program 2 N‑COUNT [oft N to-inf] A scheme is someone's plan for achieving something. □ …a quick money-making scheme to get us through the summer. [Also + for ]
3 VERB [oft cont] If you say that people are scheming , you mean that they are making secret plans in order to gain something for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V ] Everyone's always scheming and plotting. □ [V to-inf] The bride's family were scheming to prevent a wedding. □ [V + against ] They claimed that their opponents were scheming against them. □ [V -ing] You're a scheming little devil, aren't you? ● schem|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …their favourite pastimes of scheming and gossiping.
4 → see also colour scheme , pension scheme
5 PHRASE When people talk about the scheme of things or the grand scheme of things , they are referring to the way that everything in the world seems to be organized. □ We realize that we are infinitely small within the scheme of things. SYNONYMS scheme NOUN 1
plan: …a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group.
programme: The programme of sell-offs has been implemented by the new chief executive.
strategy: What should our marketing strategy have achieved?
system: …a flexible and relatively efficient filing system.
schem|er /skiː mə r / (schemers ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a schemer , you mean that they make secret plans in order to get some benefit for themselves. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …office schemers who think of nothing but their own advancement.
scher|zo /skeə r tsoʊ/ (scherzos ) N‑COUNT A scherzo is a short, lively piece of classical music which is usually part of a longer piece of music.
schism /sk I zəm, s I z-/ (schisms ) N‑VAR When there is a schism , a group or organization divides into two groups as a result of differences in thinking and beliefs. [FORMAL ] □ The church seems to be on the brink of schism.
schiz|oid /sk I tsɔ I d/
1 ADJ If you describe someone as schizoid , you mean that they seem to have very different opinions and purposes at different times. [OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a rather schizoid fellow.
2 ADJ Someone who is schizoid suffers from schizophrenia. □ …a schizoid personality.
schizo|phre|nia /sk I tsəfriː niə/ N‑UNCOUNT Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. People who suffer from it are unable to relate their thoughts and feelings to what is happening around them and often withdraw from society.
schizo|phren|ic /sk I tsəfre n I k/ (schizophrenics )
1 N‑COUNT A schizophrenic is a person who is suffering from schizophrenia. □ He was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic. ● ADJ Schizophrenic is also an adjective. □ …a schizophrenic patient. □ …schizophrenic tendencies.
2 ADJ Someone's attitude or behaviour can be described as schizophrenic when they seem to have very different opinions or purposes at different times. □ …the schizophrenic mood of the American public.
schlep /ʃle p/ (schleps , schlepping , schlepped ) also schlepp
1 VERB If you schlep something somewhere, you take it there although this is difficult or inconvenient. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V n adv/prep] You didn't just schlep your guitar around from folk club to folk club.
2 VERB If you schlep somewhere, you go there. [AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V adv/prep] It's too cold to schlepp around looking at property.
3 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a schlep , you mean that they are stupid or clumsy. [AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
schlock /ʃlɒ k/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to films, pop songs, or books as schlock , you mean that they have no artistic or social value. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a showman with a good eye for marketable schlock.
schmaltz /ʃmæ lts, [AM ] ʃmɑː lts/ N‑UNCOUNT If you describe a play, film, or book as schmaltz , you do not like it because it is too sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ]
schmaltzy /ʃmæ ltsi, [AM ] ʃmɑː ltsi/ ADJ If you describe songs, films, or books as schmaltzy , you do not like them because they are too sentimental. [DISAPPROVAL ]
schmooze /ʃmuː z/ (schmoozes , schmoozing , schmoozed ) VERB If you schmooze , you talk casually and socially with someone. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ] □ [V ] …those coffee houses where you can schmooze for hours.
schnapps /ʃnæ ps/ N‑UNCOUNT Schnapps is a strong alcoholic drink made from potatoes. ● N‑SING A schnapps is a glass of schnapps.
schol|ar /skɒ lə r / (scholars ) N‑COUNT A scholar is a person who studies an academic subject and knows a lot about it. [FORMAL ] □ The library attracts thousands of scholars and researchers.
schol|ar|ly /skɒ lə r li/
1 ADJ A scholarly person spends a lot of time studying and knows a lot about academic subjects. □ He was an intellectual, scholarly man.
2 ADJ A scholarly book or article contains a lot of academic information and is intended for academic readers. □ …the more scholarly academic journals.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scholarly matters and activities involve people who do academic research. □ This has been the subject of intense scholarly debate.
schol|ar|ship /skɒ lə r ʃ I p/ (scholarships )
1 N‑COUNT If you get a scholarship to a school or university, your studies are paid for by the school or university or by some other organization. □ [+ to ] He got a scholarship to the Pratt Institute of Art.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Scholarship is serious academic study and the knowledge that is obtained from it. □ I want to take advantage of your lifetime of scholarship.
scho|las|tic /skəlæ st I k/ ADJ [ADJ n] Your scholastic achievement or ability is your academic achievement or ability while you are at school. [FORMAL ] □ …the values which encouraged her scholastic achievement.
school ◆◆◆ /skuː l/ (schools , schooling , schooled )
1 N‑VAR A school is a place where children are educated. You usually refer to this place as school when you are talking about the time that children spend there and the activities that they do there. □ …a boy who was in my class at school. □ Even the good students say homework is what they most dislike about school. □ I took the kids for a picnic in the park after school. □ …a school built in the Sixties. □ …two boys wearing school uniform.
2 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A school is the pupils or staff at a school. □ Deirdre, the whole school's going to hate you.
3 N‑COUNT A privately-run place where a particular skill or subject is taught can be referred to as a school . □ …a riding school and equestrian centre near Chepstow.
4 N‑VAR ; N‑COUNT A university, college, or university department specializing in a particular type of subject can be referred to as a school . □ …a lecturer in the School of Veterinary Medicine. □ Stella, 21, is at art school training to be a fashion designer.
5 N‑UNCOUNT School is used to refer to university or college. [AM ] □ Moving rapidly through school, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Kentucky at age 18.
6 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A particular school of writers, artists, or thinkers is a group of them whose work, opinions, or theories are similar. □ [+ of ] …the Chicago school of economists.
7 N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A school of fish or dolphins is a large group of them moving through water together.
8 VERB If you school someone in something, you train or educate them to have a certain skill, type of behaviour, or way of thinking. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n + in ] Many mothers schooled their daughters in the myth of female inferiority. □ [be V -ed to-inf] He is schooled to spot trouble. [Also V n to-inf]
9 VERB To school a child means to educate him or her. [AM , also BRIT , FORMAL ] □ [V n] She's been schooling her kids herself.
10 VERB If you school a horse, you train it so that it can be ridden in races or competitions. □ [V n] She bought him as a £1,000 colt of six months and schooled him.
11 → see also after-school , approved school , boarding school , church school , convent school , driving school , finishing school , grade school , graduate school , grammar school , high school , infant school , junior school , middle school , night school , nursery school , prep school , pre-school , primary school , private school , public school , schooled , schooling , special school , state school , summer school , Sunday school
schoo l age N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] When a child reaches school age , he or she is old enough to go to school. □ Most of them have young children below school age. ● ADJ [usu ADJ n] School age is also an adjective. □ …families with school-age children.
school|bag /skuː lbæg/ (schoolbags ) also school bag N‑COUNT A schoolbag is a bag that children use to carry books and other things to and from school.
schoo l board (school boards ) N‑COUNT [with sing or pl verb] A school board is a committee in charge of education in a particular city or area, or in a particular school, especially in the United States. [AM ] □ Colonel Richard Nelson served on the school board until this year.
schoo l boo k (school books ) also schoolbook N‑COUNT [usu pl] School books are books giving information about a particular subject, which children use at school.
school|boy /skuː lbɔ I / (schoolboys ) N‑COUNT A schoolboy is a boy who goes to school. □ …a group of ten-year-old schoolboys.
schoo l bus (school buses ) N‑COUNT A school bus is a special bus which takes children to and from school.
school|child /skuː ltʃa I ld/ (schoolchildren ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Schoolchildren are children who go to school. □ Last year I had an audience of schoolchildren and they laughed at everything.
school|days /skuː lde I z/ also school days N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] Your schooldays are the period of your life when you were at school. □ He was happily married to a girl he had known since his schooldays.
schoo l di n|ner (school dinners ) N‑VAR School dinners are midday meals provided for children at a school. [BRIT ] □ Overcooked greens are my most vivid recollection of school dinners. in AM, use school lunch
schooled /skuː ld/
1 ADJ [oft adv ADJ ] If you are schooled in something, you have learned about it as the result of training or experience. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ in ] They were both well schooled in the ways of the Army.
2 → see also school
schoo l friend (school friends ) also schoolfriend N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A school friend is a friend of yours who is at the same school as you, or who used to be at the same school when you were children. □ I spent the evening with an old school friend.
school|girl /skuː lgɜː r l/ (schoolgirls ) N‑COUNT A schoolgirl is a girl who goes to school. □ …half a dozen giggling schoolgirls.
school|house /skuː lhaʊs/ (schoolhouses ) N‑COUNT A schoolhouse is a small building used as a school. [AM ] □ McCreary lives in a converted schoolhouse outside Charlottesville.
school|ing /skuː l I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft with poss] Schooling is education that children receive at school. □ He had little formal schooling.
schoo l kid (school kids ) also schoolkid N‑COUNT [usu pl] School kids are schoolchildren . [INFORMAL ] □ …young school kids in short pants.
schoo l lea v|er (school leavers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] School leavers are young people who have just left school, because they have completed their time there. [BRIT ] □ …the lack of job opportunities, particularly for school leavers. in AM, use high school graduate
schoo l lu nch (school lunches ) N‑VAR School lunches are midday meals provided for children at a school.
school|master /skuː lmɑːstə r , -mæst-/ (schoolmasters ) N‑COUNT A schoolmaster is a man who teaches children in a school. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
school|mate /skuː lme I t/ (schoolmates ) N‑COUNT [oft with poss] A schoolmate is a child who goes to the same school as you, especially one who is your friend. □ He started the magazine with a schoolmate.
school|mistress /skuː lm I strəs/ (schoolmistresses ) N‑COUNT A schoolmistress is a woman who teaches children in a school. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
school|room /skuː lruːm/ (schoolrooms ) N‑COUNT A schoolroom is a classroom, especially the only classroom in a small school.
schoo l run (school runs ) N‑COUNT The school run is the journey that parents make each day when they take their children to school and bring them home from school. [BRIT ] □ …the local café favoured by parents on the school run.
school|teacher /skuː ltiːtʃə r / (schoolteachers ) N‑COUNT A schoolteacher is a teacher in a school.
schoo l teach|ing N‑UNCOUNT School teaching is the work done by teachers in a school. [FORMAL ] □ He returned to school teaching.
school|work /skuː lwɜː r k/ N‑UNCOUNT Schoolwork is the work that a child does at school or is given at school to do at home. □ My mother would help me with my schoolwork.
school|yard /skuː ljɑː r d/ (schoolyards ) also school yard N‑COUNT The schoolyard is the large open area with a hard surface just outside a school building, where the schoolchildren can play and do other activities. □ …the sound of the kids in the schoolyard.
schoon|er /skuː nə r / (schooners )
1 N‑COUNT A schooner is a medium-sized sailing ship.
2 N‑COUNT A schooner is a large glass used for drinking sherry. [BRIT ]
3 N‑COUNT A schooner is a tall glass for beer. [AM ]
schtick /ʃt I k/ (schticks ) also shtick N‑VAR An entertainer's schtick is a series of funny or entertaining things that they say or do. [mainly AM , INFORMAL ]
schwa /ʃwɑː / (schwas ) N‑VAR In the study of language, schwa is the name of the neutral vowel sound represented by the symbol ə in this dictionary.
sci|ati|ca /sa I æ t I kə/ N‑UNCOUNT Sciatica is a severe pain in the nerve in your legs or the lower part of your back. [MEDICAL ]
sci|ence ◆◆◇ /sa I əns/ (sciences )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Science is the study of the nature and behaviour of natural things and the knowledge that we obtain about them. □ The best discoveries in science are very simple. □ …science and technology.
2 N‑COUNT A science is a particular branch of science such as physics, chemistry, or biology. □ Physics is the best example of a science which has developed strong, abstract theories.
3 N‑COUNT A science is the study of some aspect of human behaviour, for example sociology or anthropology. □ …the modern science of psychology.
4 → see also domestic science , exact science , Master of Science , political science , social science
sci |ence fi c|tion N‑UNCOUNT Science fiction consists of stories in books, magazines, and films about events that take place in the future or in other parts of the universe.
sci |ence park (science parks ) N‑COUNT A science park is an area, usually linked to a university, where there are a lot of private companies, especially ones concerned with high technology. [BRIT ]
sci|en|tif|ic ◆◇◇ /sa I ənt I f I k/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scientific is used to describe things that relate to science or to a particular science. □ …federal financing of basic scientific research, especially in the fields of health and national security. □ …the use of animals in scientific experiments. ● sci|en|tifi|cal|ly /sa I ənt I f I kli/ ADV □ …scientifically advanced countries.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you do something in a scientific way, you do it carefully and thoroughly, using experiments or tests. □ It's not a scientific way to test their opinions. ● sci|en|tifi|cal|ly ADV □ Efforts are being made to research it scientifically.
sci|en|tist ◆◆◇ /sa I ənt I st/ (scientists )
1 N‑COUNT A scientist is someone who has studied science and whose job is to teach or do research in science. □ Scientists have collected more data than expected.
2 → see also social scientist
sci-fi /sa I fa I / N‑UNCOUNT Sci-fi is short for science fiction . [INFORMAL ] □ …a sci-fi film.
scimi|tar /s I m I tə r / (scimitars ) N‑COUNT A scimitar is a sword with a curved blade that was used in former times in some Eastern countries.
scin|til|la /s I nt I lə/ QUANT If you say that there is not a scintilla of evidence, hope, or doubt about something, you are emphasizing that there is none at all. [LITERARY , EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] He says there is 'not a scintilla of evidence' to link him to any controversy.
scin|til|lat|ing /s I nt I le I t I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scintillating conversation or performance is very lively and interesting. □ You can hardly expect scintillating conversation from a kid that age.
sci|on /sa I ən/ (scions ) N‑COUNT A scion of a rich or famous family is one of its younger or more recent members. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] Nabokov was the scion of an aristocratic family.
scis|sors /s I zə r z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Scissors are a small cutting tool with two sharp blades that are screwed together. You use scissors for cutting things such as paper and cloth. □ He told me to get some scissors. □ She picked up a pair of scissors from the windowsill.
scle|ro|sis /skləroʊ s I s/
1 N‑UNCOUNT Sclerosis is a medical condition in which a part inside your body becomes hard. [MEDICAL ]
2 → see also multiple sclerosis
scoff /skɒ f/ (scoffs , scoffing , scoffed )
1 VERB If you scoff at something, you speak about it in a way that shows you think it is ridiculous or inadequate. □ [V + at ] At first I scoffed at the notion. □ [V ] You may scoff but I honestly feel I'm being cruel only to be kind.
2 VERB If you scoff food, you eat it quickly and greedily. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n] The pancakes were so good that I scoffed the lot.
scold /skoʊ ld/ (scolds , scolding , scolded ) VERB If you scold someone, you speak angrily to them because they have done something wrong. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] If he finds out, he'll scold me. □ [V n + for ] Later she scolded her daughter for having talked to her father like that. □ [V with quote] 'You should be at school,' he scolded. [Also V ]
sconce /skɒ ns/ (sconces ) N‑COUNT A sconce is a decorated object that holds candles or an electric light, and that is attached to the wall of a room.
scone /skɒ n, skoʊ n/ (scones ) N‑COUNT A scone is a small cake made from flour and fat, usually eaten with butter. [mainly BRIT ]
scoop /skuː p/ (scoops , scooping , scooped )
1 VERB If you scoop a person or thing somewhere, you put your hands or arms under or round them and quickly move them there. □ [V n prep/adv] Michael knelt next to her and scooped her into his arms. [Also V n]
2 VERB If you scoop something from a container, you remove it with something such as a spoon. □ [V n prep/adv] …the sound of a spoon scooping dog food out of a can.
3 N‑COUNT A scoop is an object like a spoon which is used for picking up a quantity of a food such as ice cream or an ingredient such as flour. □ …a small ice-cream scoop.
4 N‑COUNT You can use scoop to refer to an exciting news story which is reported in one newspaper or on one television programme before it appears anywhere else. □ …one of the biggest scoops in the history of newspapers.
5 VERB If a newspaper scoops other newspapers, it succeeds in printing an exciting or important story before they do. □ [V n] All the newspapers really want to do is scoop the opposition.
6 VERB If you scoop a prize or award, you win it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] …films which scooped awards around the world.
▸ scoop up PHRASAL VERB If you scoop something up , you put your hands or arms under it and lift it in a quick movement. □ [V P n] Use both hands to scoop up the leaves. □ [V n P ] He began to scoop his things up frantically.
scoot /skuː t/ (scoots , scooting , scooted ) VERB If you scoot somewhere, you go there very quickly. [INFORMAL ] □ [V prep/adv] Sam said, 'I'm going to hide,' and scooted up the stairs. [Also V ]
scoot|er /skuː tə r / (scooters )
1 N‑COUNT A scooter is a small light motorcycle which has a low seat.
2 N‑COUNT A scooter is a type of child's bicycle which has two wheels joined by a wooden board and a handle on a long pole attached to the front wheel. The child stands on the board with one foot, and uses the other foot to move forwards.
scope /skoʊ p/
1 N‑UNCOUNT [N to-inf] If there is scope for a particular kind of behaviour or activity, people have the opportunity to behave in this way or do that activity. □ [+ for ] He believed in giving his staff scope for initiative. □ Banks had increased scope to develop new financial products.
2 N‑SING The scope of an activity, topic, or piece of work is the whole area which it deals with or includes. □ [+ of ] Mr Dobson promised to widen the organisation's scope of activity.
scorch /skɔː r tʃ/ (scorches , scorching , scorched )
1 VERB To scorch something means to burn it slightly. □ [V n] The bomb scorched the side of the building. ● scorched ADJ □ …scorched black earth.
2 VERB If something scorches or is scorched , it becomes marked or changes colour because it is affected by too much heat or by a chemical. □ [V ] The leaves are inclined to scorch in hot sunshine. □ [V n] If any of the spray goes onto the lawn it will scorch the grass.
sco rched ea rth N‑UNCOUNT [usu N n] A scorched earth policy is the deliberate burning, destruction, and removal by an army of everything that would be useful to an enemy coming into the area. □ He employed a scorched-earth policy, destroying villages and burning crops.
scorch|ing /skɔː r tʃ I ŋ/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scorching or scorching hot weather or temperatures are very hot indeed. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ] □ That race was run in scorching weather.
score ◆◆◇ /skɔː r / (scores , scoring , scored ) In meaning 10 , the plural form is score . 1 VERB In a sport or game, if a player scores a goal or a point, they gain a goal or point. □ [V n] He scored three goals in the first three minutes. □ [V n] England scored 282 in their first innings. □ [V ] Gascoigne almost scored in the opening minute.
2 VERB If you score a particular number or amount, for example as a mark in a test, you achieve that number or amount. □ [V n] Kelly had scored an average of 147 on three separate IQ tests. □ [V adv] Congress as an institution scores low in public opinion polls.
3 N‑COUNT Someone's score in a game or test is a number, for example, a number of points or runs, which shows what they have achieved or what level they have reached. □ [+ of ] The 26-year-old finished ninth with a score of 100.985. □ There was a strong link between parents' numeracy and children's maths scores.
4 N‑COUNT The score in a game is the result of it or the current situation, as indicated by the number of goals, runs, or points obtained by the two teams or players. □ 4-1 was the final score. □ [+ of ] They beat the Giants by a score of 7 to 3.
5 VERB If you score a success, a victory, or a hit, you are successful in what you are doing. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] In recent months, the rebels have scored some significant victories.
6 N‑COUNT The score of a film, play, or similar production is the music which is written or used for it. □ The dance is accompanied by an original score by Henry Torgue.
7 N‑COUNT The score of a piece of music is the written version of it. □ He recognizes enough notation to be able to follow a score.
8 QUANT If you refer to scores of things or people, you are emphasizing that there are very many of them. [WRITTEN , EMPHASIS ] □ [+ of ] Campaigners lit scores of bonfires in ceremonies to mark the anniversary.
9 NUM A score is twenty or approximately twenty. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ of ] A score of countries may be producing or planning to obtain chemical weapons.
10 VERB If you score a surface with something sharp, you cut a line or number of lines in it. □ [V n] Lightly score the surface of the steaks with a knife.
11 PHRASE If you keep score of the number of things that are happening in a certain situation, you count them and record them. □ [+ of ] You can keep score of your baby's movements before birth by recording them on a kick chart.
12 PHRASE If you know the score , you know what the real facts of a situation are and how they affect you, even though you may not like them. [SPOKEN ] □ He knew the score; he knew what he had to do and couldn't do it.
13 PHRASE You can use on that score or on this score to refer to something that has just been mentioned, especially an area of difficulty or concern. □ I became pregnant easily. At least I've had no problems on that score.
14 PHRASE If you score a point over someone, or score points off them, you gain an advantage over them, usually by saying something clever or making a better argument. □ The Prime Minister was trying to score a political point over his rivals. □ The politicians might have to address real issues rather than scoring points off each other.
15 PHRASE If you settle a score or settle an old score with someone, you take revenge on them for something they have done in the past. □ The groups had historic scores to settle with each other.
score|board /skɔː r bɔː r d/ (scoreboards ) N‑COUNT A scoreboard is a large board, for example at a sports ground or stadium, which shows the score in a match or competition. □ The figures flash up on the scoreboard.
score|card /skɔː r kɑː r d/ (scorecards ) also score card
1 N‑COUNT A scorecard is a printed card that tells you who is taking part in a match, and on which officials, players, or people watching can record each player's score.
2 N‑COUNT A scorecard is a system or procedure that is used for checking or testing something. [AM ] □ This commission would keep environmental scorecards on U.N. member nations.
sco re draw (score draws ) N‑COUNT A score draw is the result of a football match in which both teams score at least one goal, and they score the same number of goals. [BRIT ]
score|less /skɔː r ləs/ ADJ In football, baseball, and some other sports, a scoreless game is one in which neither team has scored any goals or points. [JOURNALISM ] □ Norway had held Holland to a scoreless draw in Rotterdam.
score|line /skɔː r la I n/ (scorelines ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] The scoreline of a football, rugby, or tennis match is the score or the final result of it. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ …the excitingly close scoreline of 2-1.
scor|er /skɔː rə r / (scorers )
1 N‑COUNT In football, cricket, and many other sports and games, a scorer is a player who scores a goal, runs, or points. □ …the scorer of 11 goals this season.
2 N‑COUNT A scorer is an official who writes down the score of a game or competition as it is being played.
score|sheet /skɔː r ʃiːt/ also score sheet PHRASE In football, rugby, and some other sports, if a player gets on the scoresheet , he or she scores one or more goals, tries, or points. [BRIT , JOURNALISM ]
scorn /skɔː r n/ (scorns , scorning , scorned )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft with N ] If you treat someone or something with scorn , you show contempt for them. □ Researchers greeted the proposal with scorn. [Also + for ]
2 VERB If you scorn someone or something, you feel or show contempt for them. □ [V n] Several leading officers have quite openly scorned the peace talks.
3 VERB If you scorn something, you refuse to have it or accept it because you think it is not good enough or suitable for you. □ [V n] …people who scorned traditional methods.
4 PHRASE If you pour scorn on someone or something or heap scorn on them, you say that you think they are stupid and worthless. □ It is fashionable these days to pour scorn on those in public life. □ He used to heap scorn on Dr Vazquez's socialist ideas.
scorn|ful /skɔː r nf ə l/ ADJ If you are scornful of someone or something, you show contempt for them. □ [+ of ] He is deeply scornful of politicians. □ …a scornful simile.
Scor|pio /skɔː r pioʊ/ (Scorpios )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Scorpio is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Its symbol is a scorpion. People who are born approximately between the 23rd of October and the 21st of November come under this sign.
2 N‑COUNT A Scorpio is a person whose sign of the zodiac is Scorpio.
scor|pi|on /skɔː r piən/ (scorpions ) N‑COUNT A scorpion is a small creature which looks like a large insect. Scorpions have a long curved tail, and some of them are poisonous.
Scot /skɒ t/ (Scots )
1 N‑COUNT A Scot is a person of Scottish origin.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Scots is a dialect of the English language that is spoken in Scotland. □ There are things you can express in Scots that you can't say in English.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scots means the same as Scottish . □ …his guttural Scots accent.
scotch /skɒ tʃ/ (scotches , scotching , scotched ) VERB If you scotch a rumour, plan, or idea, you put an end to it before it can develop any further. □ [V n] They have scotched rumours that they are planning a special London show.
Scotch /skɒ tʃ/ (Scotches )
1 N‑VAR Scotch or Scotch whisky is whisky made in Scotland. □ …a bottle of Scotch. ● N‑COUNT A Scotch is a glass of Scotch. □ He poured himself a Scotch.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scotch means the same as Scottish . This use is considered incorrect by many people.
Sco tch e gg (Scotch eggs ) N‑COUNT A Scotch egg is a hard-boiled egg that is covered with sausage meat and breadcrumbs, then fried. [mainly BRIT ]
Sco tch-I rish ADJ If someone, especially an American, is Scotch-Irish , they are descended from both Scottish and Irish people, especially from Scottish people who had settled in Northern Ireland. [mainly AM ] ● N‑PLURAL Scotch-Irish is also a noun. □ The first great wave of Scotch-Irish emigration began with the failed harvest of 1717.
Sco tch ta pe N‑UNCOUNT Scotch tape is a clear sticky tape that is sold in rolls and that you use to stick paper or card together or onto a wall. [TRADEMARK ]
sco t-free ADV [ADV after v] If you say that someone got away scot-free , you are emphasizing that they escaped punishment for something that you believe they should have been punished for. [EMPHASIS ] □ Others who were guilty were being allowed to get off scot-free.
Scots|man /skɒ tsmən/ (Scotsmen ) N‑COUNT A Scotsman is a man of Scottish origin.
Scots|woman /skɒ tswʊmən/ (Scotswomen ) N‑COUNT A Scotswoman is a woman of Scottish origin.
Scot|tish /skɒ t I ʃ/ ADJ Scottish means belonging or relating to Scotland, its people, language, or culture.
scoun|drel /skaʊ ndrəl/ (scoundrels ) N‑COUNT If you refer to a man as a scoundrel , you mean that he behaves very badly towards other people, especially by cheating them or deceiving them. [OLD-FASHIONED , DISAPPROVAL ] □ He is a lying scoundrel!
scour /skaʊə r / (scours , scouring , scoured )
1 VERB If you scour something such as a place or a book, you make a thorough search of it to try to find what you are looking for. □ [V n] Rescue crews had scoured an area of 30 square miles. □ [V n + for ] We scoured the telephone directory for clues.
2 VERB If you scour something such as a sink, floor, or pan, you clean its surface by rubbing it hard with something rough. □ [V n] He decided to scour the sink.
scourge /skɜː r dʒ/ (scourges , scourging , scourged )
1 N‑COUNT A scourge is something that causes a lot of trouble or suffering to a group of people. □ [+ of ] Union chiefs demanded more urgent action to stop the scourge of unemployment.
2 VERB If something scourges a place or group of people, it causes great pain and suffering to people. □ [V n] Economic anarchy scourged the post-war world.
scout /skaʊ t/ (scouts , scouting , scouted )
1 N‑COUNT A scout is someone who is sent to an area of countryside to find out the position of an enemy army. □ They sent two men out in front as scouts.
2 VERB If you scout somewhere for something, you go through that area searching for it. □ [V n + for ] I wouldn't have time to scout the area for junk. □ [V + for ] A team of four was sent to scout for a nuclear test site. □ [V n] I have people scouting the hills already.
▸ scout around in BRIT, also use scout round PHRASAL VERB If you scout around or scout round for something, you go to different places looking for it. □ [V P + for ] They scouted around for more fuel. □ [V P ] I scouted round in the bushes.
Scout /skaʊ t/ (Scouts )
1 N‑PROPER [with sing or pl verb] The Scouts is an organization for children and young people which teaches them to be practical, sensible, and helpful.
2 N‑COUNT A Scout is a member of the Scouts. □ …a party of seven Scouts and three leaders on a camping trip.
scout|master /skaʊ tmɑːstə r , -mæs-/ (scoutmasters ) N‑COUNT A scoutmaster is a man who is in charge of a troop of Scouts.
scowl /skaʊ l/ (scowls , scowling , scowled ) VERB When someone scowls , an angry or hostile expression appears on their face. □ [V ] He scowled, and slammed the door behind him. □ [V + at ] She scowled at the two men as they entered the room. ● N‑COUNT Scowl is also a noun. □ Chris met the remark with a scowl.
scrab|ble /skræ b ə l/ (scrabbles , scrabbling , scrabbled )
1 VERB If you scrabble for something, especially something that you cannot see, you move your hands or your feet about quickly and hurriedly in order to find it. □ [V + for ] He grabbed his jacket and scrabbled in his desk drawer for some loose change. □ [V to-inf] I hung there, scrabbling with my feet to find a foothold. ● PHRASAL VERB Scrabble around or scrabble about means the same as scrabble . □ [V P + for ] Alberg scrabbled around for pen and paper. □ [V P ] Gleb scrabbled about in the hay, pulled out a book and opened it.
2 VERB If you say that someone is scrabbling to do something, you mean that they are having difficulty because they are in too much of a hurry, or because the task is almost impossible. □ [V to-inf] The banks are now desperately scrabbling to recover their costs. □ [V + for ] The opportunity had gone. His mind scrabbled for alternatives. ● PHRASAL VERB Scrabble around means the same as scrabble . □ [V P + for ] You get a six-month contract, and then you have to scrabble around for the next job. [Also V P to-inf]
scrag|gly /skræ gli/ (scragglier , scraggliest ) ADJ Scraggly hair or plants are thin and untidy. [mainly AM ] □ …a scraggly mustache.
scrag|gy /skræ gi/ (scraggier , scraggiest ) ADJ If you describe a person or animal as scraggy , you mean that they look unattractive because they are so thin. [mainly BRIT , DISAPPROVAL ] □ …his scraggy neck. □ …a flock of scraggy sheep.
scram|ble /skræ mb ə l/ (scrambles , scrambling , scrambled )
1 VERB If you scramble over rocks or up a hill, you move quickly over them or up it using your hands to help you. □ [V prep/adv] Tourists were scrambling over the rocks looking for the perfect camera angle.
2 VERB If you scramble to a different place or position, you move there in a hurried, awkward way. □ [V prep/adv] Ann threw back the covers and scrambled out of bed.
3 VERB If a number of people scramble for something, they compete energetically with each other for it. □ [V + for ] More than three million fans are expected to scramble for tickets. □ [V to-inf] Business is booming and foreigners are scrambling to invest. ● N‑COUNT [usu sing, N to-inf] Scramble is also a noun. □ …a scramble to get a seat on the early-morning flight.
4 VERB If you scramble eggs, you break them, mix them together and then heat and stir the mixture in a pan. □ [V n] Make the toast and scramble the eggs. ● scram|bled ADJ [usu ADJ n] □ …scrambled eggs on toast.
5 VERB If a device scrambles a radio or telephone message, it interferes with the sound so that the message can only be understood by someone with special equipment. □ [V n] The machine scrambles messages so that the conversations cannot be intercepted.
scram|bler /skræ mblə r / (scramblers ) N‑COUNT A scrambler is an electronic device which alters the sound of a radio or telephone message so that it can only be understood by someone who has special equipment.
scrap /skræ p/ (scraps , scrapping , scrapped )
1 N‑COUNT A scrap of something is a very small piece or amount of it. □ [+ of ] A crumpled scrap of paper was found in her handbag. □ [+ of ] They need every scrap of information they can get.
2 N‑PLURAL Scraps are pieces of unwanted food which are thrown away or given to animals. □ …the scraps from the Sunday dinner table.
3 VERB If you scrap something, you get rid of it or cancel it. [INFORMAL , JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] President Hussein called on all countries in the Middle East to scrap nuclear or chemical weapons.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] Scrap metal or paper is no longer wanted for its original purpose, but may have some other use. □ There's always tons of scrap paper in Dad's office.
5 N‑UNCOUNT Scrap is metal from old or damaged machinery or cars. □ Thousands of tanks, artillery pieces and armored vehicles will be cut up for scrap.
scrap|book /skræ pbʊk/ (scrapbooks ) N‑COUNT A scrapbook is a book with empty pages on which you can stick things such as pictures or newspaper articles in order to keep them.
scrape /skre I p/ (scrapes , scraping , scraped )
1 VERB If you scrape something from a surface, you remove it, especially by pulling a sharp object over the surface. □ [V n with adv] She went round the car scraping the frost off the windows.
2 VERB If something scrapes against something else or if someone or something scrapes something else, it rubs against it, making a noise or causing slight damage. □ [V prep] The only sound is that of knives and forks scraping against china. □ [V n] The car hurtled past us, scraping the wall and screeching to a halt. □ [V -ing] There was a scraping sound as she dragged the heels of her shoes along the pavement.
3 VERB If you scrape a part of your body, you accidentally rub it against something hard and rough, and damage it slightly. □ [V n] She stumbled and fell, scraping her palms and knees.
4 to scrape the barrel → see barrel
▸ scrape by PHRASAL VERB If someone scrapes by , they earn just enough money to live on with difficulty. □ [V P ] We're barely scraping by on my salary.
▸ scrape through PHRASAL VERB If you scrape through an examination, you just succeed in passing it. If you scrape through a competition or a vote, you just succeed in winning it. □ [V P n] Both my brothers have university degrees. I just scraped through a couple of A-levels. □ [V P ] If we can get a draw, we might scrape through.
▸ scrape together PHRASAL VERB If you scrape together an amount of money or a number of things, you succeed in obtaining it with difficulty. □ [V n P ] They only just managed to scrape the money together. □ [V P n] It's possible the Congress Party will scrape together a majority.
scrap|er /skre I pə r / (scrapers ) N‑COUNT A scraper is a tool that has a small handle and a metal or plastic blade and can be used for scraping a particular surface clean.
scrap|heap /skræ phiːp/ also scrap heap
1 N‑SING If you say that someone has been thrown on the scrapheap , you mean that they have been forced to leave their job by an uncaring employer and are unlikely to get other work. □ Miners have been thrown on the scrapheap with no prospects.
2 N‑SING If things such as machines or weapons are thrown on the scrapheap , they are thrown away because they are no longer needed. □ Thousands of Europe's tanks and guns are going to the scrap heap.
scrap|ings /skre I p I ŋz/ N‑PLURAL Scrapings are small amounts or pieces that have been scraped off something. □ There might be scrapings under his fingernails.
scrap|py /skræ pi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as scrappy , you disapprove of it because it seems to be badly planned or untidy. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The final chapter is no more than a scrappy addition.
scrap|yard /skræ pjɑː r d/ (scrapyards ) also scrap yard N‑COUNT A scrapyard is a place where old machines such as cars or ships are destroyed and where useful parts are saved. [BRIT ] in AM, use junkyard
scratch /skræ tʃ/ (scratches , scratching , scratched )
1 VERB If you scratch yourself , you rub your fingernails against your skin because it is itching. □ [V pron-refl] He scratched himself under his arm. □ [V n] The old man lifted his cardigan to scratch his side. □ [V ] I had to wear long sleeves to stop myself scratching.
2 VERB If a sharp object scratches someone or something, it makes small shallow cuts on their skin or surface. □ [V n] The branches tore at my jacket and scratched my hands and face. □ [V n] Knives will scratch the worktop.
3 N‑COUNT Scratches on someone or something are small shallow cuts. □ [+ on/to ] The seven-year-old was found crying with scratches on his face and neck.
4 PHRASE If you do something from scratch , you do it without making use of anything that has been done before. □ Building a home from scratch can be both exciting and challenging.
5 PHRASE If you say that someone is scratching their head , you mean that they are thinking hard and trying to solve a problem or puzzle. □ The Institute spends a lot of time scratching its head about how to boost American productivity.
6 PHRASE If you only scratch the surface of a subject or problem, you find out or do a small amount, but not enough to understand or solve it. □ [+ of ] We have barely begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities of new technology. □ We had only two weeks to tour the country, which was hardly enough time to scratch the surface.
7 PHRASE If you say that someone or something is not up to scratch , you mean that they are not good enough. □ My mother always made me feel I wasn't coming up to scratch.
scra tch card (scratch cards ) also scratchcard N‑COUNT A scratch card is a card with hidden words or symbols on it. You scratch the surface off to reveal the words or symbols and find out if you have won a prize.
scra tch file (scratch files ) N‑COUNT A scratch file is a temporary computer file which you use as a work area or as a store while a program is operating. [COMPUTING ]
scra tch pad (scratch pads ) N‑COUNT A scratch pad is a temporary storage memory in a computer. [COMPUTING ]
scratchy /skræ tʃi/
1 ADJ Scratchy sounds are thin and harsh. □ Listening to the scratchy recording, I recognized Walt Whitman immediately.
2 ADJ Scratchy clothes or fabrics are rough and uncomfortable to wear next to your skin. □ Wool is so scratchy that it irritates the skin.
scrawl /skrɔː l/ (scrawls , scrawling , scrawled )
1 VERB If you scrawl something, you write it in a careless and untidy way. □ [V n] He scrawled a hasty note to his daughter. □ [V with quote] Someone had scrawled 'Scum' on his car. □ [V -ed] …racist graffiti scrawled on school walls. [Also V n]
2 N‑VAR You can refer to writing that looks careless and untidy as a scrawl . □ The letter was handwritten, in a hasty, barely decipherable scrawl.
scrawny /skrɔː ni/ (scrawnier , scrawniest ) ADJ If you describe a person or animal as scrawny , you mean that they look unattractive because they are so thin. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …a scrawny woman with dyed black hair.
scream ◆◇◇ /skriː m/ (screams , screaming , screamed )
1 VERB When someone screams , they make a very loud, high-pitched cry, for example because they are in pain or are very frightened. □ [V ] Women were screaming; some of the houses nearest the bridge were on fire. □ [V + in ] He staggered around the playground, screaming in agony. ● N‑COUNT Scream is also a noun. □ Hilda let out a scream. □ [+ of ] …screams of terror.
2 VERB If you scream something, you shout it in a loud, high-pitched voice. □ [V with quote] 'Brigid!' she screamed. 'Get up!' □ [V n] They started screaming abuse at us.
3 VERB When something makes a loud, high-pitched noise, you can say that it screams . [WRITTEN ] □ [V ] She slammed the car into gear, the tyres screaming as her foot jammed against the accelerator. □ [V prep/adv] As he talked, an airforce jet screamed over the town. ● N‑COUNT Scream is also a noun. □ [+ of ] There was a scream of brakes from the carriageway outside. COLLOCATIONS scream NOUN 1
adjective + scream : blood-curdling, guttural, high-pitched, piercing; muffled VERB 1
noun + scream : audience, crowd, fans; baby
scream + adverb : loudly, hysterically
scream|ing|ly /skriː m I ŋli/ ADV [ADV adj] If you say that something is, for example, screamingly funny or screamingly boring, you mean that it is extremely funny or extremely boring. [EMPHASIS ] □ …a screamingly funny joke.
scree /skriː / (screes ) N‑VAR Scree is a mass of loose stones on the side of a mountain. □ Occasionally scree fell in a shower of dust and noise.
screech /skriː tʃ/ (screeches , screeching , screeched )
1 VERB If a vehicle screeches somewhere or if its tyres screech , its tyres make an unpleasant high-pitched noise on the road. □ [V prep/adv] A black Mercedes screeched to a halt beside the helicopter. □ [V ] The car wheels screeched as they curved and bounced over the rough broken ground.
2 VERB When you screech something, you shout it in a loud, unpleasant, high-pitched voice. □ [V with quote] 'Get me some water, Jeremy!' I screeched. □ [V + at ] …a player who screeches at you on the field. [Also V , V n] ● N‑COUNT Screech is also a noun. □ The figure gave a screech.
3 VERB When a bird, animal, or thing screeches , it makes a loud, unpleasant, high-pitched noise. □ [V + at ] A macaw screeched at him from its perch. ● N‑COUNT Screech is also a noun. □ [+ of ] He heard the screech of brakes.
screen ◆◆◇ /skriː n/ (screens , screening , screened )
1 N‑COUNT A screen is a flat vertical surface on which pictures or words are shown. Television sets and computers have screens, and films are shown on a screen in cinemas.
2 → see also big screen , small screen , widescreen
3 N‑SING [oft on/off N ] You can refer to film or television as the screen . □ Many viewers have strong opinions about violence on the screen. □ She was the ideal American teenager, both on and off screen.
4 VERB When a film or a television programme is screened , it is shown in the cinema or broadcast on television. □ [be V -ed] The series is likely to be screened in January. □ [V n] TV firms were later banned from screening any pictures of the demo. ● screen|ing (screenings ) N‑COUNT □ The film-makers will be present at the screenings to introduce their works.
5 N‑COUNT A screen is a vertical panel which can be moved around. It is used to keep cold air away from part of a room, or to create a smaller area within a room. □ They put a screen in front of me so I couldn't see what was going on.
6 VERB [usu passive] If something is screened by another thing, it is behind it and hidden by it. □ [be V -ed + by ] Most of the road behind the hotel was screened by a block of flats.
7 VERB To screen for a disease means to examine people to make sure that they do not have it. □ [V + for ] …a quick saliva test that would screen for people at risk of tooth decay. [Also V n] ● screen|ing N‑VAR □ [+ for ] Britain has an enviable record on breast screening for cancer.
8 VERB When an organization screens people who apply to join it, it investigates them to make sure that they are not likely to cause problems. □ [V n] They will screen all their candidates. □ [V -ing] …screening procedures for the regiment.
9 VERB To screen people or luggage means to check them using special equipment to make sure they are not carrying a weapon or a bomb. □ [V n] The airline had been screening baggage on X-ray machines.
10 VERB If you screen your phone calls, calls made to you are connected to an answering machine or are answered by someone else, so that you can choose whether or not to speak to the people phoning you. □ [V n] I employ a secretary to screen my calls.
▸ screen out PHRASAL VERB If an organization or country screens out certain people, it keeps them out because it thinks they may cause problems. □ [V P n] The company screened out applicants motivated only by money. SYNONYMS screen VERB 4
broadcast: The concert will be broadcast live on television and radio.
show: The BBC World Service Television news showed the same film clip.
air: Tonight PBS will air a documentary called 'Democracy In Action'.
televise: The Grand Prix will be televised by the BBC.
scree n door (screen doors ) N‑COUNT A screen door is a door made of fine netting which is on the outside of the main door of a house. It is used to keep insects out when the main door is open.
scree n grab (screen grabs ) N‑COUNT A screen grab is an image that you create by capturing and copying part or all of a television or computer display at a particular moment. □ Her manager had taken screen grabs of the tweets before they were deleted.
scree n name (screen names ) N‑COUNT Someone's screen name is a name that they use when communicating with other people on the internet. [COMPUTING ] □ …someone with the screen name of nirvanakcf. [of ]
screen|play /skriː nple I / (screenplays ) N‑COUNT A screenplay is the words to be spoken in a film, and instructions about what will be seen in it.
screen|saver /skriː nse I və r / (screensavers ) also screen saver N‑COUNT A screensaver is a picture which appears or is put on a computer or phone screen when the computer or phone is not used for a while. [COMPUTING ]
screen|shot /skriː nʃɒt/ (screenshots ) N‑COUNT A screenshot is an image that you create by copying part or all of the display on a computer or phone screen at a particular moment. [COMPUTING ]
scree n test (screen tests ) N‑COUNT When a film studio gives an actor a screen test , they film a short scene in order to test how good he or she would be in films.
screen|writer /skriː nra I tə r / (screenwriters ) N‑COUNT A screenwriter is a person who writes screenplays.
screen|writing /skriː nra I t I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Screenwriting is the process of writing screenplays.
screw /skruː / (screws , screwing , screwed )
1 N‑COUNT A screw is a metal object similar to a nail, with a raised spiral line around it. You turn a screw using a screwdriver so that it goes through two things, for example two pieces of wood, and fastens them together. □ Each bracket is fixed to the wall with just three screws.
2 VERB If you screw something somewhere or if it screws somewhere, you fix it in place by means of a screw or screws. □ [V n prep] I had screwed the shelf on the wall myself. □ [V n with adv] Screw down any loose floorboards. □ [V prep/adv] I particularly like the type of shelving that screws to the wall.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] A screw lid or fitting is one that has a raised spiral line on the inside or outside of it, so that it can be fixed in place by twisting. □ …an ordinary jam jar with a screw lid.
4 VERB If you screw something somewhere or if it screws somewhere, you fix it in place by twisting it round and round. □ [V n prep] Kelly screwed the silencer onto the pistol. □ [V n with adv] Screw down the lid fairly tightly. □ [V prep/adv] …several aluminium poles that screw together to give a maximum length of 10 yards.
5 VERB If you screw something such as a piece of paper into a ball, you squeeze it or twist it tightly so that it is in the shape of a ball. [BRIT ] □ [V n + into ] He screwed the paper into a ball and tossed it into the fire. in AM, use crush 6 VERB If you screw your face or your eyes into a particular expression, you tighten the muscles of your face to form that expression, for example because you are in pain or because the light is too bright. □ [V n + into ] He screwed his face into an expression of mock pain.
7 VERB If someone screws someone else or if two people screw , they have sex together. [RUDE ]
8 VERB Some people use screw in expressions such as screw you or screw that to show that they are not concerned about someone or something or that they feel contempt for them. [RUDE , FEELINGS ]
9 VERB [usu passive] If someone says that they have been screwed , they mean that someone else has cheated them, especially by getting money from them dishonestly. [INFORMAL , RUDE ] □ [be V -ed] They haven't given us accurate information. We've been screwed.
10 VERB If someone screws something, especially money, out of you, they get it from you by putting pressure on you. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ [V n + out of ] For decades rich nations have been screwing money out of poor nations.
11 PHRASE If you turn or tighten the screw on someone, you increase the pressure which is already on them, for example by using threats, in order to force them to do a particular thing. □ Parisian taxi drivers are threatening to mount a blockade to turn the screw on the government.
▸ screw up
1 PHRASAL VERB If you screw up your eyes or your face, you tighten your eye or face muscles, for example because you are in pain or because the light is too bright. □ [V P n] She had screwed up her eyes, as if she found the sunshine too bright. □ [V n P ] Close your eyes and screw them up tight. □ [V P ] His face screwed up in agony.
2 PHRASAL VERB If you screw up a piece of paper, you squeeze it tightly so that it becomes very creased and no longer flat, usually when you are throwing it away. [BRIT ] □ [V n P ] He would start writing to his family and would screw the letter up in frustration. □ [V P n] He screwed up his first three efforts after only a line or two. in AM, use crush 3 PHRASAL VERB To screw something up , or to screw up , means to cause something to fail or be spoiled. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] You can't open the window because it screws up the air conditioning. □ [V n P ] Get out. Haven't you screwed things up enough already! □ [V P ] Somebody had screwed up; they weren't there.
screw|ball /skruː bɔːl/ (screwballs )
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Screwball comedy is silly and eccentric in an amusing and harmless way. [INFORMAL ] □ …a remake of a '50s classic screwball comedy.
2 N‑COUNT If you say that someone is a screwball , you mean that they do strange or crazy things. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
screw|driver /skruː dra I və r / (screwdrivers ) N‑COUNT A screwdriver is a tool that is used for turning screws. It consists of a metal rod with a flat or cross-shaped end that fits into the top of the screw.
scre wed u p ADJ If you say that someone is screwed up , you mean that they are very confused or worried, or that they have psychological problems. [INFORMAL ] □ He was really screwed up with his emotional problems.
scre w-top ADJ [ADJ n] A screw-top bottle or jar has a lid that is secured by being twisted on.
scrib|ble /skr I b ə l/ (scribbles , scribbling , scribbled )
1 VERB If you scribble something, you write it quickly and roughly. □ [V n] She scribbled a note to tell Mum she'd gone out. □ [V prep/adv] As I scribbled in my diary the light went out.
2 VERB To scribble means to make meaningless marks or rough drawings using a pencil or pen. □ [V prep/adv] When Caroline was five she scribbled on a wall. [Also V ]
3 N‑VAR Scribble is something that has been written or drawn quickly and roughly. □ I'm sorry what I wrote was such a scribble.
▸ scribble down PHRASAL VERB If you scribble down something, you write it quickly or roughly. □ [V P n] I attempted to scribble down the names. □ [V n P ] He took my name and address, scribbling it down in his notebook.
scrib|bler /skr I bələ r / (scribblers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] People sometimes refer to writers as scribblers when they think they are not very good writers. [mainly JOURNALISM , DISAPPROVAL ]
scribe /skra I b/ (scribes ) N‑COUNT In the days before printing was common, a scribe was a person who wrote copies of things such as letters or documents.
scrimp /skr I mp/ (scrimps , scrimping , scrimped ) VERB If you scrimp on things, you live cheaply and spend as little money as possible. □ [V + on ] Scrimping on safety measures can be a false economy.
scrip /skr I p/ (scrips ) N‑COUNT A scrip is a certificate which shows that an investor owns part of a share or stock. [BUSINESS ] □ The cash or scrip would be offered as part of a pro rata return of capital to shareholders.
script ◆◇◇ /skr I pt/ (scripts , scripting , scripted )
1 N‑COUNT The script of a play, film, or television programme is the written version of it. □ Jenny's writing a film script.
2 VERB The person who scripts a film or a radio or television play writes it. □ [V n] The film is scripted and directed by Chris McQuarrie.
3 N‑VAR [usu adj N ] You can refer to a particular system of writing as a particular script . □ …a text in the Malay language but written in Arabic script.
4 N‑SING If you say that something which has happened is not in the script , or that someone has not followed the script , you mean that something has happened which was not expected or intended to happen. □ Losing was not in the script. □ The game plan was right. We just didn't follow the script.
script|ed /skr I pt I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A scripted speech has been written in advance, although the speaker may pretend that it is spoken without preparation. □ He had prepared scripted answers.
scrip|tur|al /skr I ptʃərəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Scriptural is used to describe things that are written in or based on the Christian Bible. □ …scriptural accounts of the process of salvation.
scrip|ture /skr I ptʃə r / (scriptures ) N‑VAR Scripture or the scriptures refers to writings that are regarded as holy in a particular religion, for example the Bible in Christianity. □ …a quote from scripture. □ …the Holy Scriptures.
script|writer /skr I ptra I tə r / (scriptwriters ) N‑COUNT A scriptwriter is a person who writes scripts for films or for radio or television programmes.
scroll /skroʊ l/ (scrolls , scrolling , scrolled )
1 N‑COUNT A scroll is a long roll of paper or a similar material with writing on it. □ Ancient scrolls were found in caves by the Dead Sea.
2 N‑COUNT A scroll is a painted or carved decoration made to look like a scroll. □ …a handsome suite of chairs incised with Grecian scrolls.
3 VERB If you scroll through text on a computer or phone screen, you move the text up or down to find the information that you need. [COMPUTING ] □ [V prep/adv] I scrolled down to find 'United States of America'.
scro ll bar (scroll bars ) N‑COUNT On a computer screen, a scroll bar is a long thin box along one edge of a window, which you click on with the mouse to move the text up, down, or across the window. [COMPUTING ]
Scrooge /skruː dʒ/ (Scrooges ) N‑VAR If you call someone a Scrooge , you disapprove of them because they are very mean and hate spending money. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ What a bunch of Scrooges.
scro|tum /skroʊ təm/ (scrotums ) N‑COUNT A man's scrotum is the bag of skin that contains his testicles.
scrounge /skraʊ ndʒ/ (scrounges , scrounging , scrounged ) VERB If you say that someone scrounges something such as food or money, you disapprove of them because they get it by asking for it, rather than by buying it or earning it. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □ [V n] Williams had to scrounge enough money to get his car out of the car park. □ [V + for ] The government did not give them money, forcing them to scrounge for food.
scrub /skrʌ b/ (scrubs , scrubbing , scrubbed )
1 VERB If you scrub something, you rub it hard in order to clean it, using a stiff brush and water. □ [V n] Surgeons began to scrub their hands and arms with soap and water before operating. □ [be V -ed] The corridors are scrubbed clean. ● N‑SING Scrub is also a noun. □ The walls needed a good scrub.
2 VERB If you scrub dirt or stains off something, you remove them by rubbing hard. □ [V n with off/away ] I started to scrub off the dirt. □ [V n prep] Matthew scrubbed the coal dust from his face.
3 N‑UNCOUNT Scrub consists of low trees and bushes, especially in an area that has very little rain. □ …an area of scrub and woodland.
scrub|ber /skrʌ bə r / (scrubbers ) N‑COUNT If someone refers to a woman as a scrubber , they are suggesting in a very rude way that she has had sex with a lot of men. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OFFENSIVE , DISAPPROVAL ]
scrub|by /skrʌ bi/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scrubby land is rough and dry and covered with scrub. □ …the hot, scrubby hills of western Eritrea.
scrub|land /skrʌ blænd/ (scrublands ) N‑VAR Scrubland is an area of land which is covered with low trees and bushes. □ Thousands of acres of forests and scrubland have been burnt.
scruff /skrʌ f/ PHRASE If someone takes you by the scruff of the neck , they take hold of the back of your neck or collar suddenly and roughly. □ He picked the dog up by the scruff of the neck.
scruffy /skrʌ fi/ (scruffier , scruffiest ) ADJ Someone or something that is scruffy is dirty and untidy. □ …a young man, pale, scruffy and unshaven. □ …a scruffy basement flat in London.
scrum /skrʌ m/ (scrums )
1 N‑COUNT In rugby, a scrum is a tight group formed by players from both sides pushing against each other with their heads down in an attempt to get the ball.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A scrum is a group of people who are close together and pushing against each other. [BRIT ] □ [+ of ] She pushed through the scrum of photographers. □ [+ of ] …the scrum of shoppers.
scrum|mage /skrʌ m I dʒ/ (scrummages ) N‑COUNT In rugby, a scrummage is the same as a scrum .
scrump|tious /skrʌ mpʃəs/ ADJ If you describe food as scrumptious , you mean that it tastes extremely good. [INFORMAL ] □ …a scrumptious apple pie.
scrumpy /skrʌ mpi/ N‑UNCOUNT Scrumpy is a strong alcoholic drink made from apples. [BRIT , INFORMAL ] □ …a pint of scrumpy.
scrunch /skrʌ ntʃ/ (scrunches , scrunching , scrunched ) VERB If you scrunch something, you squeeze it or bend it so that it is no longer in its natural shape and is often crushed. □ [V n] Her father scrunched his nose. □ [V n + into ] Her mother was sitting bolt upright, scrunching her white cotton gloves into a ball. ● PHRASAL VERB Scrunch up means the same as scrunch . □ [V P n] She scrunched up three pages of notes and threw them in the bin. □ [V n P ] I scrunched my hat up in my pocket.
scru|ple /skruː p ə l/ (scruples ) N‑VAR [usu pl] Scruples are moral principles or beliefs that make you unwilling to do something that seems wrong. □ …a man with no moral scruples.
scru|pu|lous /skruː pjʊləs/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is scrupulous takes great care to do what is fair, honest, or morally right. [APPROVAL ] □ [+ about ] I have been scrupulous about telling them the dangers. □ [+ in ] The Board is scrupulous in its consideration of all applications for licences.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scrupulous means thorough, exact, and careful about details. □ Both readers commend Knutson for his scrupulous attention to detail.
scru|ti|neer /skruː t I n I ə r / (scrutineers ) N‑COUNT A scrutineer is a person who checks that an election or a race is carried out according to the rules. [BRIT ]
scru|ti|nize /skruː t I na I z/ (scrutinizes , scrutinizing , scrutinized ) in BRIT, also use scrutinise VERB If you scrutinize something, you examine it very carefully, often to find out some information from it or about it. □ [V n] Her purpose was to scrutinize his features to see if he was an honest man.
scru|ti|ny /skruː t I ni/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] If a person or thing is under scrutiny , they are being studied or observed very carefully. □ His private life came under media scrutiny.
scu|ba div|ing /skuː bə da I v I ŋ/ N‑UNCOUNT Scuba diving is the activity of swimming underwater using special breathing equipment. The equipment consists of cylinders of air which you carry on your back and which are connected to your mouth by rubber tubes. ● scu|ba dive VERB □ [V ] I signed up to learn how to scuba dive.
scud /skʌ d/ (scuds , scudding , scudded ) VERB If clouds scud along, they move quickly and smoothly through the sky. [LITERARY ] □ [V adv/prep] …heavy, rain-laden clouds scudding across from the south-west.
scuff /skʌ f/ (scuffs , scuffing , scuffed )
1 VERB If you scuff something or if it scuffs , you mark the surface by scraping it against other things or by scraping other things against it. □ [V n] Constant wheelchair use will scuff almost any floor surface. □ [V adv] Molded plastic is almost indestructible, but scuffs easily. ● scuffed ADJ □ …scuffed brown shoes.
2 VERB If you scuff your feet, you pull them along the ground as you walk. □ [V n] Polly, bewildered and embarrassed, dropped her head and scuffed her feet.
scuf|fle /skʌ f ə l/ (scuffles , scuffling , scuffled )
1 N‑COUNT A scuffle is a short, disorganized fight or struggle. □ Violent scuffles broke out between rival groups demonstrating for and against independence.
2 VERB If people scuffle , they fight for a short time in a disorganized way. □ [V + with ] Police scuffled with some of the protesters. □ [V ] He and Hannah had been scuffling in the yard outside his house.
scuf|fling /skʌ fəl I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] A scuffling noise is a noise made by a person or animal moving about, usually one that you cannot see. □ There was a scuffling noise in the background.
scu ff mark (scuff marks ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Scuff marks are marks made on a smooth surface when something is rubbed against it. □ Scuff marks from shoes are difficult to remove.
scull /skʌ l/ (sculls )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sculls are small oars which are held by one person and used to move a boat through water.
2 N‑COUNT A scull is a small light racing boat which is rowed with two sculls.
scul|lery /skʌ ləri/ (sculleries ) N‑COUNT A scullery is a small room next to a kitchen where washing and other household tasks are done. [BRIT , OLD-FASHIONED ]
sculpt /skʌ lpt/ (sculpts , sculpting , sculpted )
1 VERB When an artist sculpts something, they carve or shape it out of a material such as stone or clay. □ [V n] An artist sculpted a full-size replica of her head. □ [V ] When I sculpt, my style is expressionistic.
2 VERB If something is sculpted , it is made into a particular shape. □ [be V -ed] More familiar landscapes have been sculpted by surface erosion. □ [V n + into ] Michael smoothed and sculpted Jane's hair into shape.
sculp|tor /skʌ lptə r / (sculptors ) N‑COUNT A sculptor is someone who creates sculptures.
sculp|tur|al /skʌ lptʃərəl/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sculptural means relating to sculpture. □ He enjoyed working with clay as a sculptural form.
sculp|ture /skʌ lptʃə r / (sculptures )
1 N‑VAR A sculpture is a work of art that is produced by carving or shaping stone, wood, clay, or other materials. □ [+ of ] …stone sculptures of figures and animals. □ …a collection of 20th-century art and sculpture.
2 N‑UNCOUNT Sculpture is the art of creating sculptures. □ Both studied sculpture.
sculp|tured /skʌ lptʃə r d/ ADJ Sculptured objects have been carved or shaped from something. □ …a beautifully sculptured bronze horse.
scum /skʌ m/
1 N‑PLURAL If you refer to people as scum , you are expressing your feelings of dislike and disgust for them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
2 N‑UNCOUNT Scum is a layer of a dirty or unpleasant-looking substance on the surface of a liquid. □ …scum marks around the bath.
scum|bag /skʌ mbæg/ (scumbags ) N‑COUNT If you refer to someone as a scumbag , you are expressing your feelings of dislike and disgust for them. [INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]
scup|per /skʌ pə r / (scuppers , scuppering , scuppered ) VERB To scupper a plan or attempt means to spoil it completely. [mainly BRIT , JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] If Schneider had seen him that would have scuppered all his plans.
scur|ril|ous /skʌ r I ləs, [AM ] skɜː r-/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Scurrilous accusations or stories are untrue and unfair, and are likely to damage the reputation of the person that they relate to. □ Scurrilous and untrue stories were being invented.
scur|ry /skʌ ri, [AM ] skɜː ri/ (scurries , scurrying , scurried )
1 VERB When people or small animals scurry somewhere, they move there quickly and hurriedly, especially because they are frightened. [WRITTEN ] □ [+ for ] The attack began, sending residents scurrying for cover. [Also V prep/adv]
2 VERB If people scurry to do something, they do it as soon as they can. [WRITTEN ] □ [V to-inf] Pictures of starving children have sent many people scurrying to donate money.
scur|vy /skɜː r vi/ N‑UNCOUNT Scurvy is a disease that is caused by a lack of vitamin C.
scut|tle /skʌ t ə l/ (scuttles , scuttling , scuttled )
1 VERB When people or small animals scuttle somewhere, they run there with short quick steps. □ [V adv/prep] Two very small children scuttled away in front of them.
2 VERB To scuttle a plan or a proposal means to make it fail or cause it to stop. □ [V n] Such threats could scuttle the peace conference.
3 VERB To scuttle a ship means to sink it deliberately by making holes in the bottom. □ [V n] He personally had received orders from the commander to scuttle the ship. [Also V ]
scuz|zy /skʌ zi/ (scuzzier , scuzziest ) ADJ Something that is scuzzy is dirty or disgusting. [INFORMAL ] □ It's a long way from the scuzzy bedsits he inhabited when he first came to London.
scythe /sa I ð/ (scythes , scything , scythed )
1 N‑COUNT A scythe is a tool with a long curved blade at right angles to a long handle. It is used to cut long grass or grain.
2 VERB If you scythe grass or grain, you cut it with a scythe. □ [V n] Two men were attempting to scythe the long grass.
SE in AM, also use S.E. SE is a written abbreviation for south-east .
sea ◆◆◇ /siː / (seas )
1 N‑SING [oft by N ] The sea is the salty water that covers about three-quarters of the Earth's surface. □ Most of the kids have never seen the sea. □ All transport operations, whether by sea, rail or road, are closely monitored at all times.
2 N‑PLURAL You use seas when you are describing the sea at a particular time or in a particular area. [LITERARY ] □ He drowned after 30 minutes in the rough seas.
3 N‑COUNT A sea is a large area of salty water that is part of an ocean or is surrounded by land. □ …the North Sea. □ …the huge inland sea of Turkana.
4 PHRASE At sea means on or under the sea, far away from land. □ The boats remain at sea for an average of ten days at a time.
5 PHRASE If you go or look out to sea , you go or look across the sea. □ …fishermen who go to sea for two weeks at a time. □ He pointed out to sea. COLLOCATIONS sea
1
adjective + sea : calm, rough; azure, blue, turquoise; deep, open
sea + be+ adjective : calm, cold, warm; choppy
verb + sea : cross, sail
2
adjective + sea : high, tropical; choppy, heavy, rough, stormy; calm
sea ai r N‑UNCOUNT The sea air is the air at the seaside, which is regarded as being good for people's health. □ I took a deep breath of the fresh sea air.
sea|bed /siː bed/ also sea bed N‑SING The seabed is the ground under the sea.
sea|bird /siː bɜː r d/ (seabirds ) also sea bird N‑COUNT Seabirds are birds that live near the sea and get their food from it. □ The island is covered with seabirds.
sea|board /siː bɔː r d/ (seaboards ) N‑COUNT The seaboard is the part of a country that is next to the sea; used especially of the coasts of North America. □ …the Eastern seaboard of the U.S.A.
sea|borne /siː bɔː r n/ also sea-borne ADJ [ADJ n] Seaborne actions or events take place on the sea in ships. □ …a seaborne invasion.
sea bree ze (sea breezes ) N‑COUNT A sea breeze is a light wind blowing from the sea towards the land.
sea cap|tain (sea captains ) N‑COUNT A sea captain is a person in command of a ship, usually a ship that carries goods for trade.
sea change (sea changes ) N‑COUNT A sea change in someone's attitudes or behaviour is a complete change. □ A sea change has taken place in young people's attitudes to their parents.
sea dog (sea dogs ) also seadog N‑COUNT A sea dog is a sailor is who has spent many years at sea. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
sea|farer /siː feərə r / (seafarers ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Seafarers are people who work on ships or people who travel regularly on the sea. [WRITTEN ] □ The Estonians have always been seafarers.
sea|faring /siː feər I ŋ/ ADJ [ADJ n] Seafaring means working as a sailor or travelling regularly on the sea. □ The Lebanese were a seafaring people.
sea|floor /siː flɔː r / N‑SING The seafloor is the ground under the sea.
sea|food /siː fuːd/ N‑UNCOUNT Seafood is shellfish such as lobsters, mussels, and crabs, and sometimes other sea creatures that you can eat. □ …a seafood restaurant.
sea|front /siː frʌnt/ (seafronts ) N‑COUNT The seafront is the part of a seaside town that is nearest to the sea. It usually consists of a road with buildings that face the sea. □ They decided to meet on the seafront.
sea|going /siː goʊ I ŋ/ also sea-going ADJ [ADJ n] Seagoing boats and ships are designed for travelling on the sea, rather than on lakes, rivers, or canals.
sea -gree n also sea green COLOUR Something that is sea-green is a bluish-green colour like the colour of the sea. □ …her sea-green eyes.
sea|gull /siː gʌl/ (seagulls ) N‑COUNT A seagull is a common kind of bird with white or grey feathers.
sea|horse /siː hɔː r s/ (seahorses ) also sea horse N‑COUNT A seahorse is a type of small fish which appears to swim in a vertical position and whose head looks a little like the head of a horse.
seal
➊ CLOSING
➋ ANIMAL
➊ seal ◆◇◇ /siː l/ (seals , sealing , sealed )
→ Please look at categories 11 to 14 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 VERB When you seal an envelope, you close it by folding part of it over and sticking it down, so that it cannot be opened without being torn. □ [V n] He sealed the envelope and put on a stamp. □ [V n + in ] Write your letter and seal it in a blank envelope. □ [V -ed] A courier was despatched with two sealed envelopes.
2 VERB If you seal a container or an opening, you cover it with something in order to prevent air, liquid, or other material getting in or out. If you seal something in a container, you put it inside and then close the container tightly. □ [V n] She merely filled the containers, sealed them with a cork, and pasted on labels. □ [V n with in ] …a lid to seal in heat and keep food moist. □ [V -ed] …a hermetically sealed, leak-proof packet.
3 N‑COUNT The seal on a container or opening is the part where it has been sealed. □ When assembling the pie, wet the edges where the two crusts join, to form a seal.
4 N‑COUNT A seal is a device or a piece of material, for example in a machine, which closes an opening tightly so that air, liquid, or other substances cannot get in or out. □ [+ on ] Check seals on fridges and freezers regularly.
5 N‑COUNT A seal is something such as a piece of sticky paper or wax that is fixed to a container or door and must be broken before the container or door can be opened. □ [+ on ] The seal on the box broke when it fell from its hiding-place.
6 N‑COUNT A seal is a special mark or design, for example on a document, representing someone or something. It may be used to show that something is genuine or officially approved. □ …a supply of note paper bearing the Presidential seal.
7 VERB If someone in authority seals an area, they stop people entering or passing through it, for example by placing barriers in the way. □ [V n] The soldiers were deployed to help police seal the border. □ [V -ed] A wide area round the building is sealed to all traffic except the emergency services. ● PHRASAL VERB Seal off means the same as seal . □ [V P n] Police and troops sealed off the area after the attack. □ [V n P ] Soldiers there are going to seal the airport off.
8 VERB To seal something means to make it definite or confirm how it is going to be. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] McLaren are close to sealing a deal with Renault. □ [be V -ed] His artistic character was sealed by his experiences of the First World War.
9 PHRASE If something sets or puts the seal on something, it makes it definite or confirms how it is going to be. [WRITTEN ] □ Such a visit may set the seal on a new relationship between the two governments.
10 PHRASE If a document is under seal , it is in a sealed envelope and cannot be looked at, for example because it is private. [FORMAL ] □ Because the transcript is still under seal, I am precluded by law from discussing the evidence.
11 to seal someone's fate → see fate
▸ seal in PHRASAL VERB If something seals in a smell or liquid, it prevents it from getting out of a food. □ [V P n] The coffee is freeze-dried to seal in all the flavour. [Also V n P ]
▸ seal off
1 PHRASAL VERB If one object or area is sealed off from another, there is a physical barrier between them, so that nothing can pass between them. □ [be V -ed P ] Windows are usually sealed off. □ [V P n] …the anti-personnel door that sealed off the chamber. [Also V n P ]
2 → see seal ➊ 7
▸ seal up PHRASAL VERB If you seal something up , you close it completely so that nothing can get in or out. □ [V P n] The paper was used for sealing up holes in walls and roofs. [Also V n P ]
➋ seal /siː l/ (seals ) N‑COUNT A seal is a large animal with a rounded body and flat legs called flippers. Seals eat fish and live in and near the sea, usually in cold parts of the world. COLLOCATIONS seal NOUN ➊3
adjective + seal : airtight, waterproof; faulty
verb + seal : break, form VERB ➊8
seal + noun : deal, fate, victory, win
sea lane (sea lanes ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] Sea lanes are particular routes which ships regularly use in order to cross a sea or ocean.
seal|ant /siː lənt/ (sealants ) N‑VAR A sealant is a substance that is used to seal holes, cracks, or gaps.
seal|er /siː lə r / (sealers ) N‑VAR A sealer is the same as a sealant .
sea lev|el also sea-level N‑UNCOUNT Sea level is the average level of the sea with respect to the land. The height of mountains or other areas is calculated in relation to sea level . □ The stadium was 2275 metres above sea level.
sea l|ing wax N‑UNCOUNT Sealing wax is a hard, usually red, substance that melts quickly and is used for putting seals on documents or letters.
sea lion (sea lions ) also sea-lion N‑COUNT A sea lion is a type of large seal.
seal|skin /siː lsk I n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Sealskin is the fur of a seal, used to make coats and other clothing. □ …waterproof sealskin boots.
seam /siː m/ (seams )
1 N‑COUNT A seam is a line of stitches which joins two pieces of cloth together.
2 N‑COUNT A seam of coal is a long, narrow layer of it underneath the ground. □ The average U.K. coal seam is one metre thick.
3 PHRASE If something is coming apart at the seams or is falling apart at the seams , it is no longer working properly and may soon stop working completely. □ Britain's university system is in danger of falling apart at the seams.
4 PHRASE If a place is very full, you can say that it is bursting at the seams . □ The hotels of Warsaw, Prague and Budapest were bursting at the seams.
sea|man /siː mən/ (seamen ) N‑COUNT A seaman is a sailor, especially one who is not an officer. □ The men emigrate to work as seamen.
sea|man|ship /siː mənʃ I p/ N‑UNCOUNT Seamanship is skill in managing a boat and controlling its movement through the sea. □ …the art of seamanship and navigation.
seam|less /siː mləs/ ADJ You use seamless to describe something that has no breaks or gaps in it or which continues without stopping. □ It was a seamless procession of wonderful electronic music. ● seam|less|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He has moved seamlessly from theory to practice.
seam|stress /siː mstrəs, se m-/ (seamstresses ) N‑COUNT A seamstress is a woman who sews and makes clothes as her job. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
seamy /siː mi/ (seamier , seamiest ) ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as seamy , you mean that it involves unpleasant aspects of life such as crime, sex, or violence. □ …Hamburg's seamy St Pauli's district.
se|ance /se I ɑːns/ (seances ) also séance N‑COUNT A seance is a meeting in which people try to make contact with people who have died.
sea|plane /siː ple I n/ (seaplanes ) N‑COUNT A seaplane is a type of aeroplane that can take off from or land on water.
sea|port /siː pɔː r t/ (seaports ) N‑COUNT A seaport is a town with a large harbour that is used by ships. □ …the Baltic seaport of Rostock.
sea pow|er (sea powers )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Sea power is the size and strength of a country's navy. □ The transformation of American sea power began in 1940.
2 N‑COUNT A sea power is a country that has a large navy.
sear /s I ə r / (sears , searing , seared )
1 VERB To sear something means to burn its surface with a sudden intense heat. □ [V n] Grass fires have seared the land near the farming village of Basekhai.
2 VERB If something sears a part of your body, it causes a painful burning feeling there. [LITERARY ] □ [V n] I distinctly felt the heat start to sear my throat.
3 → see also searing
search ◆◆◇ /sɜː r tʃ/ (searches , searching , searched )
1 VERB If you search for something or someone, you look carefully for them. □ [V + for ] The Turkish security forces have started searching for the missing men. □ [V + for ] Nonetheless there are signs that both sides may be searching for a compromise. [Also V ]
2 VERB If you search a place, you look carefully for something or someone there. □ [V n] Armed troops searched the hospital yesterday. □ [V n + for ] She searched her desk for the necessary information. □ [V prep] Relief workers are still searching through collapsed buildings looking for victims.
3 N‑COUNT A search is an attempt to find something or someone by looking for them carefully. □ There was no chance of him being found alive and the search was abandoned. □ [+ for ] Egypt has said there is no time to lose in the search for a Middle East settlement.
4 VERB If a police officer or someone else in authority searches you, they look carefully to see whether you have something hidden on you. □ [V n] The man took her suitcase from her and then searched her. □ [V n + for ] His first task was to search them for weapons.
5 VERB If you search for information on a computer, you give the computer an instruction to find that information. [COMPUTING ] □ [V + for ] You can use a directory service to search for people on the internet. ● N‑COUNT Search is also a noun. □ [+ of ] He was doing a computer search of local news articles.
6 → see also searching , strip-search
7 PHRASE If you go in search of something or someone, you try to find them. □ Miserable, and unexpectedly lonely, she went in search of Jean-Paul. □ The law already denies entry to people in search of better economic opportunities.
8 CONVENTION You say ' search me ' when someone asks you a question and you want to emphasize that you do not know the answer. [INFORMAL , EMPHASIS ]
▸ search out PHRASAL VERB If you search something out , you keep looking for it until you find it. □ [V P n] Traditional Spanish food is delicious and its specialities are worth searching out. □ [V n P ] Many people want jobs. They try to search them out every day.
sea rch en|gine (search engines ) N‑COUNT A search engine is a computer program that searches for documents containing a particular word or words on the internet. [COMPUTING ]
search|er /sɜː r tʃə r / (searchers )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Searchers are people who are looking for someone or something that is missing. □ Searchers have found three mountain climbers missing since Saturday.
2 N‑COUNT A searcher is someone who is trying to find something such as the truth or the answer to a problem. □ [+ after/for ] He's not a real searcher after truth.
search|ing /sɜː r tʃ I ŋ/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A searching question or look is intended to discover the truth about something. □ They asked her some searching questions on moral philosophy and logic.
2 → see also soul-searching
search|light /sɜː r tʃla I t/ (searchlights ) N‑COUNT A searchlight is a large powerful light that can be turned to shine a long way in any direction.
sea rch par|ty (search parties ) N‑COUNT A search party is an organized group of people who are searching for someone who is missing.
sea rch war|rant (search warrants ) N‑COUNT A search warrant is a special document that gives the police permission to search a house or other building. □ Officers armed with a search warrant entered the flat.
sear|ing /s I ə r I ŋ/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] Searing is used to indicate that something such as pain or heat is very intense. □ She woke to feel a searing pain in her feet.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A searing speech or piece of writing is very critical. □ …searing criticism.
sea|scape /siː ske I p/ (seascapes ) N‑COUNT A seascape is a painting or photograph of a scene at sea.
sea|shell /siː ʃel/ (seashells ) also sea shell N‑COUNT [usu pl] Seashells are the empty shells of small sea creatures.
sea|shore /siː ʃɔː r / (seashores ) N‑COUNT The seashore is the part of a coast where the land slopes down into the sea. □ She takes her inspiration from shells and stones she finds on the seashore.
sea|sick /siː s I k/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If someone is seasick when they are travelling in a boat, they vomit or feel sick because of the way the boat is moving. □ It was quite rough at times, and she was seasick. ● sea|sick|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He was very prone to seasickness and already felt queasy.
sea|side /siː sa I d/ N‑SING [N n] You can refer to an area that is close to the sea, especially one where people go for their holidays, as the seaside . □ I went to spend a few days at the seaside. □ The town was Redcar, a seaside resort on the Cleveland coast.
sea|son ◆◆◆ /siː z ə n/ (seasons , seasoning , seasoned )
1 N‑COUNT The seasons are the main periods into which a year can be divided and which each have their own typical weather conditions. □ Autumn's my favourite season. □ …the only region of Brazil where all four seasons are clearly defined. □ …the rainy season.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use season to refer to the period during each year when a particular activity or event takes place. For example, the planting season is the period when a particular plant or crop is planted. □ …birds arriving for the breeding season.
3 N‑COUNT [n N , oft in/out of N ] You can use season to refer to the period when a particular fruit, vegetable, or other food is ready for eating and is widely available. □ The plum season is about to begin. □ Now British asparagus is in season.
4 N‑COUNT [usu sing] You can use season to refer to a fixed period during each year when a particular sport is played. □ …the baseball season. □ It is his first race this season.
5 N‑COUNT A season is a period in which a play or show, or a series of plays or shows, is performed in one place. □ …a season of three new plays.
6 N‑COUNT [usu sing] A season of films is several of them shown as a series because they are connected in some way. □ [+ of ] …a season of films by America's preeminent documentary maker, Ken Burns.
7 N‑COUNT [usu sing, oft in/out of N ] The holiday or vacation season is the time when most people have their holiday. □ …the peak holiday season. □ There are discos and clubs but these are often closed out of season.
8 VERB If you season food with salt, pepper, or spices, you add them to it in order to improve its flavour. □ [V n + with ] Season the meat with salt and pepper. □ [V n] I believe in seasoning food before putting it on the table.
9 VERB [usu passive] If wood is seasoned , it is made suitable for making into furniture or for burning, usually by being allowed to dry out gradually. □ [be V -ed] Ensure that new wood has been seasoned.
10 → see also seasoned , seasoning
11 PHRASE If a female animal is in season , she is in a state where she is ready to have sex. SYNONYMS season NOUN 2
period: This crisis might last for a long period of time.
time: It was a time of terrible uncertainty.
spell: There has been a long spell of dry weather.
sea|son|al /siː zən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] A seasonal factor, event, or change occurs during one particular time of the year. □ Seasonal variations need to be taken into account. ● sea|son|al|ly ADV [usu ADV -ed] □ The seasonally adjusted unemployment figures show a rise of twelve-hundred.
sea |son|al af|fe c|tive dis|or|der N‑UNCOUNT Seasonal affective disorder is a feeling of tiredness and sadness that some people have during the autumn and winter when there is very little sunshine. The abbreviation SAD is often used.
sea|soned /siː z ə nd/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can use seasoned to describe a person who has a lot of experience of something. For example, a seasoned traveller is a person who has travelled a lot. □ He began acting with the confidence of a seasoned performer.
sea|son|ing /siː zən I ŋ/ (seasonings ) N‑VAR Seasoning is salt, pepper, or other spices that are added to food to improve its flavour. □ Mix the meat with the onion, carrot, and some seasoning.
sea |son tick|et (season tickets ) N‑COUNT A season ticket is a ticket that you can use repeatedly during a certain period, without having to pay each time. You can buy season tickets for things such as buses, trains, regular sporting events, or theatre performances. □ We went to renew our monthly season ticket.
seat ◆◆◇ /siː t/ (seats , seating , seated )
1 N‑COUNT A seat is an object that you can sit on, for example a chair. □ Stephen returned to his seat. □ Ann could remember sitting in the back seat of their car.
2 N‑COUNT The seat of a chair is the part that you sit on. □ The stool had a torn, red plastic seat.
3 VERB If you seat yourself somewhere, you sit down. [WRITTEN ] □ [V pron-refl] He waved towards a chair, and seated himself at the desk. □ [V -ed] …a portrait of one of his favourite models seated on an elegant sofa.
4 VERB A building or vehicle that seats a particular number of people has enough seats for that number. □ [V amount] The theatre seats 570.
5 N‑SING The seat of a piece of clothing is the part that covers your bottom. □ [+ of ] Then he got up and brushed off the seat of his jeans.
6 N‑COUNT When someone is elected to a parliament, congress, or senate, you can say that they, or their party, have won a seat . □ Independent candidates won the majority of seats on the local council. □ …a Maryland Republican who lost his seat.
7 N‑COUNT If someone has a seat on the board of a company or on a committee, they are a member of it. □ [+ on ] He has been unsuccessful in his attempt to win a seat on the board of the company.
8 N‑COUNT The seat of an organization, a wealthy family, or an activity is its base. □ [+ of ] Gunfire broke out early this morning around the seat of government.
9 → see also deep-seated , hot seat
10 PHRASE If you take a back seat , you allow other people to have all the power and to make all the decisions. □ You need to take a back seat and think about both past and future.
11 PHRASE If you take a seat , you sit down. [FORMAL ] □ 'Take a seat,' he said in a bored tone. □ Rachel smiled at him as they took their seats on opposite sides of the table.
12 in the driving seat → see driving seat
13 by the seat of your pants → see pants
sea t belt (seat belts ) also seatbelt N‑COUNT A seat belt is a strap attached to a seat in a car or an aircraft. You fasten it across your body in order to prevent yourself being thrown out of the seat if there is a sudden movement. □ The fact I was wearing a seat belt saved my life.
-seater /-siː tə r / (-seaters )
1 COMB -seater combines with numbers to form adjectives and nouns which indicate how many people something such as a car has seats for. □ …a three-seater sofa. □ The plane is an eight-seater with twin propellers.
2 → see also all-seater
seat|ing /siː t I ŋ/
1 N‑UNCOUNT You can refer to the seats in a place as the seating . □ [+ for ] The stadium has been fitted with seating for over eighty thousand spectators.
2 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] The seating at a public place or a formal occasion is the arrangement of where people will sit. □ She checked the seating arrangements before the guests filed into the dining-room.
sea t of lea rn|ing (seats of learning ) N‑COUNT People sometimes refer to a university or a similar institution as a seat of learning . [WRITTEN ] □ …one department of that great seat of learning.
sea tur|tle (sea turtles ) N‑COUNT A sea turtle is a large reptile which has a thick shell covering its body and which lives in the sea most of the time. [AM ] in BRIT, use turtle
sea ur|chin (sea urchins ) N‑COUNT A sea urchin is a small round sea creature that has a hard shell covered with sharp points.
sea wall (sea walls ) N‑COUNT A sea wall is a wall built along the edge of the sea to stop the sea flowing over the land or destroying it. □ Cherbourg had a splendid harbour enclosed by a long sea wall.
sea|ward /siː wə r d/ The form seawards can also be used for meaning 1 . 1 ADV [ADV after v] Something that moves or faces seaward or seawards moves or faces in the direction of the sea or further out to sea. □ A barge was about a hundred yards away, waiting to return seaward. □ It faced seawards to the north.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] The seaward side of something faces in the direction of the sea or further out to sea. □ The houses on the seaward side of the road were all in ruins.
sea wa|ter also seawater N‑UNCOUNT Sea water is salt water from the sea.
sea|weed /siː wiːd/ (seaweeds ) N‑VAR Seaweed is a plant that grows in the sea. There are many kinds of seaweed. □ …seaweed washed up on a beach.
sea|worthy /siː wɜː r ði/ ADJ A ship or boat which is seaworthy is fit to travel at sea. □ The ship was completely seaworthy. ● sea|worthiness N‑UNCOUNT □ It didn't reach required standards of safety and seaworthiness.
se|bum /siː bəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sebum is an oily substance produced by glands in your skin.
sec /se k/ (secs ) N‑COUNT If you ask someone to wait a sec , you are asking them to wait for a very short time. [INFORMAL ] □ Can you just hang on a sec? □ Be with you in a sec.
sec. /se k/ (secs ) Sec. is a written abbreviation for second or seconds . □ Grete Waitz finished with a time of 2 hrs, 29 min., 30 sec.
seca|teurs /se kətɜː r z/ N‑PLURAL [oft a pair of N ] Secateurs are a gardening tool that look like a pair of strong, heavy scissors. Secateurs are used for cutting the stems of plants. [BRIT ] in AM, use pruning shears
se|cede /s I siː d/ (secedes , seceding , seceded ) VERB If a region or group secedes from the country or larger group to which it belongs, it formally becomes a separate country or stops being a member of the larger group. □ [V + from ] Sectors of the Basque and Catalan populations would like to secede from Spain. □ [V ] On 20 August 1960 Senegal seceded.
se|ces|sion /s I se ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT The secession of a region or group from the country or larger group to which it belongs is the action of formally becoming separate. □ [+ from ] Quebecers voted against secession from Canada.
se|ces|sion|ist /s I se ʃən I st/ (secessionists ) N‑COUNT [usu pl, N n] Secessionists are people who want their region or group to become separate from the country or larger group to which it belongs. □ …Lithuanian secessionists.
se|clud|ed /s I kluː d I d/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A secluded place is quiet and private. □ We were tucked away in a secluded corner of the room. □ We found a secluded beach a few miles further on.
se|clu|sion /s I kluː ʒ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT If you are living in seclusion , you are in a quiet place away from other people. □ She lived in seclusion with her husband on their farm in Panama. □ [+ of ] They love the seclusion of their garden.
second
➊ PART OF A MINUTE
➋ COMING AFTER SOMETHING ELSE
➌ SENDING SOMEONE TO DO A JOB
➊ sec|ond ◆◆◆ /se kənd/ (seconds ) N‑COUNT A second is one of the sixty parts that a minute is divided into. People often say ' a second ' or ' seconds ' when they simply mean a very short time. □ For a few seconds nobody said anything. □ It only takes forty seconds. □ Her orbital speed must be a few hundred meters per second. □ Within seconds the other soldiers began firing too.
➋ sec|ond ◆◆◆ /se kənd/ (seconds , seconding , seconded )
→ Please look at categories 14 and 15 to see if the expression you are looking for is shown under another headword.
1 ORD The second item in a series is the one that you count as number two. □ …the second day of his visit to Delhi. □ …their second child. □ My son just got married for the second time. □ She was the second of nine children. □ …King Charles the Second. □ Britain came second in the Prix St Georges Derby.
2 ORD Second is used before superlative adjectives to indicate that there is only one thing better or larger than the thing you are referring to. □ The party is still the second strongest in Italy. □ …the second-largest city in the United States.
3 ADV You say second when you want to make a second point or give a second reason for something. □ The soil is depleted first by crops grown in it and second by bacterial action.
4 N‑COUNT In Britain, an upper second is a good honours degree and a lower second is an average honours degree. □ I then went up to Lancaster University and got an upper second.
5 N‑PLURAL If you have seconds , you have a second helping of food. [INFORMAL ] □ There's seconds if you want them.
6 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Seconds are goods that are sold cheaply in shops because they have slight faults. □ It's a new shop selling discounted lines and seconds.
7 N‑COUNT [usu pl] The seconds of someone who is taking part in a boxing match or chess tournament are the people who assist and encourage them. □ He shouted to his seconds, 'I did it! I did it!'
8 VERB If you second a proposal in a meeting or debate, you formally express your agreement with it so that it can then be discussed or voted on. □ [V n] …Bryan Sutton, who seconded the motion against fox hunting. ● sec|ond|er (seconders ) N‑COUNT □ Candidates need a proposer and seconder whose names are kept secret.
9 VERB If you second what someone has said, you say that you agree with them or say the same thing yourself. □ [V n] The Prime Minister seconded the call for discipline in a speech last week.
10 PHRASE If you experience something at second hand , you are told about it by other people rather than experiencing it yourself. □ Most of them had only heard of the massacre at second hand.
11 → see also second-hand
12 PHRASE If you say that something is second to none , you are emphasizing that it is very good indeed or the best that there is. [EMPHASIS ] □ Our scientific research is second to none.
13 PHRASE If you say that something is second only to something else, you mean that only that thing is better or greater than it. □ As a major health risk, hepatitis is second only to tobacco.
14 second nature → see nature
15 in the second place → see place
➌ se|cond /s I kɒ nd/ (seconds , seconding , seconded ) VERB [usu passive] If you are seconded somewhere, you are sent there temporarily by your employer in order to do special duties. [BRIT ] □ [be V -ed + to ] Edwards was seconded to a radar research and training school near Holyhead. □ [be V -ed to-inf] Several hundred soldiers have been seconded to help farmers.
sec|ond|ary /se kəndri, [AM ] -deri/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n, Also v-link ADJ to n] If you describe something as secondary , you mean that it is less important than something else. □ The street erupted in a huge explosion, with secondary explosions in the adjoining buildings. □ The actual damage to the brain cells is secondary to the damage caused to the blood supply.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Secondary diseases or infections happen as a result of another disease or infection that has already happened. □ He had kidney cancer, with secondary tumours in the brain and lungs.
3 ADJ Secondary education is given to pupils between the ages of 11 or 12 and 17 or 18. □ She went to a 'very minor' private school for the whole of her secondary education.
se c|ond|ary mo d|ern (secondary moderns ) N‑COUNT Secondary moderns were schools which existed until recently in Britain for children aged between about 11 and 16, where more attention was paid to practical skills and less to academic study than in a grammar school.
se c|ond|ary school (secondary schools ) N‑VAR A secondary school is a school for pupils between the ages of 11 or 12 and 17 or 18. □ She taught history at a secondary school.
se c|ond be st also second-best
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Second best is used to describe something that is not as good as the best thing of its kind but is better than all the other things of that kind. □ He put on his second-best suit.
2 ADJ You can use second best to describe something that you have to accept even though you would have preferred something else. □ He refused to settle for anything that was second best. ● N‑SING Second best is also a noun. □ Oatmeal is a good second best.
se c|ond cha m|ber N‑SING The second chamber is one of the two groups that a parliament is divided into. In Britain, the second chamber is the House of Lords. In the United States, the second chamber can be either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
se c|ond chi ld|hood N‑SING If you say that an old person is in their second childhood , you mean that their mind is becoming weaker and that their behaviour is similar to that of a young child.
se cond-cla ss also second class
1 ADJ [ADJ n] If someone treats you as a second-class citizen, they treat you as if you are less valuable and less important than other people. □ Too many airlines treat our children as second-class citizens.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as second-class , you mean that it is of poor quality. □ It is unacceptable for any children to have to settle for a second-class education.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] The second-class accommodation on a train or ship is the ordinary accommodation, which is cheaper and less comfortable than the first-class accommodation. □ He sat in the corner of a second-class carriage. □ …a second-class ticket. ● ADV [ADV after v] Second class is also an adverb. □ I recently travelled second class from Pisa to Ventimiglia. ● N‑UNCOUNT Second-class is second-class accommodation on a train or ship. □ In second class the fare is £85 one-way.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, second-class postage is the slower and cheaper type of postage. In the United States, second-class postage is the type of postage that is used for sending newspapers and magazines. □ …a second-class stamp. ● ADV [ADV after v] Second class is also an adverb. □ They're going to send it second class.
5 ADJ [ADJ n] In Britain, a second-class degree is a good university degree, but not as good as a first-class degree. □ A second-class honours degree is the minimum requirement.
se c|ond co m|ing N‑SING When Christians refer to the second coming , they mean the expected return to Earth of Jesus Christ.
se c|ond cou s|in (second cousins ) N‑COUNT Your second cousins are the children of your parents' first cousins. Compare first cousin .
se cond-degree
1 ADJ [ADJ n] In the United States, second-degree is used to describe crimes that are considered to be less serious than first-degree crimes. □ The judge reduced the charge to second-degree murder.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A second-degree burn is more severe than a first-degree burn but less severe than a third-degree burn. □ James Bell suffered second-degree burns in an explosion.
se cond-gue ss (second-guesses , second-guessing , second-guessed ) VERB If you try to second-guess something, you try to guess in advance what someone will do or what will happen. □ [V n] Editors and contributors are trying to second-guess the future. [Also V ]
se cond-ha nd
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Second-hand things are not new and have been owned by someone else. □ Buying a second-hand car can be a risky business. □ …a stack of second-hand books. ● ADV [ADV after v] Second-hand is also an adverb. □ Far more boats are bought second-hand than are bought brand new.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A second-hand shop sells second-hand goods.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Second-hand stories, information, or opinions are those you learn about from other people rather than directly or from your own experience. □ The denunciation was made on the basis of second-hand information.
4 at second hand → see second ➋
se cond-in-comma nd also second in command N‑SING A second-in-command is someone who is next in rank to the leader of a group, and who has authority to give orders when the leader is not there. □ He was posted to Hong Kong as second-in-command of C Squadron.
se c|ond la n|guage (second languages ) N‑COUNT Someone's second language is a language which is not their native language but which they use at work or at school. □ Lucy teaches English as a second language.
se c|ond lieu|te n|ant (second lieutenants )
1 N‑COUNT A second lieutenant is an officer of low rank in the army. [BRIT ]
2 N‑COUNT A second lieutenant is an officer in the army, air force, or marines who ranks directly below a first lieutenant. [AM ]
sec|ond|ly /se kəndli/ ADV You say secondly when you want to make a second point or give a second reason for something. □ You need, firstly, a strong board of directors and secondly, an experienced staff.
se|cond|ment /s I kɒ ndmənt/ (secondments ) N‑VAR [oft on N ] Someone who is on secondment from their normal employer has been sent somewhere else temporarily in order to do special duties. [BRIT ] □ [+ from/to ] We have two full-time secretaries, one of whom is on secondment from the navy.
se c|ond na me (second names ) N‑COUNT Someone's second name is their family name, or the name that comes after their first name and before their family name.
se c|ond opi n|ion (second opinions ) N‑COUNT If you get a second opinion , you ask another qualified person for their opinion about something such as your health. □ I would like a second opinion on my doctor's diagnosis.
se c|ond pe r|son N‑SING A statement in the second person is a statement about the person or people you are talking to. The subject of a statement like this is 'you'.
se cond-ra te ADJ If you describe something as second-rate , you mean that it is of poor quality. □ …second-rate restaurants. □ …another second-rate politician.
se c|ond si ght N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone has second sight , you mean that they seem to have the ability to know or see things that are going to happen in the future, or are happening in a different place.
se c|ond stri ng also second-string N‑SING [oft N n] If you describe a person or thing as someone's second string , you mean that they are only used if another person or thing is not available. □ …a second-string team.
se c|ond thou ght (second thoughts )
1 N‑SING If you do something without a second thought , you do it without thinking about it carefully, usually because you do not have enough time or you do not care very much. □ This murderous lunatic could kill them both without a second thought. □ Roberto didn't give a second thought to borrowing $2,000 from him.
2 N‑PLURAL If you have second thoughts about a decision that you have made, you begin to doubt whether it was the best thing to do. □ [+ about ] I had never had second thoughts about my decision to leave the company.
3 PHRASE You can say on second thoughts or on second thought when you suddenly change your mind about something that you are saying or something that you have decided to do. □ 'Wait there!' Kathryn rose. 'No, on second thought, follow me.'
se c|ond wi nd N‑SING When you get your second wind , you become able to continue doing something difficult or energetic after you have been tired or out of breath. □ Finding a second wind, he rode away from his pursuers.
Se c|ond World Wa r N‑PROPER The Second World War is the major war that was fought between 1939 and 1945.
se|cre|cy /siː krəsi/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft prep N ] Secrecy is the act of keeping something secret, or the state of being kept secret. □ He shrouds his business dealings in secrecy.
se|cret ◆◆◇ /siː kr I t/ (secrets )
1 ADJ [ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If something is secret , it is known about by only a small number of people, and is not told or shown to anyone else. □ Soldiers have been training at a secret location. □ The police have been trying to keep the documents secret. ● se|cret|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He wore a hidden microphone to secretly record conversations.
2 → see also top secret
3 N‑COUNT A secret is a fact that is known by only a small number of people, and is not told to anyone else. □ I think he enjoyed keeping our love a secret.
4 N‑SING If you say that a particular way of doing things is the secret of achieving something, you mean that it is the best or only way to achieve it. □ [+ of ] The secret of success is honesty and fair dealing.
5 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft with poss] Something's secrets are the things about it which have never been fully explained. □ [+ of ] We have an opportunity now to really unlock the secrets of the universe.
6 PHRASE If you do something in secret , you do it without anyone else knowing. □ Dan found out that I had been meeting my ex-boyfriend in secret.
7 PHRASE If you say that someone can keep a secret , you mean that they can be trusted not to tell other people a secret that you have told them. □ Tom was utterly indiscreet, and could never keep a secret.
8 PHRASE If you make no secret of something, you tell others about it openly and clearly. □ [+ of ] He made no secret of his ambition to have a great career . COLLOCATIONS secret NOUN
3
noun + secret : family, state
adjective + secret : guilty, shameful, terrible; innermost, intimate; official
verb + secret : guard, harbour, hide, keep; betray, discover, reveal, share
5
adjective + secret : dark, hidden
verb + secret : learn, uncover, unlock
se |cret a gent (secret agents ) N‑COUNT A secret agent is a person who is employed by a government to find out the secrets of other governments.
sec|re|tar|ial /se krəteə riəl/ ADJ [ADJ n] Secretarial work is the work done by a secretary in an office. □ I was doing temporary secretarial work.
sec|re|tari|at /se krəteə riæt/ (secretariats ) N‑COUNT A secretariat is a department that is responsible for the administration of an international political organization. □ …the U.N. secretariat.
sec|re|tary ◆◆◆ /se krətri, [AM ] -teri/ (secretaries )
1 N‑COUNT A secretary is a person who is employed to do office work, such as typing letters, answering phone calls, and arranging meetings.
2 N‑COUNT The secretary of an organization such as a trade union, a political party, or a club is its official manager. [BRIT ] □ [+ of ] My grandfather was secretary of the Scottish Miners' Union.
3 N‑COUNT The secretary of a company is the person who has the legal duty of keeping the company's records.
4 N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE Secretary is used in the titles of ministers and officials who are in charge of main government departments. □ …the British Foreign Secretary. □ …the former US Defense Secretary.
se cretary-ge neral ◆◇◇ (secretaries-general ) also Secretary General N‑COUNT The secretary-general of an international political organization is the person in charge of its administration. □ …the United Nations Secretary-General.
Se c|re|tary of Sta te ◆◇◇ (Secretaries of State )
1 N‑COUNT In the United States, the Secretary of State is the head of the government department which deals with foreign affairs.
2 N‑COUNT In Britain, the Secretary of State for a particular government department is the head of that department. □ [+ for ] …the Secretary of State for Education.
se|crete /s I kriː t/ (secretes , secreting , secreted )
1 VERB If part of a plant, animal, or human secretes a liquid, it produces it. □ [V n] The sweat glands secrete water.
2 VERB If you secrete something somewhere, you hide it there so that nobody will find it. [LITERARY ] □ [V n prep/adv] She secreted the gun in the kitchen cabinet.
se|cre|tion /s I kriː ʃ ə n/ (secretions )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Secretion is the process by which certain liquid substances are produced by parts of plants or from the bodies of people or animals. □ [+ of ] …the secretion of adrenaline. □ …insulin secretion.
2 N‑PLURAL Secretions are liquid substances produced by parts of plants or bodies. □ …gastric secretions.
se|cre|tive /siː krət I v, s I kriː t-/ ADJ If you are secretive , you like to have secrets and to keep your knowledge, feelings, or intentions hidden. □ [+ about ] Billionaires are usually fairly secretive about the exact amount that they're worth. ● se|cre|tive|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ …a banknote handed over secretively in the entrance to a building. ● se|cre|tive|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ He was evasive, to the point of secretiveness.
se |cret po|li ce N‑UNCOUNT [oft the N ] The secret police is a police force in some countries that works secretly and deals with political crimes committed against the government.
se |cret se r|vice (secret services )
1 N‑COUNT A country's secret service is a secret government department whose job is to find out enemy secrets and to prevent its own government's secrets from being discovered.
2 N‑COUNT The secret service is the government department in the United States which protects the president. [AM ]
se |cret wea p|on (secret weapons ) N‑COUNT Someone's secret weapon is a thing or person which they believe will help them achieve something and which other people do not know about. □ Discipline was the new coach's secret weapon.
sect /se kt/ (sects ) N‑COUNT A sect is a group of people that has separated from a larger group and has a particular set of religious or political beliefs.
sec|tar|ian /sekteə riən/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Sectarian means resulting from the differences between different religions. □ He was the fifth person to be killed in sectarian violence.
sec|tari|an|ism /sekteə riən I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Sectarianism is strong support for the religious or political group you belong to, and often involves conflict with other groups. □ …political rivalry and sectarianism within our movement.
sec|tion ◆◆◇ /se kʃ ə n/ (sections , sectioning , sectioned )
1 N‑COUNT A section of something is one of the parts into which it is divided or from which it is formed. □ [+ of ] He acknowledged that his family belonged to a section of society known as 'the idle rich'. □ They moulded a complete new bow section for the boat. □ …a large orchestra, with a vast percussion section. □ …the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C.
2 → see also cross-section
3 VERB [usu passive] If something is sectioned , it is divided into sections. □ [be V -ed] It holds vegetables in place while they are being peeled or sectioned.
4 N‑COUNT A section of an official document such as a report, law, or constitution is one of the parts into which it is divided. □ [+ of ] …section 14 of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.
5 N‑COUNT A section is a diagram of something such as a building or a part of the body. It shows how the object would appear to you if it were cut from top to bottom and looked at from the side. □ For some buildings a vertical section is more informative than a plan.
6 Caesarean section → see Caesarean
▸ section off PHRASAL VERB [usu passive] If an area is sectioned off , it is separated by a wall, fence, or other barrier from the surrounding area. □ [be V -ed P ] The kitchen is sectioned off from the rest of the room by a half wall. [Also V n P , V P n]
sec|tion|al /se kʃən ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sectional interests are those of a particular group within a community or country. □ He criticized the selfish attitude of certain sectional interests.
sec|tor ◆◆◇ /se ktə r / (sectors )
1 N‑COUNT A particular sector of a country's economy is the part connected with that specified type of industry. □ …the nation's manufacturing sector.
2 → see also private sector , public sector
3 N‑COUNT A sector of a large group is a smaller group which is part of it. □ [+ of ] The pitfalls of mass immigration disproportionately affect the poorest sector of the population.
4 N‑COUNT A sector is an area of a city or country which is controlled by a military force. □ [+ of ] Officers were going to retake sectors of the city.
5 N‑COUNT A sector is a part of a circle which is formed when you draw two straight lines from the centre of the circle to the edge. [TECHNICAL ]
sec|tor|al /se ktər ə l/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sectoral means relating to the various economic sectors of a society or to a particular economic sector. [TECHNICAL ] □ …sectoral differences within social classes.
secu|lar /se kjʊlə r / ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use secular to describe things that have no connection with religion. □ He spoke about preserving the country as a secular state.
secu|lar|ism /se kjʊlər I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Secularism is a system of social organization and education where religion is not allowed to play a part in civil affairs. ● secu|lar|ist (secularists ) N‑COUNT □ The country is being torn to pieces by conflict between fundamentalists and secularists.
secu|lar|ized /se kjʊləra I zd/ in BRIT, also use secularised ADJ Secularized societies are no longer under the control or influence of religion. □ The Pope had no great sympathy for the secularized West.
se|cure ◆◆◇ /s I kjʊə r / (secures , securing , secured )
1 VERB If you secure something that you want or need, you obtain it, often after a lot of effort. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Federal leaders continued their efforts to secure a ceasefire. □ [V n n] Graham's achievements helped secure him the job. [Also V n + for ]
2 VERB If you secure a place, you make it safe from harm or attack. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Staff withdrew from the main part of the prison but secured the perimeter.
3 ADJ A secure place is tightly locked or well protected, so that people cannot enter it or leave it. □ We shall make sure our home is as secure as possible from now on. ● se|cure|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □ He locked the heavy door securely and kept the key in his pocket.
4 VERB If you secure an object, you fasten it firmly to another object. □ [V n] He helped her close the cases up, and then he secured the canvas straps.
5 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If an object is secure , it is fixed firmly in position. □ Check joints are secure and the wood is sound. ● se|cure|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Ensure that the frame is securely fixed to the ground with bolts.
6 ADJ If you describe something such as a job as secure , it is certain not to change or end. □ …trade union demands for secure wages and employment. □ …the failure of financial institutions once thought to be secure.
7 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A secure base or foundation is strong and reliable. □ He was determined to give his family a secure and solid base.
8 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you feel secure , you feel safe and happy and are not worried about life. □ She felt secure and protected when she was with him.
9 VERB [usu passive] If a loan is secured , the person who lends the money may take property such as a house from the person who borrows the money if they fail to repay it. [BUSINESS ] □ [be V -ed adv/prep] The loan is secured against your home. □ [V -ed] His main task is to raise enough finance to repay secured loans. SYNONYMS secure VERB
1
obtain: Evans was trying to obtain a false passport and other documents.
get: I got a job at the sawmill.
acquire: I recently acquired some wood from a holly tree.
4
attach: We attach labels to things before we file them away.
stick: Don't forget to clip the token and stick it on your card.
fix: The cupboard is fixed on the wall.
fasten: There were no instructions on how to fasten the carrying strap to the box.
se|cu re u nit (secure units ) N‑COUNT A secure unit is a building or part of a building where dangerous prisoners or violent psychiatric patients are kept. □ …the secure unit at Cane Hill hospital.
se|cu|rity ◆◆◆ /s I kjʊə r I ti/ (securities )
1 N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Security refers to all the measures that are taken to protect a place, or to ensure that only people with permission enter it or leave it. □ They are now under a great deal of pressure to tighten their airport security. □ Strict security measures are in force in the capital.
2 N‑UNCOUNT A feeling of security is a feeling of being safe and free from worry. □ [+ of ] He loves the security of a happy home life. ● PHRASE If something gives you a false sense of security , it makes you believe that you are safe when you are not. □ Wearing helmets gave cyclists a false sense of security and encouraged them to take risks.
3 N‑UNCOUNT If something is security for a loan, you promise to give that thing to the person who lends you money, if you fail to pay the money back. [BUSINESS ] □ The central bank will provide special loans, and the banks will pledge the land as security.
4 N‑PLURAL Securities are stocks, shares, bonds, or other certificates that you buy in order to earn regular interest from them or to sell them later for a profit. [BUSINESS ] □ …U.S. government securities and bonds.
5 → see also social security COLLOCATIONS security NOUN 1
noun + security : airport, border, state
adjective + security : national, maximum, top; lax, tight
verb + security : guarantee, improve, tighten
se|cu |rity blan|ket (security blankets )
1 N‑COUNT If you refer to something as a security blanket , you mean that it provides someone with a feeling of safety and comfort when they are in a situation that worries them or makes them feel nervous. □ [+ of ] Alan sings with shy intensity, hiding behind the security blanket of his guitar.
2 N‑COUNT A baby's security blanket is a piece of cloth or clothing which the baby holds and chews in order to feel comforted.
se|cu |rity cam|era (security cameras ) N‑COUNT A security camera is a video camera that records people's activities in order to detect and prevent crime.
Se|cu |rity Coun|cil ◆◇◇ N‑PROPER The Security Council is the committee which governs the United Nations. It has permanent representatives from the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, and temporary representatives from some other countries.
se|cu |rity guard (security guards ) N‑COUNT A security guard is someone whose job is to protect a building or to collect and deliver large amounts of money.
se|cu |rity risk (security risks ) N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a security risk , you mean that they may be a threat to the safety of a country or organization.
se|dan /s I dæ n/ (sedans ) N‑COUNT A sedan is a car with seats for four or more people, a fixed roof, and a boot that is separate from the part of the car that you sit in. [AM ] in BRIT, use saloon
se|da n chai r (sedan chairs ) N‑COUNT A sedan chair is an enclosed chair for one person carried on two poles by two men, one in front and one behind. Sedan chairs were used in the 17th and 18th centuries.
se|date /s I de I t/ (sedates , sedating , sedated )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as sedate , you mean that they are quiet and rather dignified, though perhaps a bit dull. □ She took them to visit her sedate, elderly cousins. ● se|date|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ …sedately dressed in business suit with waistcoat.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you move along at a sedate pace, you move slowly, in a controlled way. □ We set off again at a more sedate pace. ● se|date|ly ADV [ADV after v] □ He pulled sedately out of the short driveway.
3 VERB If someone is sedated , they are given a drug to calm them or to make them sleep. □ [be V -ed] The patient is sedated with intravenous use of sedative drugs. □ [V n] Doctors sedated me and I fell into a deep sleep. ● se|dat|ed ADJ [v-link ADJ ] □ Grace was asleep, lightly sedated.
se|da|tion /s I de I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft under N ] If someone is under sedation , they have been given medicine or drugs in order to calm them or make them sleep. □ His mother was under sedation after the boy's body was brought back home.
seda|tive /se dət I v/ (sedatives )
1 N‑COUNT A sedative is a medicine or drug that calms you or makes you sleep. □ They use opium as a sedative, rather than as a narcotic.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] Something that has a sedative effect calms you or makes you sleep. □ Amber bath oil has a sedative effect.
sed|en|tary /se dəntəri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] Someone who has a sedentary lifestyle or job sits down a lot of the time and does not take much exercise. □ Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle has been linked with an increased risk of heart disease.
sedge /se dʒ/ (sedges ) N‑VAR Sedge is a plant that looks like grass and grows in wet ground.
sedi|ment /se d I mənt/ (sediments ) N‑VAR Sediment is solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid, especially earth and pieces of rock that have been carried along and then left somewhere by water, ice, or wind. □ Many organisms that die in the sea are soon buried by sediment.
sedi|men|tary /se d I me ntəri, [AM ] -teri/ ADJ [ADJ n] Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment left by water, ice, or wind.
se|di|tion /s I d I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Sedition is speech, writing, or behaviour intended to encourage people to fight against or oppose the government. □ Government officials charged him with sedition.
se|di|tious /s I d I ʃəs/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A seditious act, speech, or piece of writing encourages people to fight against or oppose the government. □ He fell under suspicion for distributing seditious pamphlets.
se|duce /s I djuː s, [AM ] -duː s/ (seduces , seducing , seduced )
1 VERB If something seduces you, it is so attractive that it makes you do something that you would not otherwise do. □ [V n] The view of lake and plunging cliffs seduces visitors. □ [V n + into ] Clever advertising would seduce more people into smoking. ● se|duc|tion /s I dʌ kʃ ə n/ (seductions ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] The country had resisted the seductions of mass tourism.
2 VERB If someone seduces another person, they use their charm to persuade that person to have sex with them. □ [V n] She has set out to seduce Stephen. ● se|duc|tion N‑VAR □ Her methods of seduction are subtle.
se|duc|er /s I djuː sə r , [AM ] -duː s-/ (seducers ) N‑COUNT A seducer is someone, usually a man, who seduces someone else. □ [+ of ] He is proud of his reputation as a seducer of young women.
se|duc|tive /s I dʌ kt I v/
1 ADJ Something that is seductive is very attractive or makes you want to do something that you would not otherwise do. □ It's a seductive argument. ● se|duc|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV adj, oft ADV with v] □ …his seductively simple assertion.
2 ADJ A person who is seductive is very attractive sexually. □ …a seductive woman. ● se|duc|tive|ly ADV [usu ADV with v, oft ADV adj] □ She was looking seductively over her shoulder.
se|duc|tress /s I dʌ ktrəs/ (seductresses ) N‑COUNT A seductress is a woman who seduces someone. □ Few males can resist a self-confident seductress.
see ◆◆◆ /siː / (sees , seeing , saw , seen )
1 VERB [no cont] When you see something, you notice it using your eyes. □ [V n] You can't see colours at night. □ [V n v-ing] I saw a man making his way towards me. □ [V ] She can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. □ [V that] As he neared the farm, he saw that a police car was parked outside it. □ [V wh] Did you see what happened?
2 VERB If you see someone, you visit them or meet them. □ [V n] Mick wants to see you in his office right away. □ [V n] You need to see a doctor.
3 VERB [no cont] If you see an entertainment such as a play, film, concert, or sports game, you watch it. □ [V n] He had been to see a Semi-Final of the FA Cup. □ [V n] It was one of the most amazing films I've ever seen.
4 VERB [no cont] If you see that something is true or exists, you realize by observing it that it is true or exists. □ [V that] I could see she was lonely. □ [V wh] A lot of people saw what was happening but did nothing about it. □ [V n v-ing] You see young people going to school inadequately dressed for the weather. □ [V ] My taste has changed a bit over the years as you can see. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The army must be seen to be taking firm action.
5 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you see what someone means or see why something happened, you understand what they mean or understand why it happened. □ [V wh] Oh, I see what you're saying. □ [V n] I really don't see any reason for changing it. □ [V that] Now I see that I was wrong.
6 VERB If you see someone or something as a certain thing, you have the opinion that they are that thing. □ [V n + as ] She saw him as a visionary, but her father saw him as a man who couldn't make a living. □ [V n + as ] Others saw it as a betrayal. □ [V n + as ] I don't see it as my duty to take sides. □ [V it ] As I see it, Llewelyn has three choices open to him. □ [be V -ed to-inf] Women are sometimes seen to be less effective as managers.
7 VERB [no cont, no passive] If you see a particular quality in someone, you believe they have that quality. If you ask what someone sees in a particular person or thing, you want to know what they find attractive about that person or thing. □ [V n + in ] Frankly, I don't know what Paul sees in her. □ [V + in ] Young and old saw in him an implacable opponent of apartheid.
8 VERB [no cont] If you see something happening in the future, you imagine it, or predict that it will happen. □ [V n v-ing] A good idea, but can you see Taylor trying it? □ [V n] We can see a day where all people live side by side.
9 VERB [no passive] If a period of time or a person sees a particular change or event, it takes place during that period of time or while that person is alive. □ [V n] Yesterday saw the resignation of the acting Interior Minister. □ [V n inf] He had worked with the consultant for three years and was sorry to see him go. □ [V n -ed] Mr Frank has seen the economy of his town slashed by the uprising.
10 VERB You can use see in expressions to do with finding out information. For example, if you say ' I'll see what's happening ', you mean that you intend to find out what is happening. □ [V wh] Let me just see what the next song is. □ [V if] Shake him gently to see if he responds.
11 VERB You can use see to promise to try and help someone. For example, if you say ' I'll see if I can do it ', you mean that you will try to do the thing concerned. □ [V if] I'll see if I can call her for you. □ [V wh] We'll see what we can do, miss.
12 VERB If you see that something is done or if you see to it that it is done, you make sure that it is done. □ [V that] See that you take care of him. □ [V to it that] Catherine saw to it that the information went directly to Walter.
13 VERB If you see someone to a particular place, you accompany them to make sure that they get there safely, or to show politeness. □ [V n prep/adv] He didn't offer to see her to her car. □ [V n prep/adv] 'Goodnight.'—'I'll see you out.'
14 VERB If you see a lot of someone, you often meet each other or visit each other. □ [V amount + of ] We used to see quite a lot of his wife, Carolyn.
15 VERB If you are seeing someone, you spend time with them socially, and are having a romantic or sexual relationship. □ [V n] I was seeing her but I wasn't her committed boyfriend.
16 VERB Some writers use see in expressions such as we saw and as we have seen to refer to something that has already been explained or described. □ [V wh] We saw in Chapter 16 how annual cash budgets are produced. □ [V that] Using the figures given above, it can be seen that machine A pays back the initial investment in two years.
17 VERB See is used in books to indicate to readers that they should look at another part of the book, or at another book, because more information is given there. □ [V n] See Chapter 7 below for further comments on the textile industry.
18 PHRASE You can use seeing that or seeing as to introduce a reason for what you are saying. [mainly BRIT , INFORMAL , SPOKEN ] □ Seeing as this man is a doctor, I would assume he has a modicum of intelligence.
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