Vocabulary: Batch 64

From French; original sense was "illusion / glamour".

• widespread respect and admiration felt for someone or something on the basis of perceived quality or achievements

  The prize carries enormous prestige in the scientific community.

• having high status, respect, and admiration; conferring prestige

  She studied at a prestigious Ivy League university.

Famous American phrase: the "Pledge of Allegiance", recited daily in many US schools.

• loyalty or commitment to a person, group, country, or cause

  He swore allegiance to the new king.

• the foot of an animal that has claws or nails, such as a dog, cat, or bear

  The puppy gave me her paw.

1. to touch or scrape with a paw

   The cat pawed at the door.

2. (informal, disapproving) to touch someone, especially sexually, in an unwanted or clumsy way

   She accused her boss of pawing her at the office party.

• relating to or suitable for a festival or celebration; joyful

  The room was decorated with festive lights for the party.

Used especially in British English to refer inclusively to the December holidays (Christmas + New Year), avoiding singling out one religion.

• the period covering Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year, characterized by holiday celebrations

  The store sees a huge sales boost during the festive season.

Often plural: "the festivities". Common around weddings, holidays, anniversaries. Implies more elaborate than "party".

• the celebration of a special occasion

  The wedding festivities lasted three days.

Once used as a slur against gay people; now widely reclaimed as a neutral or proud self-identifier within the LGBTQ+ community ("Q" in LGBTQ stands for queer). Older meaning of "odd / strange" is now dated.

1. (reclaimed) of or relating to non-heterosexual or non-cisgender identity; LGBTQ+

   She identifies as queer and uses they/them pronouns.

2. (dated) strange or odd

   He had a queer feeling something was wrong.

• (reclaimed, used by some within the LGBTQ+ community) a queer person

  He is proud to call himself a queer.

1. a tool with a rotating cutting tip used for making holes

   He used an electric drill to install the shelves.

2. a routine practice or rehearsal of a procedure, especially military or emergency

   The school had a fire drill this morning.

3. ("the drill", informal) the usual procedure

   You know the drill: fill out the form, then wait to be called.

1. to make a hole with a drill

   He drilled a hole in the wall.

2. to teach or train through repeated practice

   The sergeant drilled the recruits in marching.

"That's a mouthful" (idiom) = something long or hard to pronounce.

1. the amount of food or drink that can be put in the mouth at one time

   He took a big mouthful of soup.

2. (informal) a long word, phrase, or name that is hard to say

   "Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis" is a real mouthful.

Food science / culinary term. Important in evaluating products like wine, chocolate, ice cream.

• the physical sensations created in the mouth by food or drink (texture, viscosity, temperature, etc.)

  The wine has a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

From Latin aqua (water) + ferre (to bear).

• a layer of underground rock or sediment that holds groundwater and releases it through wells or springs

  Many cities rely on aquifers for their drinking water.

Scottish / informal British. Affectionate, often used with children or small things.

• little; very small

  She had a wee bit of cake.

British / children's word.

• (informal, children's) urine; an act of urinating

  Mummy, I need a wee.

British equivalent: exhaust pipe.

• (American) the rear pipe of a vehicle's exhaust system, through which burnt gases are emitted

  Black smoke poured from the tailpipe.

As an insult ("you scum!"), it is very strong and offensive.

1. a layer of dirt, foam, or impurities forming on the surface of a liquid

   Pond scum had accumulated on the surface of the water.

2. (offensive) a worthless or contemptible person or group

   He called the kidnappers scum.

From Latin rubrica (red ochre), because section headings in medieval manuscripts were written in red ink.

1. a title or heading; a category or class

   His complaints fall under the rubric of "customer service issues".

2. a set of instructions or rules, especially printed at the start of an examination or in a book

   Read the rubric carefully before answering the questions.

3. (education) a scoring guide that lists criteria for grading

   The teacher graded the essays using a detailed rubric.

From Greek arche (original) + typos (model/pattern). Concept central to Jungian psychology.

1. a very typical example of a certain person or thing; the original from which others are copied

   He is the archetype of the absent-minded professor.

2. (Jungian psychology) a primitive mental image or pattern said to be inherited and present in the collective unconscious

   Jung described archetypes like the hero, the mother, and the shadow.

• very typical of a certain kind of person or thing

  She's the archetypal mother figure.

Less common variant of archetypal.

• variant of archetypal

  He is the archetypical absent-minded scientist.

Originally from American football (a book of planned offensive/defensive plays). Now widely used figuratively in business, politics, etc.

1. (American sports, especially football) a book containing a team's strategies and tactical plays

   The new quarterback had to memorize the entire playbook.

2. a set of established methods, strategies, or tactics for doing something

   He used the same playbook for every product launch.

1. (formal) to take food, drink, or another substance into the body by swallowing or absorbing

   Make sure the child has not ingested any of the cleaning fluid.

2. (figurative or technical) to take in or absorb information or data

   The system can ingest thousands of records per second.

• the process of taking food, drink, or another substance into the body

  Accidental ingestion of the chemical requires immediate medical attention.

Often paired with "business", "political", "financial".

• the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular field

  Her business acumen turned the failing company around.

1. a person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft

   The pilot announced our cruising altitude.

2. a person qualified to steer ships through difficult waters, especially in or out of a harbor

   The harbor pilot guided the cargo ship to the dock.

3. a test episode of a television series, used to decide if it should be developed into a full series

   The network ordered six episodes after a successful pilot.

1. to act as a pilot of a vehicle

   She piloted the small plane through the storm.

2. to test a new product or service before launching it more broadly

   The company is piloting the program in three cities.

Past: overcame. Past participle: overcome.

1. to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty

   She overcame her fear of flying.

2. to defeat an opponent

   He overcame his rival to win the title.

3. to be overwhelmed by emotion or physical force (often passive)

   She was overcome with emotion at the ceremony.

1. (uncountable) smoothness and elegance of movement

   She danced with grace.

2. (uncountable) courteous good will

   He accepted the criticism with grace.

3. (uncountable, in Christianity) the free and unmerited favor of God

   He gave thanks for God's grace.

4. (countable) a short prayer said before or after meals

   They said grace before dinner.

• to bring honor or credit to someone or something by one's presence

  The actor graced the magazine cover.

"Goodness gracious!": old-fashioned exclamation. "Gracious loser": admired stance. "Gracious living": refined lifestyle.

• courteous and kind, especially to those of lower status

  She was a gracious host.

Common compliment for dancers, swimmers, gymnasts. "Graceful exit": leaving without making a scene.

• having or showing grace or elegance

  She moved with graceful steps.

• lacking grace; awkward or ungainly

  His apology was graceless.

1. of short duration

   He gave a brief speech.

2. using few words; concise

   Please be brief: we have a lot to cover.

1. a set of instructions or summary of facts given to someone for a task

   The designer was given a brief to create a modern logo.

2. (law) a written summary of a case for presentation to a court

   The lawyer filed her brief with the court yesterday.

• to give someone essential information about a task

  The general briefed his officers before the operation.

"Brevity is the soul of wit" (Shakespeare, Hamlet).

• concise and exact use of words in writing or speech

  The report is admired for its brevity and clarity.

1. the regular throbbing of arteries as blood is pumped through them, especially as felt at the wrist or neck

   The nurse took his pulse.

2. a single beat or vibration; a brief surge

   The radar emits pulses every half second.

3. ("finger on the pulse") current awareness of trends or popular opinion

   She always has her finger on the pulse of fashion.

• to throb rhythmically; to flow with a steady beat

  Music pulsed through the dance floor.

Mostly used for horses or military uniforms / camouflage.

• of a dull grayish-brown color

  A dun horse grazed in the field.

Common in collections-agency contexts: "dunning letter" = repeated payment demand.

• to repeatedly demand payment of a debt from someone

  The collection agency has been dunning him for months.

In American English, "scheme" often implies something underhanded; in British English, it can simply mean a plan or program.

1. a large-scale systematic plan or arrangement

   The government announced a new scheme to help first-time home buyers.

2. a secret or dishonest plan; a plot

   He was involved in a scheme to defraud investors.

• to plot or make plans, especially in a sneaky or dishonest way

  They were scheming to take over the company.

American spelling: color scheme.

• a planned combination of colors used in a design, decoration, or artwork

  The bedroom has a warm color scheme of beige and brown.

British. American equivalent: pension plan or retirement plan.

• (British) an arrangement set up by an employer or government that provides regular payments to people after they retire

  He has been paying into the company's pension scheme for thirty years.

Almost always negative. From "scheme" + agent suffix "-er". A scheming villain is a fiction staple.

• a person who plans secretly or dishonestly

  The novel's villain was a master schemer.

Famous hoaxes: Piltdown Man, the moon landing conspiracy theories, fake news stories.

• a deceptive act or trick intended to make people believe something false, especially as a joke or scam

  The bomb threat turned out to be a hoax.

• to deceive someone with a hoax

  He hoaxed his classmates with a fake autograph.

1. the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or substance

   The fabric has a rough texture.

2. (in art, music, food) the quality or character of how something is composed or experienced

   The chocolate has a smooth, creamy texture.

In cooking, food sciences, and design: "textured vegetable protein", "textured wallpaper".

• having a particular feel, appearance, or consistency

  The walls are heavily textured.

Always plural. Named after John L. Sullivan, the boxer, who wore them in the ring (one folk etymology).

• (informal) long underwear, typically tight-fitting and worn under regular clothes for warmth

  He wore long johns under his ski pants.

Slightly literary / formal.

1. to descend from a vehicle, train, horse, etc.

   Passengers alighted from the train at the next station.

2. (of a bird) to land on a surface after flight

   A butterfly alighted on the flower.

1. on fire; burning

   The barn was alight by the time the firefighters arrived.

2. shining; lit up

   Her face was alight with joy.

From Spanish matar (to kill). The principal bullfighter who delivers the final sword thrust.

• a bullfighter whose main role is to kill the bull in the climactic final stage of a bullfight, traditionally wearing an elaborate "suit of lights"

  The crowd cheered as the matador entered the ring.

• to support, strengthen, or encourage someone or something

  The new evidence bolstered her case.

• a long firm cushion placed under pillows on a bed, used as support

  She propped a bolster behind her back to read in bed.

Academic / political term. Adjective form: hegemonic.

• leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others

  The US enjoyed unchallenged global hegemony in the 1990s.

• relating to or characterized by dominance over others

  Critics accused the company of hegemonic control over the market.

From French voir (to see). Both criminal and figurative senses are common.

1. a person who gains sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaged in sexual activity, especially without their knowledge

   He was arrested for being a voyeur after secretly filming his neighbors.

2. (figurative) a person who enjoys watching others' private lives or suffering

   Reality TV turns viewers into voyeurs.

• the practice of being a voyeur; gaining pleasure from watching others, especially in private moments

  Voyeurism is a criminal offense in most countries.

• of or relating to voyeurism; deriving pleasure from watching others

  The film takes a voyeuristic look at celebrity life.

From Latin im- (not) + pervius (through-passable). Often followed by "to".

1. not allowing a fluid to pass through; impenetrable

   The coat is impervious to rain.

2. unable to be affected by something (often emotion or criticism)

   She seems impervious to criticism.

Formal. Used to qualify or limit a statement. Also spelled "in so far as".

• to the extent that

  This rule applies to everyone insofar as they are members of the club.

Often implies sexual/objectifying staring; negative connotation.

• to stare at someone in a lecherous or impertinent way

  She felt uncomfortable as the men in the bar ogled her.

• to confuse someone completely; to puzzle

  The instructions bewildered him.

• deeply confused; puzzled

  She gave him a bewildered look.

• deeply or utterly confusing; baffling

  He faced a bewildering array of options.

• a feeling of being deeply confused or puzzled

  She stared at the instructions in bewilderment.

Past: brought /brɔːt/. Past participle: brought. Compare with "take" (move away from speaker) and "fetch" (go and bring back).

1. to carry, convey, or escort something or someone toward the speaker or accompanying the speaker

   Could you bring me a glass of water?

2. to cause something to occur or exist

   Spring brings new flowers.

3. ("bring about") to cause; ("bring up") to raise (a child or topic); ("bring down") to cause to fall; many phrasal verbs

   The scandal brought down the prime minister.

In US law, distinguished from "accessory" (helps before or after but not during).

• a person who helps another commit a crime

  He was charged as an accomplice to the bank robbery.

• to stand, sit, or move with a lazy, drooping posture

  Stop slouching and sit up straight.

"No slouch" (idiom) = surprisingly capable.

1. a lazy, drooping posture

   Years of looking at his phone gave him a permanent slouch.

2. ("no slouch", informal) a person who is far from lazy or incompetent

   She's no slouch when it comes to math.

1. (of insects, parasites, or pests) to inhabit a place in large numbers, causing damage

   Termites had infested the wooden floor.

2. to be present in unpleasantly large numbers

   The waters are infested with sharks.

• the presence of an unpleasantly large number of insects or animals in a place

  The building was closed due to a rat infestation.

• to steal goods from a place during a war, riot, or disaster

  Several shops were looted during the riot.

1. goods stolen, especially during a war or riot

   The pirates divided the loot among themselves.

2. (informal) money or valuable possessions

   He won a ton of loot at the poker table.

3. (in video games) items obtained by defeating enemies or opening containers

   The dragon dropped some rare loot when it died.

• a person who steals goods during a war, riot, or disaster

  Looters were arrested in the aftermath of the hurricane.

"Bury the hatchet" (idiom) = end a quarrel. "Hatchet job" = unfairly harsh criticism.

• a small axe with a short handle, used with one hand

  He used a hatchet to chop kindling for the fire.

1. relating to a star or stars

   Astronomers study stellar evolution.

2. (informal) outstandingly good; excellent

   She gave a stellar performance in the play.

1. a fierce or destructive attack

   The city was defenseless against the onslaught.

2. (figurative) an overwhelming surge or quantity of something

   She faced an onslaught of media questions.

The Stonewall Riots (1969) at the Stonewall Inn in NYC were a defining moment for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, but unrelated to this verb's meaning.

• to delay or block progress, especially by refusing to answer questions or provide information

  The witness stonewalled the prosecutor's questions for hours.

• to make or become longer

  Stretching exercises can elongate the spine.

• unusually long, especially in relation to its width

  The creature has an elongated snout.

Formal / legal euphemism for "dead". Often as a noun: "the deceased" = the dead person.

• recently dead (formal, especially legal context)

  The deceased's family was notified by the police.

Capitalized "Cupid" refers specifically to the god; lowercase for the artistic motif. Greek equivalent: Eros.

1. (Cupid) the ancient Roman god of love, often depicted as a winged boy with a bow and arrow

   Cupid's arrows are said to make people fall in love.

2. (countable) a representation of Cupid, especially as a winged baby with a bow, common on Valentine's Day cards

   The valentine showed two cupids holding a banner.

1. very old or old-fashioned; no longer in current use

   Some of his views are positively archaic.

2. (of a word or language) no longer in everyday use but still occasionally found, especially in literature or formal writing

   "Thou" and "thee" are archaic forms of "you".

Full name: Cleopatra VII Philopator (69-30 BCE). Last active pharaoh of Egypt before it became a Roman province. Famous love affairs with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

• the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, famous for her beauty, intelligence, and political alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony

  Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" dramatizes her relationship with Mark Antony.

Often used to describe horror films "with lots of gore".

• blood that has been shed, especially as a result of violence; bloodshed

  The horror movie was full of gore.

• (of an animal) to pierce or wound with a horn or tusk

  The bull gored the matador during the bullfight.

• full of blood and violence

  The movie was too gory for me.

• a period of staying awake during the time when one would normally be asleep, especially to keep watch, pray, or honor someone

  They held a candlelight vigil for the victims.

• keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties

  Drivers should remain vigilant in foggy conditions.

From Spanish vigilante (watchman). Implies extralegal action.

• a member of a self-appointed group of citizens who take law enforcement into their own hands, usually without legal authority

  The vigilante took justice into his own hands when the police did nothing.

• (of a building or vehicle) in a state of disrepair; partly ruined

  They bought a dilapidated old farmhouse to restore.

Formal. Often implies the claim is doubtful or unverified.

• to claim to be or do something, especially falsely

  The document purports to be from the 18th century, but experts doubt its authenticity.

• as is claimed or appears, but possibly not actually true

  The photo purportedly shows a UFO.

Often followed by "on". Implies obsession.

• obsessively concentrated or focused on someone or something

  He's fixated on getting revenge.

Almost always "fixate on".

• to become obsessively concentrated or focused on someone or something

  He tends to fixate on small mistakes.

1. having partial but not complete independence or self-governance

   The region has a semi-autonomous government within the larger country.

2. (of a machine or vehicle) able to operate without human control for some tasks but not all

   Most self-driving cars today are only semi-autonomous.

1. a short trip taken for pleasure

   We're planning a family outing to the zoo.

2. the public exposure of someone's identity, especially as LGBTQ+, without consent

   The outing of the senator caused a media storm.

• to reduce the quality, value, or character of something

  He felt the soap operas debased the art of acting.

• the act or result of debasing; a reduction in quality or value

  He spoke of the moral debasement of public discourse.

Originally meant "distinguished / remarkable" (Latin egregius = standing out from the flock); meaning flipped in modern English to almost always negative.

• outstandingly bad; shockingly inappropriate

  The referee made an egregious error in the final minute.

1. to work hard over a long period, especially at something tedious

   She slogged away at her dissertation for years.

2. to walk or travel slowly with effort

   They slogged through deep snow.

• a long, exhausting, tedious effort

  The last 10 miles of the marathon were a real slog.

• so simple, clear, or reliable that no problems or failures are possible, even when used by a fool

  The recipe is foolproof: you can't mess it up.

Famous phrase from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar": "Cry 'havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war." Common collocation: "wreak havoc".

• widespread destruction or disorder

  The storm wreaked havoc across the coast.

Increasingly used in ethical-investment contexts: "divest from fossil fuels".

1. to sell off (a subsidiary, business unit, or investment), often for financial or strategic reasons

   The university divested its holdings in tobacco companies.

2. (formal, often passive) to deprive or strip someone of (power, rights, or possessions)

   He was divested of his title after the scandal.

• the action of selling off a subsidiary, business unit, or investment

  The university announced its divestment from fossil fuel companies.

Business/finance term. Often associated with layoffs.

• to reduce costs or spending, typically in response to economic difficulty; (of a business) to lay off staff

  The company plans to retrench by closing several stores.

• the reduction of costs or spending; the act of retrenching

  Years of retrenchment have left the army much smaller.

"New lease on life" (American) / "new lease of life" (British) = a fresh chance to live or function well.

• a legal contract by which one party (the lessor) lets land, property, or services to another (the lessee) for a specified period in return for payment

  They signed a two-year lease on the apartment.

• to grant or hold property under a lease

  The company leases office space downtown.

Contrast: freehold (outright ownership).

• (British, legal) the holding of property by lease for a fixed period

  They bought the flat on a 99-year leasehold.

• a person who holds the lease of a property; a tenant under a lease

  The leaseholder is responsible for routine maintenance.

Do not confuse with "unleashed" /ʌnˈliːʃt/ (released from a leash, set free): a much more common word.

• not currently being rented out under a lease (especially of property or commercial space)

  The building still has three unleased floors on the upper levels.

Disapproving. Suggests excessive, weakening protection.

• to treat someone in an overprotective, indulgent way

  Stop mollycoddling the children: let them learn from their mistakes.

• extremely unpleasant; offensive

  His loud, obnoxious behavior at the party ruined the evening.

1. (uncountable) the surface of the ground with grass and roots; turf

   They rolled out fresh sod to make a new lawn.

2. (British, vulgar slang, dated) a contemptible or unfortunate person

   The poor sod has been fired again.

Note the spelling: canvas (1 s) = fabric/painting; canvass (2 s) = solicit votes/opinions. Different words.

1. (uncountable) a strong, coarse cloth used for sails, tents, and as a surface for oil painting

   She stretched the canvas onto a wooden frame.

2. (countable) a piece of canvas used for painting; a finished painting

   The artist's latest canvas sold for a million dollars.

• to ask people for their votes or opinions, especially for a political campaign or survey

  Volunteers were canvassing the neighborhood for the upcoming election.

Antonym: inside.

• not in or into the interior of; not within

  They waited outside the building.

• not within a building; in or into the open air

  The kids are playing outside.

• situated on or coming from the exterior of something

  She got an outside opinion on the contract.

• the external side or surface of something

  The outside of the house needs a new coat of paint.

1. a person who does not belong to a particular group, organization, or society

   Despite living in the village for ten years, she was still considered an outsider.

2. a competitor thought to have little chance of winning

   The horse was an outsider but won the race.

Subtypes: car sickness, sea sickness, air sickness.

• a feeling of nausea and dizziness caused by being in a moving vehicle, ship, or airplane

  He always takes pills before a long car ride to prevent motion sickness.

1. to walk with heavy, forceful steps, often showing anger

   She stomped out of the room and slammed the door.

2. to step on something heavily and deliberately

   He stomped on the spider.

Originally from the US Prohibition era (1920-1933), when smugglers hid liquor flasks in their boot tops.

• made, distributed, or sold illegally, especially in violation of copyright

  He bought a bootleg copy of the album.

• an illegal copy or recording of something

  The bootleg of the concert was circulating online.

• causing repulsion or horror; grisly

  The detective described the gruesome details of the crime scene.

• money in the form of coins or bills, as distinct from checks or other payment methods

  Do you have any cash on you?

"Cash in" = exchange for cash, or take advantage of. "Cash out" = withdraw or sell investments.

• to exchange a check for cash; to convert into cash

  He cashed his paycheck at the bank.

• extremely short of money

  A cash-starved organization.

• without enough money

  Cash-strapped local councils.

"Mulled wine" is a hot drink popular at Christmas markets.

1. to think about something carefully and at length (often "mull over")

   She mulled over the offer for several days.

2. to warm (wine, cider, or beer) and add sugar and spices

   They mulled wine over the fire.

"Mulled wine": popular European Christmas-market drink. "Mull over" (verb): think about carefully.

• (of wine or cider) heated with spices and sugar

  They served mulled wine at the Christmas market.

Antonym: nationalize.

• to transfer (a business, industry, or service) from public to private ownership and control

  The government plans to privatize the railways.

• the transfer of a business, industry, or service from public to private ownership

  The privatization of the railways was controversial.

Usually plural when referring to a book. Singular "memoir" can mean one recollection or one work. From French mémoire.

• a written account of one's own life and experiences

  The former president is writing his memoirs.

1. fluent and persuasive in speaking or writing

   She gave an eloquent speech at the memorial.

2. clearly expressive of something without using words

   His silence was eloquent of his disapproval.

• fluent and persuasive speaking or writing

  She spoke with great eloquence at the memorial.

"A lot of" / "lots of" = much/many. "The lot" (British) = everything. "Cast lots" = draw straws.

1. (singular: a lot / lots) a large number or amount

   There were a lot of people at the wedding.

2. (countable) a piece of land used for a particular purpose

   She parked in the lot behind the store.

3. (countable) a set of items offered together at an auction

   Lot 47 sold for a record price.

4. (singular) a person's fate or fortune in life

   It was her lot to suffer in silence.

1. offensive to accepted standards of decency, especially in matters of sexual behavior

   He was charged with making obscene phone calls.

2. so morally repugnant as to be offensive (often of wealth or excess)

   They spend obscene amounts of money on yachts.

1. (uncountable) the state or quality of being obscene

   The film was banned for obscenity.

2. (countable) an obscene word, act, or thing

   He shouted obscenities at the referee.

1. the activity of an organization providing services to people in the community, especially the disadvantaged

   The church runs an outreach program for the homeless.

2. the act of contacting people, especially to offer something

   Sales outreach increased by 40% last quarter.

Also the past participle of "drink". "Drunken" is the attributive form: a drunken man, but the man is drunk.

• affected by alcohol to the extent of losing control of one's faculties

  He was too drunk to drive home.

• a person who is drunk or habitually drunk

  A few drunks were arguing outside the bar.

Attributive form of drunk, used before the noun ("a drunken man") whereas "drunk" is used predicatively ("the man is drunk").

• affected by alcohol; drunk

  A drunken brawl broke out at the bar.

• a substance used for cleaning, especially in the form of liquid, powder, or pods

  Add half a cup of detergent to the load of laundry.

"In good spirits" = cheerful.

1. (uncountable) the non-physical part of a person, often regarded as the seat of emotion or character; the soul

   His spirit lives on in his music.

2. (uncountable) the essential or animating quality of something

   They captured the spirit of the era.

3. (countable) a supernatural being, such as a ghost or fairy

   They believed the house was haunted by an evil spirit.

"Spirits" (plural) often means alcoholic liquor (gin, vodka, whiskey).

• (countable, usually plural) a strong distilled alcoholic drink

  The shop sells wine, beer, and spirits.

• to convey away rapidly and secretly

  He was spirited away by a private jet before the press could find him.

Informal/humorous. Originally a term Native Americans used for strong liquor brought by Europeans.

• strong alcoholic liquor

  He poured himself a shot of firewater.

Greek national drink. Turns milky white when water is added (the "ouzo effect").

• a strong, colorless Greek aniseed-flavored alcoholic drink

  They drank ouzo with their meze.

1. (of food) tender, juicy, and tasty

   She served succulent slices of roast beef.

2. (of a plant) having thick fleshy leaves or stems that store water

   Succulent plants thrive in dry climates.

Popular as low-maintenance houseplants; aloe, jade plant, and cacti are common examples.

• a plant with thick fleshy water-storing leaves or stems, such as a cactus

  He keeps a row of succulents on the windowsill.

From medieval philosophy: the "fifth essence" after earth, water, air, and fire, a heavenly substance thought to be in everything.

• the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class

  This painting is the quintessence of Renaissance art.

• representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class

  He is the quintessential English gentleman.

1. the side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip

   He patted the horse's flank.

2. the left or right side of a military formation, sports team, or building

   The enemy attacked our left flank.

• to be situated on each side of someone or something

  Two bodyguards flanked the president.

"Wriggle out of" something = avoid an unpleasant obligation through clever means.

1. to twist and turn with quick small movements

   The puppy wriggled in her arms.

2. to move along by twisting and turning

   He wriggled through the narrow gap.

1. to cut, tear, or pull off the limbs of a body

   The killer dismembered the victim.

2. to break up or partition (a country, organization, or system)

   The empire was dismembered after the war.

• the act of dismembering; the state of being dismembered

  The report described the dismemberment of the corporation into separate companies.

Always treated as singular or as a collective; no plural "livestocks".

• farm animals kept for use or profit, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs

  The farmer raises livestock on his ranch.

1. to fall or let fall in small drops

   Water was dripping from the ceiling.

2. to overflow with a particular quality or feeling

   His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Also slang for stylish appearance: "He's got drip" = he dresses well.

1. a small drop of liquid, or the act/sound of dripping

   She wiped up the drips from the counter.

2. a medical device for delivering fluid slowly into a vein; IV drip

   The patient was on a saline drip.

"Dripping wet" is a common emphatic collocation.

• extremely wet; soaked

  His clothes were dripping after the storm.

• fat and juices that drip from roasting meat, used in cooking

  Pour the dripping over the potatoes.

• designed to prevent dripping

  We bought dripless candles for the dinner table.