Word of the week no.1
FRONTSIDE: DefinitionBACKSIDE:Word
A decorative stone carving on old buildings. It is usually shaped like the head of a strange and ugly creature, and water drains through it from the roof of the building.
gargoyle (N-COUNT).
It is the weakest point in their character or nature, where it is easiest for other people to attack or criticize them. (usu poss N)
Achilles heel, N-SING (usu poss N)
It is the quality of seeming to be true or real.
verisimilitude (N-UNCOUNT).
At the required level of visual verisimilitude, computer animation is costly.(FORMAL)
At the required level of visual verisimilitude, computer animation is costly.(FORMAL)
You refer to activities or processes concerned with numbers or mathematical calculation, for example in finance, statistics, or computing. (INFORMAL)
number crunching (N-UNCOUNT).
The computer does most of the number crunching.
The computer does most of the number crunching.
Each person in a crowd stands up and puts their arms in the air after the person to one side of them, creating a continuous wave-like motion through the crowd. (BRIT)
Mexican wave (N-COUNT).
They are small, unimportant sins or faults (WRITTEN). People are prepared to be tolerant of extra-marital peccadilloes by public figures.
peccadilloes N-COUNT (usu pl) .
People are prepared to be tolerant of extra-marital peccadilloes by public figures.
People are prepared to be tolerant of extra-marital peccadilloes by public figures.
You try to emphasize that it is extremely beautiful or amazing.
breathtaking (ADJ).
Some of their football was breathtaking, a delight to watch.
Some of their football was breathtaking, a delight to watch.
It is a place where people who are in danger from other people can go to be safe.
sanctuary (N COUNT).
Some of them have sought sanctuary in the church.
Some of them have sought sanctuary in the church.
If you describe someone as a ~, you mean that they are unconventional and independent, and do not think or behave in the same way as other people.
maverick (N COUNT, ADJ).
He was too much of a maverick ever to hold high office.
a maverick group of scientists, who oppose the prevailing medical opinion on the disease.
He was too much of a maverick ever to hold high office.
a maverick group of scientists, who oppose the prevailing medical opinion on the disease.
If you refer to someone as a ~, you are criticizing them for opposing changes in industrial methods, especially the introduction of new machines and modern methods. (disapproval)
Luddite (N COUNT).
The majority have a built-in Luddite mentality; they are resistant to change.
The majority have a built-in Luddite mentality; they are resistant to change.
If you are ~, you are cross and dissatisfied because things have not happened the way that you wanted them to happen.
Disgruntled (ADJ).
Disgruntled employees recently called for his resignation.
Disgruntled employees recently called for his resignation.
If you ~, you talk casually and socially with someone. (mainly AM, INFORMAL)
schmooze (VERB)
...those coffee houses where you can schmooze for hours.
...those coffee houses where you can schmooze for hours.
~~~ 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.
seasonal affective disorder (N UNCOUNT).
~ is a strong and unreasonable belief in the superiority of your own country. (disapproval)
jingoism (N UNCOUNT).
A ~~~ is a wrong decision made by a court, as a result of which an innocent person is punished.
miscarriage of justice (N UNCOUNT).
I can imagine no greater miscarriage of justice than the execution of an innocent man.
I can imagine no greater miscarriage of justice than the execution of an innocent man.
If you say that something that has been said or written is ~, you think it is completely untrue or very stupid. (OLD-FASHIONED, disapproval)
balderdash ( N-UNCOUNT )
~~~ is a serious medical condition caused by blood clots in the legs moving up to the lungs. The abbreviation DVT is also used. (MEDICAL)
deep vein thrombosis (N).
He could have died after developing deep vein thrombosis during a flight to Sydney.
He could have died after developing deep vein thrombosis during a flight to Sydney.
~ is the luck some people have in finding or creating interesting or valuable things by chance. (LITERARY)
serendipit (N UNCOUNT).
Some of the best effects in my garden have been the result of serendipity.
Some of the best effects in my garden have been the result of serendipity.
If you describe a question or decision as a ~, you mean that it is a very easy one to answer or make. (AM, INFORMAL)
no-brainer (N-COUNT).
Someone who is ~ can use both their right hand and their left hand equally skilfully.
ambidextrous (ADJ)