Term
| rumpus room / ˈrʌmpəs ruːm |
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Definition
( NAmE , AustralE , NZE )
a room in a house for playing games in, sometimes in the basement
© Oxford University Press, 2010
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Term
insulation
BrE: ˌɪnsjuˈleɪʃn
NAmE: ˌɪnsəˈleɪʃn
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Definition
[uncountable] the act of protecting sth with a material that prevents heat, sound, electricity, etc. from passing through; the materials used for this
- Better insulation of your home will help to reduce heating bills.
- foam insulation
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Term
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Definition
| 1 [uncountable] a hard yellowish-white substance like bone that forms the tusks (= long teeth) of elephants and some other animals a ban on the ivory trade an ivory chess set 2 [countable] an object made of ivory a priceless collection of ivories He had a good set of ivories (= teeth). Of an evening she would entertain them by tinkling the ivories (= playing the piano). 3 [uncountable] a yellowish-white colour |
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Term
warm the ˈcockles (of sb's ˈheart)
BrE /ˈkɒkl/
NAmE /ˈkɑːkl/
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Definition
| (BrE) to make sb feel happy or sympathetic Doesn't that story just warm the cockles of your heart? |
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Term
flibbertigibbet
BrE /ˈflɪbətidʒɪbɪt/
NAmE /ˈflɪbərtidʒɪbɪt/
BrE /ˌflɪbətiˈdʒɪbɪt/
NAmE /ˌflɪbərtiˈdʒɪbɪt/ |
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Definition
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Term
furlough
BrE /ˈfɜːləʊ/
NAmE /ˈfɜːrloʊ/ |
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Definition
[uncountable, countable] 1 permission to leave your duties for a period of time, especially for soldiers working in a foreign country to go home on furlough a six-week furlough 2 (NAmE) permission for a prisoner to leave prison for a period of time 3 (NAmE) a period of time during which workers are told not to come to work, usually because there is not enough money to pay them
verb: furlough sb |
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Term
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Definition
noun: a revolving disk with sharp marginal points at the end of a spur
verb:
1
: to goad with or as if with a rowel
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Term
scathing
BrE /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/
NAmE /ˈskeɪðɪŋ/ |
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Definition
criticizing sb or sth very severely (SYN withering) a scathing attack on the new management Her father gave her a scathing look.
~ about sb/sth He was scathing about the government's performance.
scath•ing•ly /BrE ˈskeɪðɪŋli; NAmE ˈskeɪðɪŋli/ adverb: ‘Oh, she's just a kid,’ he said scathingly. |
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Term
gore
BrE /ɡɔː(r)/
NAmE /ɡɔːr/ |
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Definition
verb: ~ sb/sth (of an animal) to wound a person or another animal with a horn or tusk He was gored by a bull.
noun: [uncountable] thick blood that has flowed from a wound, especially in a violent situation The movie is not just blood and gore (= scenes of violence); it has a thrilling story. |
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Term
hankering
BrE /ˈhæŋkərɪŋ/
NAmE /ˈhæŋkərɪŋ/ |
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Definition
[usually singular] ~ (for/after sth) | ~ (to do sth)
a strong desire a hankering for a wealthy lifestyle I've always had a hankering to go to China. |
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Term
girdle
BrE /ˈɡɜːdl/
NAmE /ˈɡɜːrdl/ |
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Definition
noun: 1 a piece of women's underwear that fits closely around the body from the waist to the top of the legs, designed to make a woman look thinner 2 (literary) a thing that surrounds sth else carefully tended lawns set in a girdle of trees 3 (old-fashioned) a belt or thick string fastened around the waist to keep clothes in position
verb: ~ sth (literary) to surround sth A chain of volcanoes girdles the Pacific. |
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Term
lectern
BrE /ˈlektən/
NAmE /ˈlektərn/
(NAmE also podium) |
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Definition
| a stand for holding a book, notes, etc. when you are reading in church, giving a talk, etc. |
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Term
bleary
BrE /ˈblɪəri/
NAmE /ˈblɪri/ |
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Definition
| (of eyes) not able to see clearly, especially because you are tired She had bleary red eyes from lack of sleep. |
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Term
ramshackle
BrE /ˈræmʃækl/
NAmE /ˈræmʃækl/ |
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Definition
| 1 (of buildings, vehicles, furniture, etc.) in a very bad condition and needing repair (SYN tumbledown) a ramshackle house 2 (of an organization or a system) badly organized or designed and not likely to last very long (SYN rickety) The opposition criticized the government's ramshackle economic policies. |
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Term
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Definition
| curving, with the knees wide apart to be bandy-legged |
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Term
patina
BrE /ˈpætɪnə/
NAmE /pəˈtiːnə/ |
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Definition
| [usually singular] 1 a green, black or brown layer that forms on the surface of some metals The bronze statue had acquired a hard green patina with age. 2 a thin layer that forms on other materials; the shiny surface that develops on wood or leather when it is polished The furniture was old, with the shiny patina of frequent polishing. (figurative) He looked relaxed and elegant and had the patina of success. |
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Term
hinge
BrE /hɪndʒ/
NAmE /hɪndʒ/ |
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Definition
a piece of metal, plastic, etc. on which a door, lid or gate moves freely as it opens or closes The door had been pulled off its hinges.
verb: [usually passive] ~ sth to attach sth with a hinge
adj.: hinged |
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Term
clog (noun)
BrE /klɒɡ/
NAmE /klɑːɡ/
NAmE /klɔːɡ/ |
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Definition
| a shoe that is completely made of wood or one that has a thick wooden sole and a leather top |
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Term
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Definition
| A being uniting the physical characters of both sexes; a hermaphrodite. |
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Term
sherbet
BrE /ˈʃɜːbət/
NAmE /ˈʃɜːrbət/ |
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Definition
1. a fizzy powder sweet, usually eaten by dipping a lollipop or liquorice, or licking it on a finger.
2. (USA) a fruity flavored frozen dairy product with a butterfat content between 1% and 2%. |
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Term
seep
BrE /siːp/
NAmE /siːp/ |
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Definition
| [intransitive] + adv./prep. (especially of liquids) to flow slowly and in small quantities through sth or into sth (SYN trickle) Blood was beginning to seep through the bandages. Water seeped from a crack in the pipe. (figurative) Gradually the pain seeped away. |
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Term
snot
BrE /snɒt/
NAmE /snɑːt/ |
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Definition
| [uncountable] (informal) a word that some people find offensive, used to describe the liquid substance (= mucus ) that is produced in the nose |
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Term
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| saliva colored brown by tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) |
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Term
steer (noun)
BrE /stɪə(r)/
NAmE /stɪr/ |
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Definition
| 1 [singular] (BrE) a piece of advice or information that helps you do sth or avoid a problem Can anyone give me a steer on this? Do you know somebody working there who could give you a steer? I'd really appreciate a steer in the right direction. 2 [countable] a bull (= a male cow) that has been castrated (= had part of its sex organs removed), kept for its meat |
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Term
balderdash
BrE /ˈbɔːldədæʃ/
NAmE /ˈbɔːldərdæʃ/ |
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Definition
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Term
hobo
BrE /ˈhəʊbəʊ/
NAmE /ˈhoʊboʊ/ |
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Definition
| (pl. hobos)(old-fashioned, especially NAmE) 1 a person who travels from place to place looking for work, especially on farms 2 = tramp |
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Term
freight
BrE /freɪt/
NAmE /freɪt/ |
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Definition
noun: [uncountable] goods that are transported by ships, planes, trains or lorries/trucks; the system of transporting goods in this way to send goods by air freight a freight business passenger and freight transportation services
verb: 1 ~ sth to send or carry goods by air, sea or train 2 [usually passive] ~ sth with sth (literary) to fill sth with a particular mood or tone Each word was freighted with anger. |
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Term
squirm
BrE /skwɜːm/
NAmE /skwɜːrm/ |
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Definition
| 1 [intransitive] to move around a lot making small twisting movements, because you are nervous, uncomfortable, etc. (SYN wriggle) (+ adv./prep.) The children were squirming restlessly in their seats.+ adj. Someone grabbed him but he managed to squirm free. 2 [intransitive] to feel great embarrassment or shame It made him squirm to think how badly he'd messed up the interview. |
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Term
windowsill
BrE /ˈwɪndəʊsɪl/
NAmE /ˈwɪndoʊsɪl/
(also sill, ˈwindow ledge) |
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Definition
| a narrow shelf below a window, either inside or outside |
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Term
stopper
BrE /ˈstɒpə(r)/
NAmE /ˈstɑːpər/
(NAmE also plug) |
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Definition
an object that fits into the top of a bottle to close it
verb: stopper sth |
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Term
porthole
BrE /ˈpɔːthəʊl/
NAmE /ˈpɔːrthoʊl/ |
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Definition
| a round window in the side of a ship or an aircraft |
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Term
Ferris wheel
BrE /ˈferɪs wiːl/
NAmE /ˈferɪs wiːl/ (especially NAmE)
(BrE also ˌbig ˈwheel) |
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Definition
| a large wheel which stands in a vertical position at an amusement park, with seats hanging at its edge for people to ride in |
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Term
reel
BrE /riːl/
NAmE /riːl/ |
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Definition
| 1 (especially BrE) (also spool especially in NAmE) a round object around which you wind such things as thread, wire or film; a reel together with the film, wire, thread, etc. that is wound around it a cotton reel a reel on a fishing rod reels of magnetic tape a new reel of film The hero was killed in the final reel (= in the final part of the film/movie). 2 a fast Scottish, Irish or American dance, usually for two or four couples; a piece of music for this dance |
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Term
acrimonious
BrE /ˌækrɪˈməʊniəs/
NAmE /ˌækrɪˈmoʊniəs/ |
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Definition
(formal) (of an argument, etc.) angry and full of strong bitter feelings and words
(syn. bitter)
His parents went through an acrimonious divorce. |
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Term
gruel
BrE /ˈɡruːəl/
NAmE /ˈɡruːəl/ |
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Definition
| a simple dish made by boiling oats in milk or water, eaten especially in the past by poor people |
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Term
coo (verb)
BrE /kuː/
NAmE /kuː/ |
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Definition
| (coo•ing, cooed, cooed) 1 [intransitive] when a dove or a pigeoncoos, it makes a soft low sound 2 [intransitive, transitive] (+ speech) to say sth in a soft quiet voice, especially to sb you love |
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Term
wheedle
BrE /ˈwiːdl/
NAmE /ˈwiːdl/ |
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Definition
| (disapproving) to persuade sb to give you sth or do sth by saying nice things that you do not mean (SYN coax) ~ sth (out of sb) The kids can always wheedle money out of their father.~ sb into doing sth She wheedled me into lending her my new coat.+ speech ‘Come on, Em,’ he wheedled. |
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Term
tinsel
BrE /ˈtɪnsl/
NAmE /ˈtɪnsl/ |
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Definition
| [uncountable]strips of shiny material like metal, used as decorations, especially at Christmas |
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Term
ragbag
BrE /ˈræɡbæɡ/
NAmE /ˈræɡbæɡ/ |
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Definition
| [singular] a collection of things that appear to have little connection with each other a ragbag of ideas |
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Term
scald (verb)
BrE /skɔːld/
NAmE /skɔːld/ |
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Definition
| ~ sth/yourself to burn yourself or part of your body with very hot liquid or steam Be careful not to scald yourself with the steam. (figurative) Tears scalded her eyes. |
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Term
rarefied
BrE /ˈreərɪfaɪd/
NAmE /ˈrerəfaɪd/ |
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Definition
| [usually before noun] 1 (often disapproving) understood or experienced by only a very small group of people who share a particular area of knowledge or activity the rarefied atmosphere of academic life 2 (of air) containing less oxygen than usual Climbers may experience difficulty breathing in the rarefied air at high altitudes. |
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Term
blowout
BrE /ˈbləʊaʊt/
NAmE /ˈbloʊaʊt/ |
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Definition
| 1 an occasion when a tyre suddenly bursts on a vehicle while it is moving (SYN puncture) to have a blowout 2 [usually singular] (informal) a large meal at which people eat too much a four-course blowout 3 (NAmE, informal) a large party or social occasion We're going to have a huge blowout for Valentine's Day. 4 (NAmE, informal) an easy victory The game was a blowout, 8–1. Utah had its fourth blowout victory over San Antonio. 5 a sudden escape of oil or gas from an oil well |
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Term
rapt
BrE /ræpt/
NAmE /ræpt/ |
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Definition
| so interested in one particular thing that you are not aware of anything else a rapt audience She listened to the speaker with rapt attention. He watched her with a rapt expression. Jill stared at them blankly, rapt in thought. |
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Term
impresario
BrE /ˌɪmprəˈsɑːriəʊ/
NAmE /ˌɪmprəˈsɑːrioʊ/ |
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Definition
| a person who arranges plays in the theatre, etc, especially a person who manages a theatre, opera or ballet company |
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Term
altercation
BrE /ˌɔːltəˈkeɪʃn/
NAmE /ˌɔːltərˈkeɪʃn/ |
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Definition
| [countable, uncountable] (formal) a noisy argument or disagreement A youth became involved in an altercation with a police officer over a parking ticket. |
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Term
lusty
BrE /ˈlʌsti/
NAmE /ˈlʌsti/ |
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Definition
healthy and strong (SYN vigorous) a lusty young man lusty singing a lusty yell
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Term
ruddy
BrE /ˈrʌdi/
NAmE /ˈrʌdi/ |
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Definition
adj:
1 (of a person's face) looking red and healthy ruddy cheeks a ruddy complexion 2 (literary) red in colour a ruddy sky 3 [only before noun] (BrE, informal) a mild swear word that some people use to show that they are annoyed I can't get the ruddy car to start! What the ruddy hell do you want?
adv:
(BrE, informal) a mild swear word used by some people to emphasize what they are saying, especially when they are annoyed There was a ruddy great hole in the ceiling. |
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Term
washboard
BrE /ˈwɒʃbɔːd/
NAmE /ˈwɑːʃbɔːrd/
NAmE /ˈwɔːʃbɔːrd/ |
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Definition
| a board with a surface with ridges on it, used in the past for rubbing clothes on when washing them; a similar board played as a musical instrument |
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Term
burlap
BrE /ˈbɜːlæp/
NAmE /ˈbɜːrlæp/
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hessian
BrE /ˈhesiən/
NAmE /ˈheʃn/
(especially BrE) |
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Definition
| [uncountable]a type of strong rough brown cloth, used especially for making sacks |
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Term
blather
BrE /ˈblæðə(r)/
NAmE /ˈblæðər/
(also blether) |
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Definition
| [intransitive] ~ (on) (about sth) (informal, especially BrE) to talk continuously about things that are silly or unimportant What are you blathering on about now? |
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Term
rodomontade
ˌrɒdəmɒnˈteɪd, -ˈtɑːd |
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Definition
| — n |
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a. boastful words or behaviour; bragging |
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b. ( as modifier ): rodomontade behaviour |
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( intr ) to boast, bluster, or rant |
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Term
tumbler
BrE /ˈtʌmblə(r)/
NAmE /ˈtʌmblər/ |
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Definition
1 a glass for drinking out of, with a flat bottom, straight sides and no handle or stem
2 (also tum•bler•ful /BrE ˈtʌmbləfʊl; NAmE ˈtʌmblərfʊl/) the amount held by a tumbler 3 (old-fashioned) an acrobat who performs somersaults (= a jump in which you turn over completely in the air) |
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Term
opalescent
BrE /ˌəʊpəˈlesnt/
NAmE /ˌoʊpəˈlesnt/ |
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Definition
| (formal or literary) changing colour like an opal an opalescent sky |
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Term
frump
BrE /frʌmp/
NAmE /frʌmp/ |
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Definition
| a woman who wears clothes that are not fashionable adj: frumpy (also less frequent frumpish) frumpy clothes a frumpy housewife |
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Term
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Definition
| [uncountable, countable] (pl. still lifes) the art of painting or drawing arrangements of objects such as flowers, fruit, etc; a painting, etc. like this She prefers still life to landscape painting. a still life in oils |
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Term
putty
BrE /ˈpʌti/
NAmE /ˈpʌti/ |
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Definition
| [uncountable]a soft sticky substance that becomes hard when it is dry and that is used for fixing glass into window frames He looked very ill and his face was the colour of putty (= grey). |
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Term
lugubrious
BrE /ləˈɡuːbriəs/
NAmE /ləˈɡuːbriəs/ |
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Definition
| sad and serious (SYN doleful) a lugubrious expression |
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Term
pageantry
BrE /ˈpædʒəntri/
NAmE /ˈpædʒəntri/ |
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Definition
| [uncountable] impressive and exciting events and ceremonies involving a lot of people wearing special clothes the pageantry of royal occasions |
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Term
rhinestone
BrE /ˈraɪnstəʊn/
NAmE /ˈraɪnstoʊn/ |
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Definition
| a clear stone that is intended to look like a diamond, used in cheap jewellery |
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Term
booty
BrE /ˈbuːti/
NAmE /ˈbuːti/
(pl. booties) |
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Definition
| 1 [uncountable] valuable things that are stolen, especially by soldiers in a time of war (SYN loot) 2 [uncountable] (informal) valuable things that sb wins, buys or obtains When we got home from our day's shopping, we laid all our booty out on the floor. 3 [countable] (informal, especially NAmE) the part of the body that you sit on (SYN buttocks) to shake your booty (= to dance with great energy) |
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Term
slipshod
BrE /ˈslɪpʃɒd/
NAmE /ˈslɪpʃɑːd/ |
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Definition
| done without care; doing things without care (SYN careless) The work was done in a slipshod manner. |
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Term
repercussion
BrE /ˌriːpəˈkʌʃn/
NAmE /ˌriːpərˈkʌʃn/ |
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Definition
| [usually plural]an indirect and usually bad result of an action or event that may happen some time afterwards (SYN consequence) The collapse of the company will have repercussions for the whole industry. |
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Term
wharf
BrE /wɔːf/
NAmE /wɔːrf/
pl. wharves / wharfs |
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Definition
| a flat structure built beside the sea or a river where boats can be tied up and goods unloaded |
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Term
splay
BrE /spleɪ/
NAmE /spleɪ/ |
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Definition
| [transitive, intransitive] ~ (sth) (out) to make fingers, legs, etc. become further apart from each other or spread out; to be spread out wide apart She lay on the bed, her arms and legs splayed out. His long fingers splayed across her back. |
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Term
snivel
BrE /ˈsnɪvl/
NAmE /ˈsnɪvl/ |
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Definition
| (-ll-, US -l-) [intransitive] to cry and complain in a way that people think is annoying (SYN whine) |
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Term
monograph
BrE /ˈmɒnəɡrɑːf/
NAmE /ˈmɑːnəɡræf/ |
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Definition
| (technical) a detailed written study of a single subject, usually in the form of a short book |
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Term
avuncular
BrE /əˈvʌŋkjələ(r)/
NAmE /əˈvʌŋkjələr/ |
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Definition
| (formal) behaving in a kind and friendly way towards young people, similar to the way an uncle treats his nieces or nephews |
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Term
concerted
BrE /kənˈsɜːtɪd/
NAmE /kənˈsɜːrtɪd/ |
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Definition
| [only before noun] done in a planned and determined way, especially by more than one person, government, country, etc a concerted approach/attack/campaign She has begun to make a concerted effort to find a job. |
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Term
locket
BrE /ˈlɒkɪt/
NAmE /ˈlɑːkɪt/ |
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Definition
| a piece of jewellery in the form of a small case that you wear on a chain around your neck and in which you can put a picture, piece of hair, etc. |
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Term
exult
BrE /ɪɡˈzʌlt/
NAmE /ɪɡˈzʌlt/ |
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Definition
| [intransitive, transitive] (formal) to feel and show that you are very excited and happy because of sth that has happened ~ (at/in sth) He leaned back, exulting at the success of his plan. + speech ‘We won!’ she exulted. |
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Term
florid
BrE /ˈflɒrɪd/
NAmE /ˈflɔːrɪd/
NAmE /ˈflɑːrɪd/ |
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Definition
| 1 (of a person's face) red a florid complexion 2 (usually disapproving) having too much decoration or detail florid language a florid style of painting |
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Term
muff
BrE /mʌf/
NAmE /mʌf/ |
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Definition
a short tube of fur or other warm material that you put your hands into to keep them warm in cold weather
verb:
~ sth (informal, disapproving) to miss an opportunity to do sth well He muffed his lines (= he forgot them or said them wrongly). It was a really simple shot, and I muffed it. |
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Term
travesty
BrE /ˈtrævəsti/
NAmE /ˈtrævəsti/ |
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Definition
| (pl. trav•esties)~ (of sth) something that does not have the qualities or values that it should have, and as a result is often shocking or offensive (SYN parody) The trial was a travesty of justice. His claim is a travesty of the facts. a travesty of a marriage |
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Term
stupor
BrE /ˈstjuːpə(r)/
NAmE /ˈstuːpər/ |
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Definition
| a state in which you are unable to think, hear, etc. clearly, especially because you have drunk too much alcohol, taken drugs or had a shock He drank himself into a stupor. a drunken stupor She was led away in a state of stupor. |
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Term
capsize
BrE /kæpˈsaɪz/
NAmE /ˈkæpsaɪz/ |
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Definition
| [intransitive, transitive] ~ (sth) if a boat capsizes or sth capsizes it, it turns over in the water |
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Term
balmy
BrE /ˈbɑːmi/
NAmE /ˈbɑːmi/ |
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Definition
| (approving) (of the air, weather, etc.) warm and pleasant (SYN mild) a balmy summer evening |
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Term
garland
BrE /ˈɡɑːlənd/
NAmE /ˈɡɑːrlənd/ |
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Definition
| a circle of flowers and leaves that is worn on the head or around the neck or is hung in a room as decoration The office was decked with garlands for the party. |
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Term
cornice
BrE /ˈkɔːnɪs/
NAmE /ˈkɔːrnɪs/ |
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Definition
| (architecture) a decorative border around the top of the walls in a room or on the outside walls of a building |
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Term
meagre (especially US meager)
BrE /ˈmiːɡə(r)/
NAmE /ˈmiːɡər/ |
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Definition
| small in quantity and poor in quality (SYN paltry) a meagre diet of bread and water She supplements her meagre income by cleaning at night. |
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Term
tangerine
BrE /ˌtændʒəˈriːn/
NAmE /ˈtændʒəriːn/ |
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Definition
1 [countable] a type of small sweet orange with loose skin that comes off easily 2 [uncountable] a deep orange-yellow colour
adjective a tangerine evening gown |
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Term
prance
BrE /prɑːns/
NAmE /præns/ |
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Definition
| 1 [intransitive] + adv./prep. to move quickly with exaggerated steps so that people will look at you The lead singer was prancing around with the microphone. She pranced out of the room. 2 [intransitive] (of a horse) to move with high steps |
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Term
chairlift
BrE /ˈtʃeəlɪft/
NAmE /ˈtʃerlɪft/ |
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Definition
a series of chairs hanging from a moving cable, for carrying people up and down a mountain
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Term
pen (noun)
BrE /pen/
NAmE /pen/
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Definition
| 1 (often in compounds) an instrument made of plastic or metal used for writing with ink 2 a small piece of land surrounded by a fence in which farm animals are kept a sheep pen 3 (NAmE, slang) = penitentiary |
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Term
axle
BrE /ˈæksl/
NAmE /ˈæksl/ |
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Definition
| a long straight piece of metal that connects a pair of wheels on a vehicle the front/rear axle |
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Term
bucolic
BrE /bjuːˈkɒlɪk/
NAmE /bjuːˈkɑːlɪk/ |
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Definition
| (literary) connected with the countryside or country life a stream winding through stately parks and bucolic meadows |
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Term
rafter
BrE /ˈrɑːftə(r)/
NAmE /ˈræftər/ |
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Definition
| [countable, usually plural] one of the sloping pieces of wood that support a roof |
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Term
ravenous
BrE /ˈrævənəs/
NAmE /ˈrævənəs/ |
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Definition
| 1 (of a person or an animal) extremely hungry (SYN starving) What's for lunch? I'm absolutely ravenous. 2 [only before noun] (of hunger) very great a ravenous appetite |
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Term
gravy
BrE /ˈɡreɪvi/
NAmE /ˈɡreɪvi/ |
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Definition
| [uncountable] 1 a brown sauce made by adding flour to the juices that come out of meat while it is cooking 2 (NAmE, informal) something, especially money, that is obtained when you do not expect it Anything on top of eight percent profit is just gravy for the industry. |
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Term
stance
BrE /stæns/
BrE /stɑːns/
NAmE /stæns/ |
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Definition
| 1 ~ (on sth) the opinions that sb has about sth and expresses publicly (SYN position) What is the newspaper's stance on the war? He is known for his anti-abortion stance. Judges are increasingly taking a tougher stance on rape. 2 the way in which sb stands, especially when playing a sport Widen your stance (= move your feet wider apart) for greater stability when hitting the ball. |
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Term
harangue
BrE /həˈræŋ/
NAmE /həˈræŋ/ |
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Definition
| ~ sb to speak loudly and angrily in a way that criticizes sb/sth or tries to persuade people to do sth He walked to the front of the stage and began to harangue the audience. |
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Term
canapé
BrE /ˈkænəpeɪ/
NAmE /ˌkænəˈpeɪ/ |
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Definition
| [usually plural]a small biscuit or piece of bread with cheese, meat, fish, etc. on it, usually served with drinks at a party |
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Term
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Definition
| 1 [uncountable, countable] the mass of eggs inside a female fish (hard roe) or the sperm of a male fish (soft roe), used as foodcod's roe |
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Term
adulation
BrE /ˌædjuˈleɪʃn/
NAmE /ˌædʒəˈleɪʃn/ |
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Definition
| [uncountable] (formal) admiration and praise, especially when this is greater than is necessary The band enjoy the adulation of their fans wherever they go. |
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Term
impudent
BrE /ˈɪmpjədənt/
NAmE /ˈɪmpjədənt/ |
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Definition
| (formal) rude; not showing respect for other people (SYN impertinent) an impudent young fellow an impudent remark |
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Term
solicitous
BrE /səˈlɪsɪtəs/
NAmE /səˈlɪsɪtəs/ |
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Definition
| (formal) being very concerned for sb and wanting to make sure that they are comfortable, well or happy (SYN attentive) She was very solicitous for our welfare. a solicitous host |
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Term
haggard
BrE /ˈhæɡəd/
NAmE /ˈhæɡərd/ |
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Definition
| looking very tired because of illness, worry or lack of sleep (SYN drawn) He looked pale and haggard. a haggard face |
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Term
snooze
BrE /snuːz/
NAmE /snuːz/ |
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Definition
| [intransitive] (informal) to have a short light sleep, especially during the day and usually not in bed My brother was snoozing on the sofa. |
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Term
obstetrician
BrE /ˌɒbstəˈtrɪʃn/
NAmE /ˌɑːbstəˈtrɪʃn/ |
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Definition
a physician specializing in obstetrics (= the branch of medicine concerned with the birth of children)
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Term
gaunt
BrE /ɡɔːnt/
NAmE /ɡɔːnt/ |
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Definition
| 1 (of a person) very thin, usually because of illness, not having enough food, or worry a gaunt face She looked gaunt and exhausted. 2 (of a building) not attractive and without any decoration the gaunt ruin of Pendragon Castle |
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Term
tawdry
BrE /ˈtɔːdri/
NAmE /ˈtɔːdri/ |
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Definition
| (disapproving) 1 intended to be bright and attractive but cheap and of low quality tawdry jewellery 2 involving low moral standards; extremely unpleasant or offensive a tawdry affair |
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Term
buggery
BrE /ˈbʌɡəri/
NAmE /ˈbʌɡəri/ |
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Definition
| [uncountable] (BrE, taboo, slang or law) anal sex |
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Term
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Definition
| a person who makes speeches to crowds of people intending to make them angry or excited, especially for political aims |
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Term
emaciated
BrE /ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪd/
NAmE /ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪd/
BrE /ɪˈmeɪsieɪtɪd/
NAmE /ɪˈmeɪsieɪtɪd/ |
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Definition
| thin and weak, usually because of illness or lack of food He was thirty, but looked fifty, with pale skin, hopeless eyes and an emaciated body, covered in sores. |
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Term
jaded
BrE /ˈdʒeɪdɪd/
NAmE /ˈdʒeɪdɪd/ |
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Definition
| tired and bored, usually because you have had too much of sth I felt terribly jaded after working all weekend. It was a meal to tempt even the most jaded palate. |
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Term
connoisseur
BrE /ˌkɒnəˈsɜː(r)/
NAmE /ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːr/
NAmE /ˌkɑːnəˈsʊr/ |
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Definition
| an expert on matters involving the judgement of beauty, quality or skill in art, food or music a connoisseur of Italian painting a wine connoisseur The exhibition will be a delight for the collector and connoisseur of silver ornaments. |
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Term
crowbar
BrE /ˈkrəʊbɑː(r)/
NAmE /ˈkroʊbɑːr/ |
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Definition
| a straight iron bar, usually with a curved end, used for forcing open boxes and moving heavy objects |
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