L Flashcards
(327 cards)
0
Q
laboured
A
(adj) showing signs of great effort, not spontaneous.
1
Q
laborious
A
(adj) 1. Needing much effort or perseverance. 2. Showing signs of great effort, not spontaneous, forced. 3. Hardworking. Laboriously (adv).
2
Q
labyrinth
A
(n)1 a complicated network of paths through which it is difficult to find one’s way. 2. A complex cavity of the inner ear, consisting of a bony case with a membranous structure inside it.
3
Q
lace (v)
A
(v)1. To fasten with a lace or laces. 2. To pass (a cord) through, to intertwine. 3. To flavour or fortify (a drink) with a dash of spirits.
4
Q
lacerate
A
(v)1. To injure (flesh) by tearing. 2. To wound (feelings). Laceration (n).
5
Q
lachrymal
A
(adj) of tears, secreting tears, (lachrymal ducts).
6
Q
lack-lustre
A
(adj) (of the eye etc.) not bright, dull.
7
Q
lackadaisical
A
(adj) lacking vigour or determination, unenthusiastic.
8
Q
laconic
A
(adj) terse. Laconically (adv).
9
Q
lacquer
A
(n) a hard glossy varnish. (v) to coat with lacquer.
10
Q
lager
A
(n) a kind of light beer.
11
Q
laggard
A
(n) a person who lags behind.
12
Q
lagoon
A
(n)1. A salt-water lake separated from the sea by a sandbank or coral reef etc. 2. A small freshwater lake near a larger lake or river. 3. (Austral & NZ) a freshwater pool, especially a stagnant one.
13
Q
lair
A
(n)1. A sheltered place where a wild animal regularly sleeps or rests. 2. A person’s hiding place.
14
Q
laissez-faire
A
(n) the policy of non-interference. (French= let act).
15
Q
lament
A
(n)1. A passionate expression of grief. 2. A song or poem expressing grief. (v) to feel or express great sorrow or regret. Lamentable (adj): regrettable, deplorable. Lamentably (adv). Lamentation (n).
16
Q
lampoon
A
(n) a piece of writing that attacks a person by ridiculing him. (v) to ridicule in a lampoon.
17
Q
lance
A
(n) a weapon used for spearing fish etc., consisting of a long wooden shaft with a point steel head, resembling that used by mounted knights or cavalry in the Middle Ages. (v) to prick or cut open with a lancet (a pointed two-edged knife used by surgeons).
18
Q
lancet
A
(n)1. A two-edged knife used by surgeons. 2. A tall narrow pointed arch or window.
19
Q
land-locked
A
(adj) almost or entirely surrounded by land.
20
Q
landed
A
(adj)1. Owning land, (landed gentry). 2. Consisting of land, (landed estates).
21
Q
landlubber
A
(n)(sailors’ informal) a person who is not accustomed to the sea and seamanship.
22
Q
landmark
A
(n)1. A conspicuous and easily recognised feature of a landscape. 2. An event that marks a stage or change in the history of something.
23
Q
landslide
A
(n)1. A landslip. 2. An overwhelming majority of votes for one side in an election.
24
languid
(adj) lacking vigour or vitality. Languidly (adv).
25
languish
(v)1. To lose or lack vitality. 2. To live under miserable conditions, to be neglected. Languishing (adj): putting on a languid look in an attempt to win sympathy or affection. Languor (n), languorous (adj).
26
lanky
(adj)(lankier, lankiest) ungracefully lean and long or tall. Lankiness (n). Lank (adj).
27
lapel
(n) a flap at the edge of each front of a coat etc., folded back to lie against its outer surface. Lapelled (adj): having lapels.
28
Lapland
a region at the north of Scandinavia. Laplander (n): a native or inhabitant of Lapland. Lapp (n):1. A Laplander. 2. The language of Lapland.
29
lapse
(n)1. A slight error, especially one caused by forgetfulness or weakness or inattention. 2. Backsliding, a decline into an inferior state. 3. The passage of a period of time, (afta lapse of six months). 4. The termination of a privilege or legal right through disuse. (v)1. To fail to maintain one's position or standard. 2. (of rights and privileges) to be lost or no longer valid because not used or claimed or renewed.
30
larceny
(n) theft of personal goods.
31
larch
(n) a tall cone-bearing deciduous tree of the pine family.
32
largely
(adv) to a great extent.
33
largesse
(n) money or gifts generously given.
34
lascivious
(adj) lustful. Lasciviously (adv), lasciviousness (n).
35
lash out
to attack with blows or words; to spend lavishly.
36
lashings
(pl n)(slang) a lot, (lashings of cream).
37
lass
(or lassie)(ns)(Scottish & N. England) a girl, a young woman.
38
lassitude
(n) tiredness, listlessness.
39
last word
the final statement in a dispute; a definitive statement; the latest fashion.
40
last out
to be strong enough or sufficient to last.
41
latch on to
(informal) to cling to; to get possession of; to take in as an idea.
42
latchkey
(n) the key of an outer door; (latchkey children), those left to look after themselves because neither parent is at home when they return from school etc.
43
of late
lately.
44
latent
(adj) existing but not yet active or develop or visible. Latent heat: thamount of heat gained or lost by a substance changing from solid liquid, or from liquid to vapour, without change of temperature.
45
lateral
(adj) of or at or towards the side(s). Laterally (adv).
46
latitude
(n)1. The instance of a place from the equator, measured in degrees. 2. A region, especially with referee to temperature; (high latitudes, regions near the North or South Pole; (low latitudes), near the equator. 3. Freedom from restrictions or actions or opinions.
47
latrine
(n) a lavatory in a camp or barracks etc., a trench or pit for human excreta where there are no sewers.
48
latter
(adj) 1. Mentioned after another; (the latter), the one mentioned second of two things. (When referring to the last of three or more, (the last), not (the latter), should be used.) 2. Nearer to the end, (the latter half of the year). Latterly: of late, nowadays.
49
laud
(v)(formal) to praise. Laudable (adj): praiseworthy. Laudably (adv). Laudatory (adj): praising.
50
laugh it off
to get rid of embarrassment by making a joke about it.
51
laughable
(adj) causing people to laugh, ridiculous.
52
laureate
(adj) Poet Laureate: the poet appointed to write poems for State occasions.
53
rest on one's laurels
to cease to strive for further success. (from the ancient use if a branch or wreath of laurel as a token of victory.)
54
lavish
(adj)1. Giving or producing in large quantities. 2. Plentiful, (a lavish display). (v) to bestow lavishly. Lavishly (adv), lavishness (n).
55
law-abiding
(adj) obeying the law.
56
law-breaker
(n) one who breaks the law.
57
take the law into one's own hands
to right a wrong oneself without legal sanction.
58
lawless
(adj)1. (of a country) where laws do not exist or are not applied. 2. Disregarding the law, uncontrolled, (lawless brigands). Lawlessness (n).
59
lawsuit
(n) the process of bringing a problem or claim etc. before a court of law for settlement.
60
lax
(adj) slack, not strict or severe, (discipline was lax). Laxly (adv), laxity (n).
61
laxative
(n) a medicine that stimulates the bowels to empty. (adj) having this effect.
62
lay down
to put on the ground etc.; to give up (office); to establish as a rule or instruction; to store (wine) in a cellar for future use.
63
lay it on the line
(slang) to offer without reserve; to speak frankly.
64
lay off
to discharge (workers) temporarily owing to shortage of work; (informal) to cease, especially from causing trouble or annoyance.
65
lay to rest
to bury in a grave.
66
lay up
to store or save; to cause (a person) o be confined o bed or unfit for work etc.
67
lay-by
(n)(pl lay-bys)1. An extra strip of road beside a carriageway, where vehicles may stop without obstructing the flow of traffic. 2. ...
68
layman
(n)(laymen) a lay person (= non-professional).
69
leach
(v) to make (liquid) percolate through soil or ore etc., to remove (soluble matter) in the this way, (leach it out).
70
lead by the nose
to control the actions of (a person) completely.
71
leaden
(adj)1. Make of lead. 2. Heavy, slow as if weighted with lead. 3. Lead-coloured, dark grey, (leaden skies).
72
leading article
a long article in a newspaper, giving the editor's opinions.
73
leading lady/ man
one taking the chief part in a play etc.
74
leading question
one that is worded so that it prompts a person to give the desired answer.
75
take a leaf out of someone's book
to follow his example.
76
league
(n)1. A group of people or countries who combine formally for a particular purpose. 2. A group of sports clubs which compete against each other for a championship. 3. A class of contestants, (he is out of his league). (v) to form a league. In league with: allied with; conspiring with. League table: a table of contestants etc. in order of merit.
77
leak out
(of a secret) to become known.
78
lean years
years of scarcity.
79
lean on
(informal) to seek to influence by intimidating.
80
lean-to
(n) a building with its roof resting against the side of a larger building.
81
leaning (n)
(n) a tendency or partiality, (has leanings towards socialism).
82
by leaps and bounds
with very rapid progress.
83
leap-frog (v)
(v)(leap-frogged, leap-frogging)1. To perform this (with parted legs over another who is bending down) vault. 2. To overtake alternately.
84
learned
(adj) 1. Having much knowledge acquire by study, (learned men). 2. Of or for learned people, (a learned society). Learnedly (adv).
85
learning (n)
(n) knowledge obtained by study.
86
a new lease of life
a chance to continue living or or to live more happily because of recovery from illness or anxiety, or (of things) to continue in use after repair.
87
lease
(n) a contract by which the owner of land or a building etc. allows another person to use it for a specified time, usually in return for payment. (v)1. To grant the use of (a property) by lease. 2. To obtain or hold (a property) by lease.
88
leash
(n) a thong by which hounds etc. are held under restraint, a dog's lead. (v) to hold on a leash.
89
in the least
at all, in the smallest degree.
90
to say the least of it
putting the case moderately.
91
leave off
to cease; to cease to wear.
92
take one's leave
to say farewell and go away.
93
lecher
(n) a lecherous (adj- of or characterised by lechery - unrestrained indulgence of sexual lust) man.
94
lectern
(n) a stand with a sloping top to hold a Bible (from which the lesson is read) in church, or a lecturer's notes etc.
95
lee
(n) shelter, the shelters side or part of something, (under the lee of the hedge).
96
leer
(v) to look slyly or maliciously or lustfully. (n) a leering look.
97
leeward
(adj) situated on the side turned away from the wind; (n) the leeward side or region.
98
leeway
(n)1. A ship's sideways drift from its course. 2. A degree of freedom of action, (these instructions give us plenty of leeway). Make up leeway: to make up lost time, to get back into position.
99
left wing
those who support a more extreme form of socialism than others in their group. Left-winger (n).
100
give him a leg up
help him to mount or to get over an obstacle or difficulty.
101
has not a leg to stand on
has no facts to support his argument
102
leg it
(informal) to walk or run rapidly, to go on foot.
103
leg-pull
(n)(informal) a hoax.
104
legacy
(n)1. Money or an article left to someone in a will. 2. Something handed down by a predecessor, (a legacy of distrust).
105
legal
(adj)1. Of or based on law; (my legal adviser), a solicitor etc. 2. In accordance the the law, authorised or required by law. Legally (adv), legality (n). Legalise (v): to make legal. Legalisation (n).
106
legend
(n)1. A story (which may or may not be true) handed down from the past. 2. Such stories collectively. 3. An inscription on a coin or medal. Legendary (adj):1. Of or based on legends, described in a legend. 2. (informal) famous, often talked about.
107
legible
(adj)(of print or handwriting) clear enough to be deciphered, readable. Legibly (adv), legibility (n).
108
legion
(n)1. A division of the ancient Roman army. 2. A vast group, a multitude, (they are legion) or (their name is Legion). foreign legion: a body of foreign volunteers in an army, especially the French army.
109
legislate
(v) to make laws. Legislation (n): legislating, the laws made. Legislative (adj): making laws, (a legislative assembly). Legislator (n). Legislature (n): a country's legislative assembly. Legitimate (adj):1. In accordance with the law or rules;2. Logical, justifiable, (a legitimate reason for absence);3.(of a child) born of parents who are married to each other. Legitimately (adv), legitimacy (n).
110
at leisure
not occupied; in an unhurried way.
111
at one's leisure
when one has time.
112
at length
after a long time; taking a long time, in detail.
113
lengthways
(adv) in the direction of the length of something. Lengthwise (adv & adj).
114
lengthy
(adj)(lengthier, lengthiest) very long, long and boring. Lengthily (adv).
115
lenient
(adj) merciful, not sever (especially in awarding punishment), mild. Leniently (adv), lenience (n).
116
lentil
(n)1. A kind of bean plant. 2. Its edible seed, (lentil soup).
117
leper
(n) a person with leprosy.
118
leprechaun
(n)(in Irish folklore) an elf resembling a little old man.
119
lèse-majesté
(n)1. An insult to a sovereign or ruler. 2. (humorous) presumptuous behaviour.
120
lesion
(n) a harmful change in the tissue of an organ of the body, caused by injury or disease.
121
lesser
(adj) not so great as the other, (the lesser evil).
122
lest
(conj)1. In order that not, to avoid the risk that, (lest we forget). 2. That, (were afraid lest we should be late).
123
let alone
To refrain from interfering with or doing; apart from, far less or more than, (too tired to walk, let alone run).
124
let-down
(n) a disappointment.
125
let fly
to shoot or send out violently; to hurl strong abuse.
126
let go
to set at liberty; to lose one's hold of; to cease discussion of, to ignore; (let oneself go), to behave in an unrestrained way, to cease to take trouble.
127
let loose
to release.
128
let off
to fire (a gun); to cause (a bomb) to explode; to ignite (a firework); to excuse from doing (duties etc); to give little or no punishment to.
129
let off steam
to allow it to escape; to do something that relieves one's pent-up energy or feelings.
130
let on
(slang) to reveal a secret.
131
let out
to release from restraint or obligation; to make (a garment) looser by adjusting the seams; to let (rooms etc) to tenants.
132
let up
(informal) to become less intense, to relax one's efforts. Let-up (n): a reduction in intensity, relaxation of effort.
133
lethal
(adj) causing or able to cause death. Lethally (adv), lethality (n).
134
lethargy
(n) extreme lack of energy or vitality. Lethargic (adj), lethargically (adv).
135
to the letter
paying strict attention to every detail.
136
levee
1. (n) an assembly of visitors or guests, especially at a formal reception. 2. An embankment built up naturally along a river, or made artificially as a protection against floods.
137
do one's level best
(informal) to make all possible efforts.
138
level-headed
(adj) mentally well-balanced, sensible.
139
leverage
(n)1. The action or power of a lever. 2. Power, influence.
140
leviathan
(n) something of enormous size and power. (named after a sea-monster in the Bible.)
141
levitate
(v) to rise or cause to rise and float in the air in defiance of gravity. Levitation (n).
142
levity
(n) a humorous attitude, especially towards matters that should be treated with respect.
143
levy
(v)(levied, levying) to impose or collect (a payment etc.) by authority or by force. (n)1. Levying. 2. The payment levied.
144
lewd
(adj)1. Indecent, treating sexual matters in a vulgar way. 2. Lascivious. Lewdly (adv), lewdness (n).
145
lexicon
(n) a dictionary of certain languages, especially Greek and Hebrew.
146
liable
(adj)1. Held responsible by law, legally obliged to pay a tax or penalty etc. 2. Able or likely to do or suffer something, (cliff is liable to crumble).
147
liaison
(n)1. Communication and co-operation between units of an organisation. 2. A person who acts as a link or go-between. 3. Pronouncing a normally silent consonant at the end of a wod when the next word begins with a vowel sound. Liaise (v):(informal) to act as a liaison or go-between.
148
libel
(n)1. A published false statement that damages a person's reputation. 2. The act of publishing it, (was charged with libel). 3. (informal) a statement or anything that brings discredit on a lesson or thing, (the portrait is a libel on him). (v)(libelled, libelling) to utter or publish a libel against. Libellous (adj).
149
liberal
(adj)1. Giving generously. 2. Ample, given in large amounts. 3. Not strict or literal, (a liberal interpretation of the rules). 4. (of education) broadening the mind in a general way, not only training it in technical subjects. 5. Tolerant, open-minded, especially in religion and politics. 6. (Liberal), of the Liberal Party. Liberally (adv), liberality (n). Liberalism (n). Liberalise (v): to make less strict, liberalisation (n). Liberate (v): to set free, especially from control by an authority that is considered to be oppressive. Liberation (n), liberator (n).
150
at liberty
(of a person) not imprisoned, free; allowed, (you are at liberty to leave); not occupied or engaged.
151
take liberties
to behave too familiarly towards a person; to interpret facts etc. too freely.
152
libido
(n)(pl libidos) emotional energy or urge, especially that associated with sexual desire.
153
licence
(n)1. A permit from the government or other authority to own or do something or to carry on a certain trade. 2. Permission. 3. Disregard of rules or customs etc., lack of due restraint in behaviour. 4. A writer's or artist's exaggeration, or disregard of rules etc. for the sake of effect, (poetic licence). License (v): to grant a licence to or for, to authorise; (licensed premises), licensed to sell alcoholic drinks. Licensee (n): a person who holds a licence, especially to sell alcoholic drinks.
154
licentious
(adj) disregarding the rules of conduct, especially in sexual mattes. Licentiousness (n).
155
lichen
(n) a dry-looking plant that grows in rocks, walls, tree-trunks, etc. usually green or yellow or grey.
156
lick one's wounds
to remain in retirement trying to recover after a defeat.
157
lie in
(lie - (v)(lay, lain, lying))(informal) to lie idly in bed late in the morning. Lie-in: such lying.
158
lie low
to conceal oneself or one's intentions.
159
take it lying down
to accept an insult etc. without protest.
160
in lieu
instead, in place, (accepted a cheque in lieu of cash).
161
a matter of life and death
an event or decision etc. that could cause a person to die; something of vital importance.
162
for one's life
(or 'for dear life') in order to escape death or as if to do this.
163
life-blood
(n) a person's or animal's blood, necessary to his or its life; an influence that gives vitality to something.
164
life-sized
(or 'life-size') (adj) of the same size as the person or thing represented.
165
this life
life on earth (as opposed to an existence after death).
166
lifeless
(adj)1. Without life, dead or never having had life. 2. Unconscious. 3. Lacking vitality. Lifelessness (n).
167
lifelike
(adj) exactly like a real person or thing.
168
lifelong
(adj) continued all one's life.
169
lifetime
(n) the duration of a person's life or of a thing's existence; (the chance of a lifetime), the best chance one will ever get.
170
lift-off
(n) the vertical take-off of a rocket or spacecraft.
171
bring to light
(or 'come to light') to reveal or be revealed, to make or become known.
172
in the light of this
with the help given by these facts.
173
light up
to put lights on at dusk; to make or become bright with light or colour or animation; to begin to smoke a pipe or cigarette.
174
light-headed
(adj) feeling slightly faint, dizzy; delirious.
175
light-hearted
(adj) cheerful, without cares; too casual, not treating a thing seriously.
176
make light of
to treat as unimportant.
177
like lightning
with very great speed.
178
and the like
and similar things.
179
like-minded
(adj) having similar tastes or opinions.
180
likes (pl n)/ liking (n)
(pl n) the things one likes or prefers. (is it to your liking?) (a liking for it)
181
likeable
(adj) pleasant, easy for a person to like.
182
likelihood
(n) being likely, probability.
183
likeness
(n)1. Being like, a resemblance. 2. A copy, portrait, or picture.
184
likewise
(adv)1. Moreover, also. 2. Similarly, (do likewise).
185
lilliputian
(adj) very small. (n) a very small person. (named after the inhabitants of Lilliput, a country in Scott's 'Gulliver Travels', who were only six inches tall.)
186
lilt
(n) a light pleasant rhythm, a song or tune having this. Lilting (adj): having a light pleasant rhythm.
187
out on a limb
isolated, stranded; at a disadvantage because separated from others.
188
limber up
to exercise in preparation for athletic activity.
189
limbo (1)
(pl limbos)1. (Limbo), in certain Christian teachings, the supposed abode of souls not admitted to heaven (eg. because not baptised) but not condemned to punishment. 2. An intermediate state or condition (eg. of a plan not yet accepted but not rejected), a condition of being neglected and forgotten.
190
limerick
(n) a type of humorous poem with five lines. (named after Limerick, a town in Ireland.)
191
limited (adj)
(adj) confined within limits; few, scanty.
192
limitation
(n)1. Limiting, being limited. 2. A lack of ability; (knows his limitations), knows what he cannot achieve.
193
linchpin
(n) 1. A pin passed through the end of an axle to keep the wheel in position. 2. A person or thing that is vital to an organisation or plan etc.
194
come into line
(or 'bring into line') to become or cause to become a straight line or row; to conform or cause to conform with others.
195
in line for
likely to get (eg. promotion)
196
in line with
in accordance with.
197
out of line
not in line.
198
line one's pockets
(or 'line one's purse') to make a lot of money, especially by underhand or dishonest methods.
199
lineage
(n) ancestry, the line of descendants of an ancestor.
200
liner (1)
(n)1. A large passenger or cargo ship travelling on a regular route. 2. A freight train travelling regularly.
201
lingerie
(n) women's underwear.
202
lingo
(n) (pl lingos) (humorous or contemptuous) a foreign language, jargon.
203
lingua franca
a language used between the people of an area where several languages are spoken.
204
linguist
(n) a person who knows foreign languages well.
205
linoleum
(n) a kind of floor covering made by pressing a thick coating of powdered cork and linseed oil etc. on to a canvas backing.
206
lint
(n)1. A soft material for dressing wounds, consisting of linen with one side scraped so that it is fluffy. 2. Fluff.
207
the lion's share
the largest or best part of something that is divided.
208
pay lip-service to
to state that one approves of something but fail to support it by actions.
209
liquefy
(v)(liquefied, liquefying) to make or become liquid. Liquefaction (n).
210
liquidate
(v)1. To pay or settle (a debt). 2. To close down (a business) and divide its assets between its creditors. 2. To get rid of, especially by killing. Liquidation (n), liquidator (n). Go into liquidation: (of a business) to be closed down and its assets divided, especially in bankruptcy.
211
liquidise
(v) to cause to become liquid, to crush into a liquid pulp. Liquidiser (n): a device for liquidising soft foods.
212
liquor
(n)1. Alcoholic drink. 2. Juice produced in cooking, liquid in which food has been boiled.
213
lisp
(n) a speech defect in which 's' is pronounced like 'th' (as in 'thin') and 'z' like 'th' (as in 'they'). (v) to speak or utter with a lisp.
214
lissom
(adj) lithe, agile.
215
listen in
to overhear a conversation, especially by telephone; to listen to a radio broadcast.
216
listless
(adj) without energy or vitality, showing no enthusiasm. Listlessly (adv), listlessness (n).
217
litany
(n)1. A form of prayer consisting of a series of supplications to God, recited by a priest and with set responses by the congregation; (the Litany), that in the Book of Common prayer. 2. A long monotonous recital, (a litany of complaints).
218
literacy
(n) the ability to read and write.
219
lithe
(adj) flexible, supple, agile.
220
litigant
(n) a person who is involved in a lawsuit, one who goes to law.
221
litigation
(n) a lawsuit, the process of going to law.
222
a live wire
a highly energetic forceful person.
223
lived-in
(adj) inhabited, (of a room) used frequently.
224
live it up
to live in a lively extravagant way.
225
live up to
to live or behave in accordance with, (did not live up to his principles).
226
liveable
(adj) suitable for living; (liveable-in), (of a house etc) suitable for living in.
227
livelihood
(n) a means of living, a way in which a person earns a living.
228
livelong
(adj) the livelong day: the whole length of the day.
229
liven
(v) to make or become lively.
230
livery
(n) a distinctive uniform worn by male servants in a great household or by members of the London trade guilds (Livery companies). Liveried (adj) wearing a livery.
231
livestock
(n) animals kept for use or profit, eg. cattle or sheep etc. on a farm.
232
within living memory
within the memory of people who are still alive.
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loaded question
one that is worded so as to trap a person into saying something damaging.
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loaf (2)
(v) to spend time idly, to stand or saunter about. Loafer (n).
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loath
(adj) unwilling, (was loath to depart). Nothing loath: quite willing.
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lob
(v)(lobbed, lobbing) to send or strike (a ball) slowly or in a high arc in cricket or tennis etc. (n) a lobbed ball in tennis etc, a slow underarm delivery in cricket.
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lobby (v)
(v)(lobbied, lobbying) to seek to persuade (an MP etc) to support one's cause, by interviewing him in the lobby or writing letters etc.
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local
(adj)1. Belonging to a particular place or a small area. 2. Affecting a particular place, not general, (a local anaesthetic). (n)1. An inhabitant of a particular district. 2. (informal) the public house of a neighbourhood. Locally (adv). Local authority: the body of people given responsibility for administration in local government. Local colour: details characteristic of the scene in which a novel etc. is set, added to make it seem more real. Local government: the system of administration of a district or county etc. by the elected representatives of people who live there.
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locale
(n) the scene or locality of operations or events. Locality (n): a thing's position, the site or neighbourhood of something.
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localise
(v) to make local not general, to confine within a particular area, (a localised infection).
241
lock-out
(n) an employer's procedure of refusing to allow workmen to enter their place of work until certain conditions are agreed to.
242
lock, stock and barrel
completely, including everything.
243
lock-up (n)
(n) premises that can be locked up, a room or building where prisoners can be detained temporarily.
244
locksmith
(n) a maker and mender of locks.
245
locomotive
(n) an engine for drawing a train along rails. (adj) of locomotion, (locomotive power).
246
locus
(n)(pl loci) 1. The exact place of something. 2. The line or curve etc. formed by all the points satisfying certain conditions or by movement of a point or line etc.
247
locution
(n) a word or phrase.
248
lode
(n) a vein of metal ore.
249
lodge (v)
(v)1. To provide with sleeping-quarters or temporary accommodation. 2. To live as a lodger. 3. To deposit, to be or become embedded. 4. To present formally for attention, (lodged a complaint).
250
lodgings
(pl n) a room or rooms (not in a hotel) rented for living in.
251
lofty
(adj)(loftier, loftiest) 1. (of things) very tall, towering. 2. (of thoughts or aims etc.) noble. 3. Haughty, (a lofty manner). Loftily (adv), loftiness (n).
252
loggerheads
(pl n) at loggerheads: disagreeing, arguing, or quarrelling.
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logging
(n)(Amer.) the work of cutting down forest trees for timber.
254
logistics
(pl n) the organisation of supplies and services etc. Logistic (adj).
255
loincloth
(n) a piece of cloth worn round the body at the hips, especially as the only garment.
256
loiter
(v) to linger or stand about idly, to proceed slowly with frequent stops. Loiterer (n).
257
loll
(v)1. To lean lazily against something, to stand or sit or rest lazily. 2. To hang loosely, (tongue lolling out).
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the long and the short of it
all that need be said; the general effect or result.
259
long-range
(adj) having a long range; relating to a period far into the future.
260
long shot
a wild guess or venture.
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long-standing
(adj) having existed for a long time, (a long-standing grievance).
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long-suffering
(adj) bearing provocation patiently.
263
longhand
(n) ordinary writing, contrasted with shorthand or typing or printing.
264
longevity
(n) long life.
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longing
(n) an intense persistent wish.
266
loofah
(n) the dried pod of a kind of gourd, used as a rough sponge.
267
look on
To be a spectator.
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look sharp
be alert.
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loom (2)
(v) to come into view suddenly, to appear close at hand or with threatening aspect.
270
loony
(n) (slang) a lunatic. (adj)(slang) crazy.
271
loop the loop
(of an aircraft) to fly in a vertical circle, turning upside down between climb and dive.
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loophole
(n)1. A narrow opening in the wall of a fort etc., for shooting or looking through or to admit light or air. 2. A way of evading a rule or contract etc., especially through an omission or inexact wording in its provisions.
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loosen a person's tongue
to make him talk freely.
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loosen up
to relax, to limber up.
275
loot
(n) goods taken from an enemy or by theft. (v) to plunder, to take as loot. Looter (n).
276
lop
(v)(lopped, lopping) to cut away branches or twigs of, to cut off.
277
lope
(v) to run with a long bounding stride. (n) a long bounding stride.
278
loquacious
(adj) talkative. Loquaciously (adv), loquacity (n).
279
lore
(n) a body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or possessed by a class of people, (bird lore); (gypsy lore).
280
lose ground
to be forced to retreat or give way.
281
lose out
(informal) to be unsuccessful; to suffer loss.
282
losing battle
one in which defeat seems certain.
283
be lost on
to fail to influence or draw the attention of, (our hints were lost on him).
284
lost cause
an undertaking that can no longer be successful.
285
lost to
no longer affected by, (she seems lost to a sense of duty).
286
bad lot
a person of bad character.
287
cast in one's lot with
(or 'throw in one's lot with') to decide to join and share the fortunes of.
288
lottery
(n)1. A system of raising money by selling numbered tickets and distributing prizes to the holders of numbers drawn at random. 2. Something where the outcome is governed by luck.
289
lotus position
a cross-legged position adopted for meditating.
290
loud hailer
an electronic device that amplifies the sound of a voice which can then be heard at a distance.
291
lout
(n) a clumsy ill-mannered young man. Loutish (adj): like a lout.
292
louver / louvre
(n) one of a set of overlapping slats arranged to admit air but exclude light or rain. Louvred/ louvered (adj): fitted with these.
293
love-child
(n) an illegitimate child.
294
low season
the period when a resort etc. has relatively few visitors.
295
lowbrow
(adj) not intellectual or cultured. (n) a lowbrow person.
296
lowland
(n) low-lying land. (adj) of or in lowland. Lowlander (n): a native or inhabitant of lowlands.
297
lowly
(adj)(lowlier, lowliest) of humble rank or condition. Lowliness (n).
298
loyalist
(n) a person who is loyal, especially to the established government during a revolt.
299
lozenge
(n)1. A four-sided diamond-shaped figure. 2. A small tablet of flavoured sugar or medicine or meat essence etc., to be dissolved in the mouth.
300
lucid
(adj)1. clearly expressed. 2. Sane. Lucidly (adv), lucidity (n).
301
luckless
(adj) unlucky.
302
lucrative
(adj) profitable, producing much money. Lucrativeness (n).
303
lucre
(n)(contemptuous) money, money-making as a motive for action.
304
ludicrous
(adj) absurd, ridiculous, laughable. Ludicrously (adv).
305
lugubrious
(adj) dismal, mournful. Lugubriously (adv).
306
lukewarm
(adj)1. Only slightly warm. 2. Not enthusiastic, (got a lukewarm reception).
307
lull
(v)1. To soothe or send to sleep. 2. To calm (suspicions etc.) 3. (of a storm or noise) to lessen, to become quiet. (n) a temporary period of quiet or inactivity.
308
lumber
(n)1. Unwanted articles of furniture etc. that are stored away or take up room, useless material of any kind. 2. (Amer.) timber sawn into planks. (v)1. To encumber, to fill up (space) inconveniently. 2. To move in a heavy clumsy way.
309
luminescent
(adj) emitting light without being hot. Luminescence (n).
310
luminous
(adj) emitting light, glowing in the dark. Luminosity (n).
311
lunacy
(n)1. Insanity. 2. Great folly.
312
luncheon
(n)(formal) lunch.
313
lunge
(n)1. A sudden forward movement of the body towards something, a thrust. 2. a long rope on which a horse is held by its trainer while it is made to canter in a circle. (v)1. To make a lunge. 2. To exercise (a horse) on a lunge.
314
lurch
1. (n) leave in the lurch: to abandon (a person etc.) so that he is left in an awkward situation. 2. (n) an unsteady swaying movement to one side. (v) to make such a movement, to stagger.
315
lurid
(adj)1. In glaring colours or combinations of colour. 2. Sensationally and shockingly vivid, (the lurid details). Luridly (adv), luridness (n).
316
lurk
(v)1. To lie hidden while waiting to attack. 2. To wait near a place furtively or unobtrusively. 3. To be latent or lingering, (a lurking sympathy for the rebels).
317
luscious
(adj) richly sweet in taste or smell. Lusciously (adv), lusciousness (n).
318
lush
(adj)1. (of grass etc.) growing thickly and strongly. 2. Luxurious, (lush furnishings). Lushly (adv), lushness (n). (v)(slang) to ply with drink or good food etc., (lush him up) (n)(Amer. slang) a drunkard.
319
lust
(n)1. Intense sexual desire. 2. Any intense desire for something, (lust for power). (v) to feel lust. Lustful (adj).
320
lustre
(n)1. The soft brightness of a smooth or shining surface. 2. Glory, distinction, (add lustre to the assembly). 3. A kind of metallic glaze on pottery and porcelain. Lustrous (adj).
321
lux
(n)(pl lux) a unit of illumination.
322
luxuriant
(adj) growing profusely. Luxuriance (n).
323
luxuriate
(v) to feel great enjoyment, to enjoy as luxury, (luxuriating in the warm sun).
324
luxurious
(adj) supplied with luxuries, very comfortable. Luxuriously (adv), luxuriousness (n).
325
lynch
(v)(of a mob) to execute or punish violently, without a lawful trial.
326
lyric
(adj)1. Of poetry that expresses the poet's thoughts and feelings. 2. Meant to be sung, especially accompanied by a lyre. Lyric (n)1. A lyric poem. 2. The words of a song.
