M Flashcards
(453 cards)
0
Q
macaroon
A
(n) a small flat sweet cake or biscuit made with sugar, white of egg, and ground almonds or coconut.
1
Q
macabre
A
(adj) gruesome, suggesting death,
2
Q
mace (2)
A
(n) a spice made from the dried outer covering of nutmeg.
3
Q
mach
A
(n) mach number: the ratio of speed of a body to the speed of sound in the same medium; a body travelling at ‘mach one’ is travelling at the speed of sound, ‘mach two’ is twice this.
4
Q
machete
A
(n) a broad heavy knife used in Central America and the West Indies as a tool and weapon.
5
Q
machiavellian
A
(adj) elaborately cunning or deceitful. (named after Niccolo die Machiavelli (1469-1527), an Italian statesman who advised the use of any means, however unscrupulous, that would strengthen the State.)
6
Q
machinations
A
(pl n) clever scheming, things done by this.
7
Q
machinery
A
(n)1. Machines. 2. Mechanism. 3. An organised system for doing something.
8
Q
machismo
A
(n) the quality of being macho.
9
Q
macho
A
(adj) ostentatiously manly.
10
Q
mackintosh
A
(n)1. Waterproof material of rubber and cloth. 2. A raincoat.
11
Q
like mad
A
with great haste or energy or enthusiasm.
12
Q
madden
A
(v) to make mad or angry, to irritate.
13
Q
madhouse
A
(n)(informal)1. A mental institution. 2. A scene of confused uproar.
14
Q
maelstrom
A
(n) a great whirlpool.
15
Q
maestro
A
(pl maestros)1. A great musical composer or teacher or conductor. 2. A master of any art.
16
Q
Mafia
A
(n)1. A secret organisation in Sicily, opposed to legal authority and engaged in crime. 2. A similar organisation in the USA and elsewhere, thought to be involved in smuggling, racketeering, etc.
17
Q
magazine
A
(n)1. A paper-covered illustrated periodical publication containing articles or stories etc. by a number of writers. 2. A store for arms and ammunition, or for explosives. 3. A chamber for holding cartridges to be fed into the breech of a gun. 4. A similar device in a camera or slide-projector.
18
Q
magistrate
A
(n) an official with authority to administer the law, hear and judge minor cases, and hold preliminary hearings.
19
Q
magma
A
(n) molten rock within the earth’s crust, which may be sent out by volcanoes or cool underground to form igneous rock. Magmatic (adj).
20
Q
magnanimous
A
(adj) noble and generous in one’s conduct, not petty. Magnanimously (adv), magnanimity (n).
21
Q
magnate
A
(n) a wealthy and influential person, especially in business.
22
Q
magnetism
A
(n)1. The properties and effects of magnetic substances. 2. The scientific study of these. 3. Great charm and attraction, (personal magnetism).
23
Q
maharaja
A
(n) the former title of certain Indian princes.
24
mahogany
(n)1. A very hard reddish-brown wood much used for furniture. 2. The tropical tree that produces this. 3. Its colour.
25
maiden name
a woman's family name before she marries.
26
maim
(v) to wound or injure so that some part of the body is useless.
27
mainland
(n) a country or continent without its adjacent islands.
28
mainstay
(n)1. The strong cable that secures the mainmast. 2. The chief support.
29
mainstream
(n) the dominant trend of opinion or style etc.
30
maintenance
(n)1. Maintaining, being maintained. 2. Keeping equipment etc. in repair. 3. A provision of the means to support life, an allowance of money for this.
31
maisonette
(n)1. A small house. 2. Part of a house (usually not all on one floor) let or used separately as a self-contained dwelling.
32
be made for
to be ideally suited to.
33
be the making of
to be the main factor in the success of.
34
have the makings of
to have the essential qualities for becoming, (he had the makings of a good manager).
35
a made man
one who has attained success in his life or career.
36
make do
to manage with something that is not really adequate or satisfactory.
37
make for
to proceed towards, to try to reach; to tend to bring about, (it makes for domestic harmony).
38
make good
to become successful or prosperous; (make good the loss), pay compensation; (make good the damage), repair it; (made good his escape), succeeded in escaping.
39
make it up to someone
to compensate him.
40
make much of
(or make little of) to treat as important or unimportant; (make much of a person), to give him much flattering attention.
41
make off
to go away hastily.
42
make out
to write out (a list etc.); to manage to see or read something, (made out a shadowy figure); to understand the nature of, (I can't make him out); to assert or claim or pretend to be, (made him out to be a fool); (informal) to fare, (how did you make out?)
43
make up
to form or constitute; to put together, to prepare (medicine etc.); to invent (a story etc.); to compensate (for a loss or mistake); to complete (an amount) by supplying what is lacking; to apply cosmetics to; (make up one's mind), to decide. (make up to a person), to curry favour with him. Make-up: (n) cosmetics applied to the skin, especially of th face; the way something is made up, its composition or constituent parts; a person's character and temperament.
44
makeshift
(n) a temporary or improvised substitute. (adj) serving as this.
45
maladjusted
(adj)(of a person) not well-adjusted to his own circumstances. Maladjustment (n).
46
maladroit
(adj) bungling.
47
malcontent
(n) a person who is discontented and inclined to rebel.
48
malediction
(n) a curse.
49
malevolent
(adj) wishing harm to others. Malevolence (n).
50
malice
(n) a desire to harm others or to tease.
51
malign
(adj)1. Harmful, (a malign influence). 2. Showing malice. (v) or say unpleasant and untrue things about, (maligning an innocent person). Malignity (n). Malignant (adj)1. (of a tumour) growing uncontrollable. 2. Feeling or showing great ill will. Malignantly (adv), malignancy (n).
52
malinger
(v) to pretend to be ill in order to avoid work. Malingerer (n).
53
malleable
(adj)1. Able to be hammered or pressed into shape. 2. Easy to influence, adaptable. Malleability (n).
54
mallet
(n)1. A hammer, usually of wood. 2. A similarly shaped instrument with a long handle, for striking the ball in croquet or polo.
55
malnutrition
(n) insufficient nutrition.
56
malpractice
(n) wrongdoing.
57
maltreat
(v) to ill-treat. Maltreatment (n).
58
mammary
(adj) of the breasts.
59
Mammon
(n) wealth personified, regarded as an evil influence.
60
mammoth
(n) a large extinct elephant with a hairy coat and curved tusks. (adj) huge.
61
be one's own man
to be independent.
62
man about town
a man who spends much of his time in sophisticated social amusements.
63
manhunt
(n) an organised search for a person, especially a criminal.
64
man in the street
an ordinary person, not an expert.
65
man to man
with frankness.
66
mandate
(n)1. Authority given to someone to perform a certain task or apply certain policies. 2. Authority given to a particular State by the League of Nations after the 1914-18 war, to govern a territory (especially a former German colony). (v) to assign (a territory etc.) to the holder of a mandate. Mandatory (adj): obligatory, compulsory.
67
mandible
(adj)1. A jaw. 2. Either of the parts of a bird's beak. 3. The corresponding part in insects etc.
68
manger
(n) a long open trough or box in a stable etc. for horses or cattle to eat from.
69
mangle
1. (n) a wringer. (v) to press (clothes etc.) in a mangle. 2. (v) to damage by cutting or crushing roughly, to mutilate.
70
mangy
(adj)(mangier, mangiest)1. Having mange (a skin-disease affecting hairy animals, caused by a parasite). 2. Squalid, shabby.
71
manhandle
(v)1. To move (a thing) by human effort alone. 2. To treat roughly.
72
manhole
(n) an opening (usually with a cover) through which a person can enter a sewer or pipe or boiler etc. to inspect or repair it.
73
maniacal
(adj) of or like a mania (violent madness / extreme enthusiasm for something) or a maniac. Maniacally (adv).
74
manifest
(adj) clear and unmistakable. (v) to show (a thing) clearly, to give signs of, (the crowd manifested its approval by cheering). (n) a list of cargo or passengers carried by a ship or aircraft etc. Manifestly (adv), manifestation (n). Manifest itself: to become apparent or visible.
75
manifesto
(n)(pl manifestos) a public declaration of principles and policy.
76
manifold
(adj) of many kinds, very varied. (n) a pipe or chamber (in a piece of mechanism) with several openings that connect with other parts.
77
manipulate
(v)1. To handle or manage or use (a thing) skilfully. 2. To arrange or influence cleverly or craftily. Manipulation (n), manipulator (n).
78
manned
(adj) (of a spacecraft etc.) containing a human crew.
79
manoeuvre
(n)1. A planned and controlled movement of a vehicle or a body of troops etc. 2. A skilful or crafty proceeding, a trick, (the manoeuvres of politicians to achieve their purposes). (v)1. To move a thing's position or course etc. carefully, (manoeuvred the car into the garage). To perform manoeuvres 3. To guide skilfully or craftily, (manoeuvred the conversation towards money). Manoeuvres (pl n) large-scale exercises of troops or ships, (on manoeuvres).
80
manor
(n) a large country house or the landed estate belonging to it; (manor-house), this house. Manorial (adj).
81
manpower
(n)1. Power supplied by human physical effort. 2. The number of people working on a particular task or available for work or service.
82
manslaughter
(n) the act of killing a person unlawfully but not intentionally, or by negligence.
83
mantelpiece
(n) a shelf above a fireplace.
84
mantle
(n)1. A loose sleeveless cloak. 2. Something likened to this, a covering, (a mantle of secrecy). 3. A fragile gauzy cover fixed round the flame of a gas lamp, producing a strong light when heated. 4. The region of very dense rock between the earth's crust and its core. (v) to envelop or cove as if with a mantle.
85
mantra
(n) a word or words to be said or sung as an incantation in Buddhism, also used similarly in yoga or meditation.
86
manufacture
(v)1. To make or produce (goods) on a large scale by machinery. 2. To invent, (manufactured an excuse). (n) the process of manufacturing. Manufacturer (n).
87
manure
(n) any substance (eg. dung or compost or artificial material) used as a fertiliser. (v) to apply manure to.
88
marauding
(adj) going about in search of plunder or prey. Marauder (n): one who does this.
89
marbled (adj)
(adj) having a veined or mottled appearance, (of meat) with alternating layers of lean and fat.
90
on the march
marching, advancing.
91
margin
(n)1. An edge or border of a surface. 2. A blank space round printed or written matter on a page. 3. An amount over and above the essential minimum, (was defeated by a narrow margin); (margin of safety). 4. (in commerce) the difference between cost price and selling price, (profit margins).
92
marginal
(adj)1. Written in a margin, (marginal notes). 2. Of or at an edge. 3. Very slight in amount, (its usefulness is marginal); (marginal seat or constituency), one where an MP has only a small majority and may easily be defeated at the next election. Marginally (adv).
93
marina
(n) a harbour for yachts and pleasure boats.
94
marinade
(n) a seasoned flavoured liquid in which meat or fish is steeped before being cooked. (v) to steep in a marinade.
95
mariner
(n) a sailor, a seaman.
96
marionette
(n) a puppet worked by strings.
97
maritime
(adj)1. Living or situated or found near the sea. 2. Of seafaring or shipping, (maritime law).
98
make one's mark
to make a significant achievement, to become famous.
99
mark up
to increase the price of. Mark-up (n): the amount a seller adds to the cost price of an article to determine his selling-price.
100
marked (adj)
(adj) clearly noticeable, (a marked improvement). Markedly (adv). A marked man: one who is singled out, eg. as an object of vengeance.
101
market-day
(n) the day on which a market is regularly held.
102
market research
study of consumers' needs and preferences.
103
market value
the amount for which something can be sold, its current value.
104
on the market
offered for sale.
105
marketable
(adj) able or fit to be sold.
106
marksman
(n)(pl marksmen) a person who is a skilled shot. Marksmanship (n).
107
maroon (2)
(v) to abandon or isolate (a person), eg. on an island or in a deserted place.
108
marquee
(n) a large tent used for a party or an exhibition etc.
109
marriageable
(adj) old enough or fit for marriage.
110
marrow
(n)1. The soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones. 2. The large white-fleshed fruit of a plant of the gourd family, used as a vegetable.
111
marsh / marshland
(n) low-lying watery ground. Marshy (adj).
112
marshal (v)
(v)(marshalled, marshalling) 1. To arrange in proper order. 2. To cause to assemble. 3. To usher.
113
marsupial
(n) an animal such as the kangaroo, the female of which has a pouch in which its young are carried.
114
martial
(adj) of war, warlike, (martial music). Martial arts: sports (such as judo and karate) that involve fighting. Martial law: military rule imposed on a country temporarily in an emergency, suspending ordinary law.
115
martyr
(n)1. A person who suffers death rather than give up the Christian faith. 2. One who undergoes death or great suffering in support of a belief or cause or principle. 3. One who suffers greatly; (is a martyr to rheumatism), suffers constantly from this. (v) to put to death or torment as a martyr. Martyrdom (n).
116
mascot
(n)1. A person or thing believed to bring good luck to its owner. 2. A figurine mounted on the bonnet of a car etc.
117
mask (v)
(v) 1. To cover with a mask. 2. To disguise or screen or conceal.
118
masochist
(n)1. A person who derives sexual excitement and satisfaction from his own pain or humiliation. 2. One who enjoys what seems to be painful or tiresome. Masochism (n), masochistic (adj).
119
mason
(n)1. A person who builds or works with stone. 2. (Mason), a Freemason (a member of an international fraternity, called the Free and Accepted Masons, for mutual help and fellowship, with elaborate secret rituals). Masonry (n): mason's work, stonework.
120
masquerade
(n) a false show or pretence. (v) to pretend to be what one is not, (masqueraded as a policeman).
121
mass-produce
(v) to manufacture in large numbers of identical articles by standardised processes. Mass-production (n): manufacturing in this way.
122
the masses
the common people.
123
massacre
(n) slaughter of a large number of people or animals. (v) to slaughter in large numbers.
124
massif
(n) a high mass of mountainous land with a number of peaks.
125
massive
(adj)1. Large and heavy or solid. 2. Unusually large. 3. Substantial, (a massive improvement). massiveness (n).
126
mast (1)
(n)1. A long upright pole that supports a ship's sails. 2. A tall pole from which a flag is flown. 3. A tall steel structure for the aerials of a radio or TV transmitter. Masted (adj).
127
masterful
(adj)1. Domineering. 2. Very skilful. Masterfully (adv).
128
master-mind
(n)1. A person with outstanding mental ability. 2. The person directing an enterprise. (v) to plan and direct, (master-minded the whole scheme).
129
masterpiece
(n)1. An outstanding piece of workmanship. 2. A person's best piece of work.
130
mastery
(n)1. Complete control, supremacy. 2. Thorough knowledge or skill, (his mastery of Arabic).
131
masticate
(v) to chew (food). Mastication (n).
132
matador
(n) a performer whose task is to fight and kill the bull in a bull-fight.
133
matchless
(adj) unequalled.
134
matchmaker
(n) a person who is fond of scheming to bring about marriages. Matchmaking (adj & n).
135
material (adj)
(adj)1. Of matter, consisting of matter, of the physical (as opposed to spiritual) world, (material things); (had no thought of material gain).
136
materialism
(n)1. Belief that only the material world exists. 2. Excessive concern with material possessions rather than spiritual or intellectual values. Materialist (n), materialistic (adj).
Materialise (v): 1. To appear or become visible, (the ghost did not materialise). 2. To become a fact, to happen, (if the threatened strike materialises). Materialisation (n).
137
matriarch
(n) a woman who is head of a family or tribe. Matriarchal (adj). Matriarchy (n): a social organisation in which the mother is head of the family and descent is through the female line; a society in which women have most of the authority.
138
matriculate
(v) to admit or be admitted to membership of a university. Matriculation (n).
139
matrimony
(n) marriage. Matrimonial (adj).
140
matrix
(n)(pl matrixes or matrices) 1. A mould in which something is cast or shaped. 2. A place in which a thing is developed. 3. The mass of rock in which gem-stones etc. are embedded. 4. (mathematical)..
141
matron
(n)1. A married woman, especially one who is middle-aged or elderly and dignified. 2. A woman managing the domestic affairs of a school etc. 3. (formerly) the senior nursing officer in a hospital or other institution. Matron of honour: a married woman as the chief attendant of the bride at a wedding. Matronly (adj).
142
for that matter
as far as that is concerned.
143
a matter of course
an event etc. that follows naturally or is to be expected.
144
a matter of fact
something that is a fact not an opinion etc.
145
no matter
it is of no importance.
146
maturation
(n) the process of maturing, ripening.
147
maudlin
(adj) sentimental in a silly or tearful way, especially from drunkenness.
148
maul
(v) to treat roughly, to injure by rough handling or clawing.
149
mausoleum
(n) a magnificent tomb. (named after that erected at Halicarnassus in Asia Minor for King Mausolus in the 4th century BC.
150
mauve
(adj & n) pale purple.
151
maverick
(n)1. (Amer.) an unbranded calf or other young animal. 2. A person of unorthodox independence, one who dissents from the ideas and beliefs of an organised political or other group to which he belongs.
152
maw
(n) the jaws or mouth or stomach of a voracious animal.
153
maxim
(n) a general truth or rule of conduct eg. 'waste not, want not'.
154
maximal
(adj) greatest possible.
155
mayday
(n) an international radio signal of distress. (French: m'aider = help me.)
156
mayhem
(n) violent or damaging action.
157
mayor
(n) the head of the municipal corporation of a city or borough, or of a district council with borough status. Mayoral (adj). Mayoress (n): a mayor's wife, or other lady performing her ceremonial duties; a woman mayor.
158
meadow
(n) a field of grass.
159
meagre
(adj) scanty in amount.
160
make a meal of
to make (a task) seem unnecessarily laborious.
161
meal-ticket
(n) a person or thing that provides one with food.
162
mean business
(informal) to be ready to talk action, not merely talk.
163
mean well
to have good intentions.
164
mean (3)
(adj)1. Poor in quality or appearance, low in rank; (he is no mean cricketer), he is a very good one. 2. Unkind, spiteful, (a mean trick). 3. Not generous, miserly. 4. (Amer.) vicious. Meanly (adv), meanness (n).
165
meander
(v)1. (of a stream) o follow a winding course, flowing slowly and gently. 2. To wander in a leisurely way. (n) a winding course.
166
means (n)
(n) that by which a result is brought about; (transported their goods by means of lorries), by using lorries. (pl n) resources, money or other wealth considered as a means of supporting oneself, (has private means).
167
meanwhile
(adv)1. In the intervening period of time. 2. At the same time, while something else takes place.
168
measly
(adj)1. Affected with measles. 2. (slang) meagre.
169
beyond measure
very great, very much, (kind / kindness beyond measure).
170
for good measure
in addition to what was needed; as a finishing touch.
171
measure up to
to reach the standard require by.
172
measured (adj)
(adj)1. Rhythmical, regular in movement, (measured tread). 2. Carefully considered, (in measured language).
173
Mecca
(n) a place that a person or people with certain interests are anxious to visit. (the name of a city in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Muhammad and chief place of Muslim pilgrimage.)
174
mechanical
(adj) 1. Of machines or mechanism. 2. Worked or produced by machinery. 3. (of a person or action) like a machine, as if acting or done without conscious thought. 4. (of work) needing little or no thought. 5. of or belonging to the science of mechanics. Mechanically (adv). Mechanical advantage: the ratio of the force put out by a machine to the force that is put in.
175
medallion
(n)1. A large medal. 2. A large circular ornamental design eg. on a carpet.
176
medallist
(n) one who wins a medal as a prize, (gold medallist).
177
meddle
(v)1. To interfere in people's affairs. 2. To tinker. Meddler (n).
178
media
(pl n). The media: newspapers and broadcasting, by which information is conveyed to the general public; (the media are influential). (note: 'a media', 'medias' are wrong; singular is 'medium' eg. TV)
179
mediate
(v)1. To act as negotiator or peacemaker between the opposing sides in a dispute. 2. To bring about (a settlement) in this way. Mediation (n), mediator (n).
180
medicament
(n) any medicine or ointment etc.
181
medicate
(v) to treat or impregnate with a medicinal substance, (medicated gauze). Medication (n).
182
medicinal
(adj) of a medicine, having healing properties. Medicinally (adv).
183
medieval
(adj) of the Middle Ages.
184
mediocre
(adj)1. Of medium quality, neither good nor bad. 2. Second-rate. Mediocrity (n).
185
meditate
(v)1. To think deeply and quietly. 2. To plan in one's mind. Meditation (n).
186
medley
(n)(pl medleys)1. An assortment of things. 2. Music combining passages from different sources.
187
meek
(adj) quiet and obedient, making no protest. Meekly (adv), meekness (n).
188
meet a person half-way
to respond readily to his advances; to make a compromise with him.
189
meet the eye
(or 'meet the ear') to be visible or audible; (there's more in it than meets the eye), there are hidden qualities or complications; (meet a person's eye), to look directly at the eyes of a person who is looking at one's own.
190
megalomania
(n)1. A form of madness in which a person has exaggerated ideas of his own importance etc. 2. An obsessive desire to do things on a grand scale. Megalomaniac (n): a person who suffers from this.
191
megaphone
(n) a funnel-shaped device used for directing and amplifying a speaker's voice so that it can be heard at a distance.
192
melancholy
(n)1. Mental depression, thoughtful sadness. 2. An atmosphere of gloom. (adj) sad, gloomy, depressing.
193
mélange
(n) a mixture.
194
mêlée
(n)1. A confused fight. 2. A muddle.
195
mellifluous
(adj) sweet-sounding.
196
mellow
(adj)1. Sweet and rich in flavour. 2. (of sound or colour) soft and rich, free from harshness or sharp contrast. 3. Made kindly and sympathetic by age or experience. 4. Genial, jovial. (v) to make or become mellow. Mellowly (adv), mellowness (n).
197
melodrama
(n)1. A play full of suspense in a sensational and emotional style. 2. Plays of this kind. 3. A situation in real life resembling this. Melodramatic (adj), melodramatically (adv).
198
memento
(n)(pl mementoes) a souvenir.
199
memoir
(n) a written account of events that one has lived through or of the life or character of a person whom one knew, (write one's memoirs).
200
memorandum
(n)(pl memoranda)1. A note or record of events written as a reminder, for future use. 2. An informal written communication from one person to another in an office etc.
201
memorial
(n) an object or institution or custom established in memory of an event or person. (adj) serving as a memorial.
202
in memory of
in honour of a person or thing that is remembered with respect.
203
menace
(n)1. Something that seems likely to bring harm or danger, a threatening quality. 2. An annoying or troublesome person or thing. (v) to threaten with harm or danger. Menacing (adj).
204
ménage
(n) a household.
205
menagerie
(n) a collection of wild or strange animals in captivity, for exhibition.
206
on the mend
improving in health or condition.
207
menial
(adj) lowly, degrading, (menial tasks). (n) (contemptuous) a servant, a person who does humble tasks.
208
mental age
the level of a person's mental development expressed as the age at which this level is reached by an average person.
209
mentality
(n) a person's mental ability or characteristic attitude of mind.
210
mentor
(n) a trusted adviser.
211
mercantile
(adj) trading, of trade or merchants.
212
mercenary
(adj)1. Working merely for money or other reward, grasping. 2. (of professional soldiers) hired to serve a foreign country. (n) a professional soldier serving a foreign country.
213
merchandise
(n) goods or commodities bought and sold, goods for sale. (v)1. To buy and sell, to trade. 2. To promote sales of (goods etc.)
214
merchant
(n) 1. A wholesale trader. 2. (Amer. & Scottish) a retail trader. 3. (slang) a person who is fond of a certain activity, (speed merchants).
215
mercurial
(adj)1. Of or caused by mercury, (mercurial poisoning). 2. Having a lively temperament. 3. Liable to sudden changes of mood.
216
at the mercy of
wholly in the power of, liable to danger or harm from.
217
mercy killing
euthanasia.
218
mere
(adj) nothing more or better than what is specified, (she is a mere child). Merely (adv). merest (adj): very small or insignificant, (the merest trace of colour).
219
merger
(n) the combining of two commercial companies etc. into one.
220
merit
(n)1. The quality of deserving to be praised, excellence. 2. A feature or quality that deserves praise; (judge it on its merits), according to its own qualities. (v)(merited, meriting) to deserve.
221
meritocracy
(n)1. Government or control by people of high ability, selected by some form of competition. 2. These people. Meritorious (adj): having merit, deserving praise.
222
make merry
to hold lively festivities.
223
mesa
(n) a flat-topped hill or rocky plateau with almost vertical sides, common in the south-western USA.
224
mesh
(n)1. One of the spaces between threads in a net or sieve or wire screen etc. 2. Network fabric. (v) (of a toothed wheel etc.) to engage with another or others.
225
mesmerise
(v) to hypnotise, to dominate the attention or will of.
226
metamorphose
(v) to change or be changed in form etc. Metamorphosis (n) (pl metamorphoses) a change of form or character.
227
metaphor
(n) the application of a word or phrase to something that it does not apply to literally, in order to indicate a comparison with the literal usage, eg. the 'evening' of one's life, 'food' for thought, 'cut off one's nose to spite one's face).
228
metaphysics
(n) a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of existence and of truth and knowledge. Metaphysical (adj).
229
mete
(v) mete out: to distribute, (mete out punishment to wrongdoers).
230
meteoric
(adj)1. Of meteors. 2. Like a meteor in brilliance or sudden appearance, (a meteoric career).
Meteorology (n): the scientific study of atmosphere and conditions, especially in order to forecast weather. Meteorological (adj). meteorologist (n): an expert in meteorology.
231
methodical
(adj) orderly, systematic. Methodically (adv).
232
meticulous
(adj) giving or showing great attention to detail, very careful and exact. Meticulously (adv), meticulousness (n).
233
metropolis
(n) the chief city of a country or region. Metropolitan (adj): of a metropolis.
234
mettle
(n) courage or strength of character. On one's mettle: determined to show one's courage or ability.
235
miasma
(n) unpleasant or unwholesome air.
236
take the mickey out of
(slang) to tease or ridicule.
237
microcosm
(n) a world in miniature, something regarded as resembling something else on a very small scale.
238
microfiche
(pl microfiche) a sheet of microfilm (a length of film in which written or printed material is photogrqphed in greatly reduced size; (v)to photograph on this) in a form suitable for filing like an index-card.
239
the Midas touch
ability to make money in all one's activities. (named after a legendary king in Asia Minor, whose touch turned all things to gold.)
240
middle class
the class of society between the upper and working classes, including business and professional people.
241
Middle East
the area covered by countries from Egypt to Iran inclusive.
242
middle-of-the-road
(adj) favouring a moderate policy, avoiding extremes.
243
middleman
(n)(pl middlemen) any of the traders handling a commodity between producer and consumer.
244
middling
(adj & adv) moderately good, moderately well.
245
midget
(n) an extremely small person or thing. (adj) extremely small.
246
midriff
(n) the front part of the body or of a garment just above the waist.
247
midwife
(n)(pl midwives) a person trained to assist women in childbirth. Midwifery (n): the work of a midwife.
248
migraine
(v) a severe form of headache that tends to recur.
249
migrant
(adj) migrating (migrate: to leave one place and settle in another; (of animals) to go periodically from one place to another, living in each place for a part of a year). (n) a migrant person or animal.
250
mildew
(n) a minute fungus that forms a white coating on things exposed to damp. Mildewed (adj): coated with mildew.
251
mileage
(n)1. Distance measured in miles. 2. The number of miles a vehicle travels on one gallon of fuel.
252
milestone
(n)1. A stone set up beside a road to show the distance in miles to a given point. 2. A significant event or stage in life or history.
253
milieu
(n)(pl milieus) environment, surroundings.
254
militant
(adj) prepared to take aggressive action in support of a cause. (n) a militant person. Militancy (n).
255
militia
(n) a military force, especially one consisting of civilians trained as soldiers and available to supplement the regular army in an emergency.
256
go / put through the mill
(or 'put through the mill'), to undergo or subject to training or experience or suffering.
257
millennium
(n)(pl millenniums) 1. A period of 1000 years. 2. The thousand-year reign of Christ on earth prophesied in the Bible. 3. A period of great happiness and prosperity for everyone.
258
millet
(n)1. A kind of cereal plant growing 3-4 ft high and producing a large crop of small seeds. 2. Its seeds, used as food.
259
milliner
(n) a person who makes or sells women's hats. Millinery (n):1. A milliner's work. 2. Women's hats sold in a shop.
260
mimic
(v)(mimicked, mimicking)1. To copy the appearance or ways of (a person etc.) playfully or for entertainment. 2. To pretend to be, (of things) to resemble closely. (n) a person who is clever at mimicking others, especially for entertainment. Mimicry (n).
261
not to mince matters
(or 'not to mince one's words'), to speak bluntly.
262
make mincemeat of
to destroy utterly in argument.
263
have a good mind to
(or 'have half a mind to'), to feel tempted or inclined to.
264
mind one's P's and Q's
to be careful in one's speech or behaviour.
265
mind's eye
the faculty of imagination.
266
on one's mind
constantly in one's thoughts, causing worry.
267
mindful
(adj) taking thought or care of something, (mindful of his reputation).
268
mingle
(v)1. To mix, to blend. 2. To go about among people etc.
269
minion
(n)(contemptuous) a subordinate assistant.
270
mink
(n)1. A small stoat-like animal of the weasel family. 2. Its highly valued fur. 3. A coat made of this.
271
minority
(n)1. The smallest part of a group or class. 2. a small group differing from others. 3. (in law) the state of being under full age, (during his minority).
272
minstrel
(n) a travelling singer and musician in the Middle Ages.
273
mint (1)
(n)1. A place authorised to make a country's coins. 2. A vast amount, (left him a mint of money). (v)1. To make (coins) by stamping metal. 2. To invent or coin (a word etc.) In mint condition: fresh and unsoiled as if newly from the mint.
274
minuscule
(adj) extremely small.
275
minute (2)
(adj)1. Extremely small. 2. Very detailed and precise, (a minute examination). Minutely (adv).
276
minutiae
(pl n) very small details.
277
mire
(n)1. Swampy ground, bog. 2. Mud or sticky dirt.
278
mirth
(n) merriment, laughter. Mirthful (adj), mirthless (adj).
279
misadventure
(n) a piece of bad luck; (death by misadventure), (in law) death caused unintentionally by a deliberate act but with no crime involved.
280
misanthropy
(n)1. Dislike of people in general. Misanthropic (adj).
281
misapprehend
(v) to misunderstand. Misapprehension (n).
282
misappropriate
(v) to take dishonestly, especially for one's own use. Misappropriation (n).
283
miscall
(v) to give a wrong or inappropriate name to.
284
mischief
(n)1. conduct (especially of children) that is annoying or does slight damage but is not malicious. 2. A tendency to tease or cause annoyance playfully, (full of mischief). 3. Harm or damage, (did a lot of mischief). Make mischief: to cause discord or ill-feeling. Mischief-maker (n): a person who does this.
285
miscible
(adj) able to be mixed.
286
misconceive
(v) to misunderstand, to interpret incorrectly. Misconception (n): a wrong interpretation.
287
misconduct
(n)1. Bad behaviour. 2. Adultery. 3. Mismanagement.
288
misconstrue
(v) to misinterpret. Misconstruction (n).
289
miscreant
(n) a wrongdoer, a villain.
290
misdemeanour
(n) a misdeed, wrongdoing.
291
miser
(n) a person who hoards money and spends as little as possible. Miserly (adj), miserliness (n).
292
misfire
(v)1. (of a gun) to fail to go off correctly. 2. (of an engine etc.) to fail to start, to function correctly. 3. To fail to have the intended effect, (the joke misfired).
293
misfit
(n)1. A garment etc. that does not fit the person it was meant for. 2. A person who is not well suited to his work or his environment. 3. A stream whose size is not as expected from the size of its valley.
294
misfortune
(n) bad luck, an unfortunate event.
295
misgiving
(n) a feeling of doubt or slight fear or mistrust.
296
misguided
(adj) mistaken in one's opinions or actions, ill-judged. Misguidedly (adv).
297
mishandle
(v) to deal with (a thing) badly or inefficiently.
298
mishap
(n) an unlucky accident.
299
mishear
(v)(misheard, mishearing) to hear incorrectly.
300
misinform
(v) to give wrong information
301
misinterpret
(v) to interpret incorrectly. Misinterpretation (n).
302
misjudge
(v) to form a wrong opinion of, to estimate incorrectly. Misjudgment (n).
303
mislay
(v)(mislaid, mislaying) to put (a thing) in a place and be unable to remember where it is, to lose temporarily.
304
mismanage
(v) to manage (affairs) badly or wrongly. Mismanagement (n).
305
misnomer
(n) a name or description that is wrongly applied to something.
306
misogynist
(n) a person who hates women.
307
misplace
(v)1. To put (a thing) in the wrong place. 2. To place (one's confidence etc.) unwisely. 3. To use (words or action) in an unsuitable situation, (misplaced humour). Misplacement (n).
308
misquote
(v) to quote incorrectly. Misquotation (n).
309
misread
(v)(misread, misreading) to read or interpret incorrectly.
310
misrepresent
(v) to represent in a false or misleading way. Misrepresentation (n).
311
misrule
(n) bad government.
312
miss out
to omit.
313
miss out on
(Amer.) to fail to get benefit or enjoyment from.
314
miss the boat
(or 'miss the bus') (informal) to lose an opportunity.
315
missal
(n) a book containing the prayers used in the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.
316
misshapen
(adj) badly shaped, distorted.
317
missile
(n) an object or weapon suitable for throwing or projecting or directing at a target.
318
missing link
a thing lacking to complete a series; a type of animal supposed to have existed between the anthropoid apes and the development of man.
319
missionary
(n) a person who is sent to spread the Christian faith among a community.
320
missive
(n) a written message, a letter.
321
misspell
(v)(misspelt, misspelling) to spell incorrectly.
322
misspend
(v)(misspent, misspending) to spend badly or unwisely.
323
mistime
(v) to say or do (a thing) at a wrong time.
324
mistral
(n) a cold north or north-westerly wind in the south of France and neighbouring areas.
325
mistrust
(v) to feel no trust in. (n) lack of trust. Mistrustful (adj).
326
misuse
(v)1. To use wrongly or incorrectly. 2. To treat badly. (n) wrong or incorrect use.
327
mite
(n)1. A very small spider-like animal found in food, (cheese-mites). 2. A very small contribution, (offered a mite of comfort). 3. A very small creature, a small child.
328
mitigate
(v) to make less intense or serious or severe; (mitigating circumstances), facts that partially excuse wrongdoing. Mitigation (n).
329
mixed bag
an assortment of different things or people.
330
mixed blessing
a thing that has advantages and also disadvantages.
331
mixed feelings
a mixture of pleasure and dismay at the same event.
332
mixed-up
(adj)(informal) having problems of the emotions and behaviour through not being well-adjusted socially.
333
mnemonic
(adj) aiding the memory. (n) a verse or other aid to help one remember facts.
334
mob
(n)1. A large disorderly crowd of people. 2. (the mob), the common people, the rabble. 2. (Austral. & NZ) a flock or herd, a collection or crowd. 3. (slang) a gang. (v)(mobbed, mobbing) to crowd round in great numbers either to attack or to admire. mob rule: rule imposed and enforced by the mob.
335
mobilise
(v)1. To assemble (troops) for service, to prepare for war or other emergency. 2. To assemble for a particular purpose, (they mobilised support from all parties). Mobilisation (n).
336
moccasin
(n) a kind of soft leather shoe, stitched round the vamp.
337
mock-up
(n) a model of something, to be used for testing or study.
338
mode
(n)1. The way in which a thing is done. 2. The current fashion. 3. The value that occurs most frequently in a set of data.
339
modernism
(n) modern views or methods. Modernist (n): one who favours modernism. Modernistic (adj).
340
modicum
(n) a small amount.
341
modus operandi
1. A person's method of working. 2. The way a thing operates.
342
mogul
(n)(informal) an important or influential person.
343
mohair
(n)1. The fine silky hair of the angora goat, or a mixture of it with wool or cotton. 2. Yarn or fabric made from this.
344
Mohican
(n) a member of a warlike tribe of North American Indians.
345
molehill
(n) a small mound of earth thrown up by a burrowing mole; (make a mountain out of a molehill), to behave as if a small difficulty were a very great one.
346
molest
(v) to annoy or pester a person in a hostile way or in a way that causes injury. Molestation (n).
347
mollify
(v)(mollified, mollifying) to soothe the anger of. Mollification (n).
348
mollycoddle
(v) to coddle excessively, to pamper. (n) a mollycoddled person.
349
at the moment
now.
350
for the moment
for now, temporarily.
351
the man of the moment
the one who is important or the centre of attention now.
352
moment of truth
a time of test or crisis. (from a Spanish phrase referring to the final sword-thrust in a bull-fight).
353
momentary
(adj) lasting only a moment. Momentarily (adv).
354
momentous
(adj) of great importance.
355
momentum
(n) impetus gained by movement, (the sledge gathered momentum as it ran downhill).
356
monarchy
(n)1. A form of government in which a monarch (a ruler with thebtitle of king, queen, emperor, or empress) is the supreme ruler. 2. A country with this form of government. Monarchic (adj), monarchical (adj). Monarchist (n): a person who favours government by a monarch or who supports a monarch against opponents of this system. Monarchism (n).
357
monastic
(adj) of monks or monasteries. Monastery (n): a building in which monks live as a secluded community under religious vows. Monasticism (n) the way of life practised by monks.
358
monetary
(adj)1. Of a country's currency, (our monetary system). 2. Of or involving money, (its monetary value).
359
money-spinner
(n) something that brings in much profit eg. a successful book.
360
mongol
(n) a person suffering from mongolism (an abnormal congenital condition in which a person has a broad flattened skull, slanting eyes, and mental deficiency).
Mongoloid (adj): resembling the Mongols (Mongolian people), having yellowish skin, a broad flat face, and straight black hair. (n) a Mongoloid person.
361
mongrel
(n)1. A dog of no definable type or breed. 2. An animal of mixed breed. (adj) of mixed origin or character.
362
monkey business
(slang) mischief; underhand dealings.
363
monocle
(n) an eye-glass for one eye only.
364
monogamy
(n) the system of being married to only one person at a time.
365
monogram
(n) two or more letters (especially a person's initials) combined in one design. Monogrammed (adj): marked with a monogram.
366
monolith
(n) a large single upright block of stone. Monolithic (adj): 1. Consisting of one or more monoliths. 2. Like a monolith in being single and massive, (a monolithic organisation).
367
monologue
(n) a long speech by one person.
368
monopolise
(v) to take exclusive control or use of; (monopolise the conversation), give others no chance to join in. Monopolisation (n).
369
monotheism
(n) the doctrine that there is only one God. Monotheist (n), monotheistic (adj).
370
monotonous
(adj) lacking in variety or variation, tiring or boring because of this. Monotonously (adv). Monotony (n).
371
monstrous
(adj)1. Like a monster, huge. 2. Outrageous, very wrong or absurd. Monstrosity (n): a monstrous thing.
372
montage
(n)1. The process of making a composite picture by putting together pieces from other pictures or designs. 2. A picture produced in this way.
373
monumental
(adj)1. Of or serving as a monument, (monumental brasses in the church). 2. Very great, massive and of permanent importance. Monumental mason: a maker of tombstones etc.
374
moonlighting
(n)(informal) having two paid jobs, one during the day and the other in the evening.
375
moonshine
(n) foolish ideas.
376
moor
(n)1. A stretch of open uncultivated land with low shrubs (eg. heather). 2. This used for preserving game for shooting, (a grouse moor). Moorland (n). (v) to secure (a boat or other floating thing) to a fixed object by means of cable(s).
377
moorings
(pl n)1. Cables etc. by which something is moored. 2. A place where something is moored.
378
moot
(adj) debatable, undecided, (that's a moot point). (v) to raise (a question) for discussion.
379
mope
(v) to be in low spirits and listless.
380
moral victory
a triumph, although nothing concrete is obtained by it.
381
morale
(n) the state of a person's or group's spirits and confidence.
382
morality
(n)1. Moral principles or rules. 2. A particular system of morals, (commercial morality). 3. Being moral, conforming to moral principles, goodness or rightness.
383
morass
(n)1. A marsh, a bog. 2. An entanglement, something that confuses or impedes people.
384
moratorium
(n)(pl moratoriums) 1. Legal authorisation to debtors to postpone payment. 2. A temporary ban or suspension on some activity, (asked for a moratorium on strikes).
385
morbid
(adj)1. (of the mind or ideas) unwholesome, preoccupied with gloomy or unpleasant things). 2. Caused by or indicating disease, unhealthy, (a morbid growth). Morbidly (adv), morbidness (n), morbidity (n).
386
mordant
(adj) characterised by a biting sarcasm, (his mordant wit).
387
morgue
(n) a mortuary.
388
moribund
(adj) in a dying state.
389
morning dress
formal dress for a man consisting of a tail-coat, striped trousers, and top hat.
390
morning star
a bright star or planet (especially Venus) seen in the east before sunrise.
391
moron
(n)1. An adult with intelligence equal to that of an average child of 8-12 years. 2. (informal) a very stupid person. Moronic (adj).
392
morose
(adj) sullen, gloomy, and unsociable. Morosely (adv), moroseness (n).
393
morphine
(n) a drug made from opium, used for relieving pain.
394
morrow
(n)(old use) the following day.
395
morsel
(n) a small quantity, a small amount or piece of food.
396
mortality
(n)1. Being mortal, subject to death. 2. Loss of life on a large scale. Mortality rate: the death rate.
397
mortar-board
(n) a cap with a stiff square top worn as part of academic dress.
398
mortgage
(v) to give someone a claim on (property) as security for payment of a debt or loan. (n)1. Mortgaging. 2. An agreement giving a claim of this kind. 3. The amount of money borrowed or lent against the security of a property in this way.
399
mortician
(n)(Amer.) an undertaker.
400
mortify
(v)(mortified, mortifying) 1. To humiliate greatly. 2. To subdue by discipline or self-denial. 3. (of flesh) to become gangrenous. Mortification (n).
401
mortuary
(n) a place where dead bodies may be kept temporarily.
402
for the most part
in most cases, in most of its extent.
403
make the most of
to use to the best advantage; to represent at its best or at its worst.
404
moth-eaten
(adj) damaged by moth-larvae; antiquated, decrepit.
405
motif
(n)1. A recurring design or feature in a literary or artistic work. 2. A short melody or theme that recurs and is developed in a piece of music. 3. An ornament sewn on a dress etc.
406
motionless
(adj) not moving.
407
motive
(n) that which induces a person to act in a certain way. (adj) producing movement or action; (motive power), that which drives machinery etc. Motivation (n), motivated (adj), motivate (v).
408
motley
(adj) 1. Multi-coloured. 2. Made up of various sorts, (a motley collection).
409
motorcade
(n)(Amer.) a procession or parade using motor vehicles.
410
mottled
(adj) marked or patterned with irregular patches of colour.
411
moult
(v)(of a bird or animal or insect) to shed feathers or hair or skin etc. before a new growth. (n) the process of moulting.
412
mournful
(adj) sorrowful, showing grief. Mournfully (adv), mournfulness (n).
413
mouthful
(n)1. An amount that fills the mouth. 2. A small quantity of food etc. 3. A lengthy word or phrase, one that is difficult to utter.
414
get a move on
(informal) to hurry.
415
on the move
moving from one place to another; progressing.
416
mow
(v)(mowed, mown, mowing) to cut down (grass or grain etc.), to cut the grass etc. from, (mow the lawn).
417
muck
(n)1. Farmyard manure. 2. (informal) dirt, filth, a mess. (v) or make dirty, to mess. Muck-raking (n): seeking for and exposing scandal.
418
mucous
(adj) of or like mucus, covered with mucus; (mucous membrane), the moist skin lining the nose, mouth, throat, etc.
419
muddle-headed
(adj) liable to muddle things, mentally confused.
420
muddle on
(or 'muddle along') to work in a haphazard way.
421
muddle through
to succeed in the end in spite of one's inefficiency.
422
mudguard
(n) a curved cover above the wheel of a cycle etc. to protect the rider from the mud it throws up.
423
muffle
(v)1. To wrap or cover for warmth or protection. 2. To wrap up or pad in order to deaden the sound of. 3. To deaden, to make less loud or less distinct. Muffler (n)1. A scarf worn round the neck for warmth. 2. Something used to muffle sound.
424
muggy
(adj)(muggier, muggiest) oppressively damp and warm. Mugginess (n).
425
mulch
(n) a mixture of wet straw, grass, leaves, etc., spread on the ground to protect plants or retain moisture. (v) to cover with a mulch.
426
mule
1.(n) an animal that is the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey, known for its stubbornness. 2.(n) a backless slipper.
427
mull (2)
mull over: to think over, to ponder, (mulled it over).
428
multifarious
(adj) very varied, of many kinds.
429
multilateral
(adj)(of an agreement etc.) involving three or more parties.
430
multitude
(n) a great number of things or people; (the multitude), the common people.
431
mum (1)
(adj)(informal) silent, (keep mum).
432
mumbo-jumbo
(n)1. Meaningless ritual. 2. Words or actions that are deliberately obscure in order to mystify or confuse people.
433
mummify
(v)(mummified, mummifying) to preserve (a corpse) by embalming it as in ancient Egypt.
434
mundane
(adj)1. Dull, routine. 2. Worldly, not spiritual.
435
municipal
(adj) of a town or city or its self-government. Municipality (n): a self-governing town or district.
436
munificent
(adj) splendidly generous. Munificently (adv), munificence (n).
437
munitions
(pl n) military weapons and ammunition etc.
438
murky
(adj)(murkier, murkiest)1. Dark, gloomy. 2. (of liquid) muddy, full of sediment. Murkiness (n).
439
Muscovite
(adj) of Moscow. (n) a native or inhabitant of Moscow.
440
mushy
(adj)1. As or like mush. 2. Feebly sentimental. Mushiness (n).
441
musket
(n) a long-barrelled gun formerly used by infantry, now replaced by the rifle. Musketeer (n): a soldier armed with this.
442
muslin
(n) a kind of thin cotton cloth.
443
mustang
(n) a wild horse of Mexico and California.
444
muster
(v) 1. To assemble or cause to assemble. 2. To summon, (muster / muster up one's strength). (n) an assembly or gathering of people or things. Pass muster: to be accepted as adequate.
445
musty
(adj)(mustier, mustiest)1. Stale, smelling or tasting mouldy. 2. Antiquated. Mustiness (n).
446
mutiny
(n) open rebellion against authority, especially by members of the armed forces against their officers. (v)(mutinied, mutinying) to engage in mutiny. Mutinous (adj): rebellious, ready to mutiny. Mutinously (adv).
447
muzzle (v)
(v)1. To put a muzzle (a strap or wire etc. put over an animal's head to prevent it from biting or feeding) on (an animal). 2. To silence, to prevent (a person or newspaper etc.) from expressing opinions freely.
448
myopic
(adj) short-sighted. Myopia (n).
449
mystic
(adj)1. Of hidden or symbolic meaning, especially in religion, (mystic ceremonies). 2. Inspiring a sense of mystery and awe. (n) a person who seeks to obtain union with God by spiritual contemplation and self-surrender. Mystical (adj), mystically (adv). Mysticism (n).
450
myriad
(n) a vast number.
451
mystique
(n) an aura of mystery or mystical power.
mystify (v)(mystified, mystifying) to cause (a person) to feel puzzled. Mystification (n).
452
myth
(n)1. A traditional story containing ideas or beliefs about ancient times or about natural events (such as the four seasons). 2. Such stories collectively. 3. An imaginary person or thing. 4. An idea that forms part of the beliefs of a group or class but is not founded on fact. Mythical (adj). Mythology (n):1. A body of myths, (Greek mythology). 2. Study of myths. Mythological (adj), mythologist (n).
