American English

air

air [noun] (GAS)

the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and that we breathe

US /er/ 
UK /eər/ 
Example: 

I went outside to get some fresh air.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

air

 noun (no plural)

1 the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and that you take in through your nose and mouth when you breathe:
Please open a window — I need some fresh air.

2 the space around and above things:
He threw the ball up into the air.

3 travel or transport in an aircraft:
It's more expensive to travel by air than by train.
an air ticket

on air, on the air on the radio or on television:
This radio station is on the air 24 hours a day.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

air

I. air1 S1 W1 /eə $ er/ BrE AmE noun
[Sense 1-7, 9: Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: Latin aer, from Greek]
[Sense 8: Date: 1500-1600; Origin: Probably a translation of Italian aria; ⇨ ↑aria]
1. GAS [uncountable] the mixture of gases around the Earth, that we breathe:
Let’s go outside and get some fresh air.
You need to put some air in the tyres.
in the air
There was a strong smell of burning in the air. ⇨ a breath of fresh air at ↑breath(2)
2. SPACE ABOVE THE GROUND the air the space above the ground or around things
into the air
Flames leapt into the air.
through the air
He fell 2,000 metres through the air without a parachute.
3. PLANES
a) by air travelling by, or using, a plane:
I’d prefer to travel by air.
b) relating to or involving planes:
the victims of Britain’s worst air disaster
Air travel was growing rapidly.
air traffic congestion
His brother died in an air crash.
4. be in the air
a) if a feeling is in the air, a lot of people feel it at the same time:
There was a sense of excitement in the air.
b) to be going to happen very soon:
Change is in the air.
5. APPEARANCE [singular] if something or someone has an air of confidence, mystery etc, they seem confident, mysterious etc
air of
She had an air of quiet confidence.
She looked at him with a determined air.
6. be up in the air if something is up in the air, no decision has been made about it yet:
Our trip is still very much up in the air.
7. be on/off (the) air to be broadcasting on the radio or television at the present moment, or to stop broadcasting:
We’ll be on air in three minutes.
8. MUSIC [countable] a simple tune, often used in the title of a piece of ↑classical music
9. airs [plural] a way of behaving that shows someone thinks they are more important than they really are
put on airs/give yourself airs
Trudy is always putting on airs.
an actor with no airs and graces
10. be walking/floating on air to feel very happy
⇨ ↑hot air, ↑on-air, ⇨ clear the air at ↑clear2(15), ⇨ disappear/vanish into thin air at ↑thin1(15), ⇨ out of thin air at ↑thin1(16)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
fresh She opened the window to let in some fresh air.
clean London’s air is cleaner than it has been at any time since 1585.
warm/hot Warm air rises and is replaced by cooler and denser air. | I felt a sudden rush of hot air.
cool/cold The air had turned a little cooler.
crisp (=pleasantly cool) the crisp autumn air
clear I looked up to the stars in the clear night air.
damp/humid Damp air causes condensation.
polluted The air in Mexico City is heavily polluted.
stale (=not fresh and often full of smoke) The room was full of stale air and tobacco smoke.
the air is thin (=there is less oxygen because you are in a high place) People cannot live up there because the air is too thin and there is not enough oxygen to breathe.
the morning/evening/night air He stepped out and breathed in the cold morning air.
the sea/mountain/country air the salty smell of the sea air
the still air (=air in which there is no wind) Smoke from the chimneys hung in the still air.
■ air + NOUN
air pollution Most air pollution is caused by cars.
the air quality The air quality is very poor on hot days.
the air pressure The air pressure had dropped.
■ phrases
a breath of air I went outside for a breath of air.
a rush/blast/stream of air There was a cold rush of air as she wound down her window.
a current of air The birds are able to glide on a current of warm air.
■ verbs
breathe in the air She breathed in the cool mountain air.
fight/gasp for air (=try to breathe with difficulty) He clutched his throat as he fought for air.
let in some air (=let fresh air into a room) It would be nice to open the door and let in some air.
put air into something (=fill a tyre, balloon etc with air) I need to put some air in the tyres.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

air

air [air airs aired airing] noun, verb   [eə(r)]    [er] 

noun  

 

GAS
1. uncountable the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth and that we breathe
air pollution
Let's go out for some fresh air.
I need to put some air in my tyres.
currents of warm air
whales coming up for air (= in order to breathe)

• The act lays down a minimum standard for air quality.  

 

SPACE

2. uncountable (usually the air) the space above the ground or that is around things
I kicked the ball high in/into the air.
Spicy smells wafted through the air.
• Music filled the night air.

see also  open air  

 

FOR PLANES

3. uncountable the space above the earth where planes fly
It only takes three hours by air (= in a plane).
air travel/traffic
• The temple was clearly visible from the air.

• A surprise air attack (= from aircraft) was launched at night.  

 

IMPRESSION

4. singular the particular feeling or impression that is given by sb/sth; the way sb does sth
The room had an air of luxury.
• She looked at him with a defiant air.

• There was an air of complete confidence about her.  

 

TUNE

5. countable (old-fashioned) (often used in the title of a piece of music) a tune

• Bach's Air on a G string  

 

BEHAVIOUR

6. airs plural (disapproving) a way of behaving that shows that sb thinks that they are more important, etc. than they really are
I hate the way she puts on airs.
more at a breath of (fresh) air at  breath, (build) castles in the air at  castle, clear the air at  clear  v., with your nose in the air at  nose  n., pluck sth out of the air at  pluck  v., disappear, vanish, etc. into thin airout of thin air at  thin  adj.  
Word Origin:
Middle English (in senses 1-3 of noun): from Old French air, from Latin aer, from Greek aēr, denoting the gas. Senses 4 and 6 of the noun are from French air, probably from Old French aire ‘site, disposition’, from Latin ager, agr- ‘field’ (influenced by senses 1-3). Sense 5 of the noun comes from Italian aria, from Latin aer ‘air’.  
Example Bank:
He drew in another breath of air.
He had an air of mystery about him.
He leaned over to Melissa with an air of confidentiality.
He punched the air in triumph.
I hate the way she puts on airs.
I kicked the ball high into the air.
I sat for a moment, inhaling the fresh forest air.
It only takes three hours by air.
It's difficult carrying such heavy loads in the thin air of the mountains.
Land crabs breathe air and cannot swim.
Nothing moved in the still air.
She gulped in the fresh mountain air.
She was gasping for air as she ran out of the burning house.
Spicy smells wafted through the air.
Suddenly a scream pierced the air.
The air was sweet with incense.
The air was thick with cigarette smoke.
The argument helped to clear the air between them.
The cool night air wafted in the open windows.
The dog stretched and sniffed the air.
The hideout is clearly visible from the air.
The market is held in the open air.
The tang of some wild herb hung in the air.
The two planes collided in mid-air.
There are regulatory requirements for clean air and water.
They have developed an engine powered by compressed air.
Three buildings were bombed last night in an air strike on the city.
We are cleared by Air Traffic Control to taxi and take off.
We felt a blast of cold air as she opened the door.
We need some fresh air in this stuffy room!
You have an air of authority.
equipment to monitor air quality
the musty smell of stale air
the polluted air of our cities
warm currents of air
A surprise air attack was launched at night.
air travel/traffic/fares
Idioms: airs and graces  in the air  on air  up in the air  walk on air

Derived: air out  air something out 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

air / eə r /   / er / noun (GAS)

A2 [ U ] the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and that we breathe:

I went outside to get some fresh air.

You should put some air in your tyres - they look flat to me.

the air B2 [ S ] the space above the ground, especially high above the ground:

The air was filled with the scent of roses.

Throw your gun down and put your hands in the air.

The police fired into the air to clear the demonstrators from the streets.

 

air / eə r /   / er / noun [ U ] (AIRCRAFT)

A2 travel in an aircraft:

I don't travel much by air.

an air crash/disaster

air travel

 

air / eə r /   / er / noun [ S ] (MANNER)

C2 manner or appearance:

She has an air of confidence about her.

 

air / eə r /   / er / noun (BROADCAST)

be on/off (the) air C1 If a programme or a person is on/off (the) air, they are/are not broadcasting on radio or television:

The radio station is on air from 6 a.m.

As soon as the war started, any broadcasts with a military theme were taken off the air.

 

air / eə r /   / er / noun [ C ] (TUNE)

a simple tune:

Bach's Air on a G String

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

air

[e͟ə(r)]
 
 airs, airing, aired
 1) N-UNCOUNT Air is the mixture of gases which forms the earth's atmosphere and which we breathe.
  Draughts help to circulate air...
  Keith opened the window and leaned out into the cold air.
  ...water and air pollutants.
 2) N-SING: the N The air is the space around things or above the ground.
  Government troops broke up the protest by firing their guns in the air...
  People's cigarette smoke seemed to hang in the air.
 3) N-UNCOUNT: usu N n, by N Air is used to refer to travel in aircraft.
  Air travel will continue to grow at about 6% per year...
  The United Nations have been unable to distribute food around the country, other than by air.
 4) N-COUNT: usu with supp An air is a simple tune which can be easily recognized and remembered. [OLD-FASHIONED]
 5) N-SING: with supp, oft N of n If you say that someone or something has a particular air, you mean that they give this general impression.
  Jennifer took a drag on her cigarette, regarding him with an air of faint amusement...
  The meal gave the occasion an almost festive air.
 6) N-PLURAL (disapproval) If you say that someone is putting on airs or giving themselves airs, you are criticizing them for behaving as if they are better than other people. [INFORMAL]
  We're poor and we never put on airs.
 7) VERB If a broadcasting company airs a television or radio programme, they show it on television or broadcast it on the radio. [mainly AM]
  [V n] Tonight PBS will air a documentary called `Democracy In Action'.
  Syn:
  broadcast
  Derived words:
  airing N-SING Switzer said his program and his university could not tolerate the airing of this material.
 8) VERB If you air your opinions, you make them known to people.
  [V n] They sat for more than six hours, and both sides agreed they had aired all their differences...
  [V n] The whole issue was thoroughly aired at the meeting.
  Syn:
  express
  Derived words:
  airing N-SING a N While we're able to broach the subject of sex, money rarely gets an airing.
 9) VERB If you air a room or building, you let fresh air into it.
  [V n] One day a week her mother systematically cleaned and aired each room.
  Derived words:
  airing N-SING a N Open all the windows of the bedroom and give it a good airing.
 10) VERB If you air clothing or bedding, you put it somewhere warm to make sure that it is completely dry.
  [V n] When the shirts were clean, I ironed them myself, aired them and placed them in drawers in his room.
 11) PHRASE: V inflects If you do something to clear the air, you do it in order to resolve any problems or disagreements that there might be.
  ...an inquiry just to clear the air and settle the facts of the case.
 12) PHRASE (disapproval) If you refer to someone's airs and graces, you mean that they behave in a way that shows that they think they are more important than other people.
  The old cliché of the customer being always right is what gives them airs and graces.
 13) PHRASE If something is in the air it is felt to be present, but it is not talked about.
  There was great excitement in the air...
  She walked away and left the question hanging in the air.
 14) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If someone is on the air, they are broadcasting on radio or television. If a programme is on the air, it is being broadcast on radio or television. If it is off the air, it is not being broadcast.
  Singer Dani Behr, 17, is going on the air as presenter of Channel 4's `The Word'...
  Rockwell hopes the program can be on the air within a year...
  This message did not reach me until after the programme went off the air.
 15) PHRASE: PHR after v If someone or something disappears into thin air, they disappear completely. If someone or something appears out of thin air, they appear suddenly and mysteriously.
  `But where could they have gone?' he demanded. `They can't just vanish into thin air!'...
  He had materialized out of thin air; I had not seen or heard him coming.
 16) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that a decision or a situation is up in the air, you mean that it has not yet been completely settled or planned.
  He told reporters today that the president's trip to Moscow is up in the air.
  Syn:
  undecided
  Ant:
  settled
 17) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that you are walking on air or floating on air, you mean that you feel extremely happy about something.
  As soon as I know I'm in the team it's like I'm walking on air.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

air

2air verb airs; aired; air·ing
1 a : to place something in an open area where there is a lot of moving air to make it cool, dry, or clean

[+ obj]

air a blanket
air damp clothing

[no obj]

• The blankets were left outside to air.
b : to allow air from the outside to enter something (such as a room) so that it becomes fresher or cleaner

[+ obj]

• She opened the windows to air the room.
- usually + out in U.S. English
• She opened the windows to air out the room.
air out a closet

[no obj]

- usually + out in U.S. English
• She opened the windows to let the room air out.
2 [+ obj] : to make (something) known in public : to state (something) publicly
• The company had a meeting so that employees could air their complaints/grievances.
• publicly airing their differences
• Let's not air our dirty laundry [=discuss our problems, make our problems known] in public.
3 : to broadcast something on radio or television

[+ obj]

air a program
• The interview will be aired tomorrow.

[no obj]

• The program airs daily.
• The interview will air tomorrow.
 

1air /ˈeɚ/ noun, pl airs
1 [noncount]
a : the invisible mixture of gases (such as nitrogen and oxygen) that surrounds the Earth and that people and animals breathe
• These laws are meant to produce cleaner air.
• A delicious smell filled the air.
• I like to dine outdoors in the open air.
• cool/warm air
• fresh air
• a sudden gust of air [=wind]
• polluted air
• stale air
• the hot summer air
• He can't breathe! Everybody move back and give him some air!
• High in the mountains the air is thin and it can be hard to breathe.
• He pumped air into the bicycle tire.
• My keys seem to have vanished/disappeared into thin air. [=to have vanished in a very sudden and mysterious way]
• He seemed to appear out of thin air. [=in a very sudden and mysterious way]
- see also a breath of fresh air at breath
b : the space or sky that is filled with air
• land, water, and air
• The city is wonderful seen from the air.
• the fish of the sea and the birds of the air
• The balloon rose up into the air and then floated through/in the air.
• There has been heavy fighting on the ground and in the air.
2 [noncount] : methods of travel that involve flying
• travel by air [=by flying in airplanes]
- often used before another noun
• an air attack
air safety
air travel/travelers
3 [singular] : a quality that a person or thing has
• a dignified air
- often + of
• an air of dignity
• The new furniture has given the hotel an air of luxury.
• He has an air of mystery about him. [=he has a mysterious quality]
4 [count] old-fashioned : a song or tune
• a pleasing air
5 [noncount] US : air-conditioning
• a house with central air
clear the air : to talk about problems, feelings, etc., in order to reach agreement or understanding
• They cleared the air (between them) by discussing their differences.
floating on air or walking on air : feeling very happy
• After he won the election, he was walking on air.
give yourself airs or put on airs : to act in a way that shows you think you are better than other people
• Some of her old friends have accused her of putting on airs since she became wealthy.
• She's very rich, but she doesn't give herself airs.
✦In British English, the phrase airs and graces describes an overly superior or proud way of behaving.
• She's very rich, but she doesn't give herself any airs and graces. = She doesn't have any airs and graces. = She doesn't put on any airs and graces.
hang in the air
- see hang in at 1hang
in the air
1 : felt or sensed by many people
• There was a great sense of anticipation in the air as game time approached.
2 : expected to happen soon
• Many changes are in the air.
nose in the air
- see 1nose
off the air of a radio or television station, program, etc. : not being broadcast
• The station is now off the air.
• They took him off the air because of his extreme views.
• It was my favorite show, but it went off the air [=stopped being broadcast] last year.
on the air also on air of a radio or television station, program, etc. : being broadcast
• The interview will be on the air tomorrow. [=the interview will air tomorrow; the interview will be broadcast tomorrow]
• an interview being shown on air
• a show that first came/went on the air [=started being broadcast] five years ago
• The President went on the air to defend his policies.
up in the air : not yet settled or decided
• Our vacation plans are still up in the air.
- air·less /ˈeɚləs/ adj
• a hot, airless room

camcorder

camcorder [noun]

a small video camera that can be held easily in one hand

US /ˈkæmˌkɔːr.dɚ/ 
UK /ˈkæmˌkɔː.dər/ 

Oxford Essential Dictionary

camcorder

 noun
a camera that you can carry around and use for recording moving pictures and sound

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

camcorder

camcorder /ˈkæmˌkɔːdə $ -ˌkɔːrdər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Date: 1900-2000; Origin: camera + recorder]

a type of camera that records pictures and sound on ↑videotape

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

camcorder

cam·cord·er [camcorder camcorders]   [ˈkæmkɔːdə(r)]    [ˈkæmkɔːrdər]  noun
a video camera that records pictures and sound and that can be carried around 
Word Origin:

1980s: blend of camera  and recorder.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

camcorder / ˈkæmˌkɔː.də r /   / -ˌkɔːr.dɚ / noun [ C ]

a small video camera that can be held easily in one hand

→  Compare video camera

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

camcorder

[kæ̱mkɔː(r)də(r)]
 camcorders
 N-COUNT
 A camcorder is a portable video camera which records both picture and sound.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

camcorder

cam·cord·er /ˈkæmˌkoɚdɚ/ noun, pl -ers [count] : a small video camera for personal use

air conditioner

air conditioner [noun]

a machine that keeps the air in a building cool

US /ˈer kənˌdɪʃ.ən.ɚ/ 
UK /ˈeə kənˌdɪʃ.ən.ər/ 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

air conditioner

ˈair conˌditioner BrE AmE noun [countable]
a machine that makes the air in a room or building cooler and drier

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

air conditioner

ˈair conditioner [air conditioner]       noun

a machine that cools and dries air

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

ˈ air con ˌ ditioner noun [ C ]

a machine that keeps the air in a building cool

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

air conditioner

 air conditioners
 N-COUNT
 An air conditioner is a machine which keeps the air in a building cool and dry.(in BRIT, also use air-conditioner)

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

air conditioner

 

air conditioner noun, pl ~ -ers [count] : a machine that is used to cool and dry the air in a building, room, etc.

flash drive

flash drive [noun]

a small piece of equipment that you connect to a computer or other piece of electronic equipment to copy and store information

Example: 

Insert the flash drive into the USB port.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

flash drive

ˈflash drive BrE AmE noun [countable]
a small piece of electronic equipment that uses ↑flash memory to store information and can be fitted into a computer SYN USB drive

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

flash drive

ˈflash drive 8 [flash drive]       (also USˈB drive, ˈpen drive) (NAmE also ˈthumb drive) noun

(computing)
a small memory device that can be used to store data from a computer and to move it from one computer to another
Syn:  memory stick
Insert the flash drive into the USB port.
• The flash drive is compatible with all notebook PCs running Windows.

See also: USB drive  pen drive  thumb drive

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

ˈ flash ˌ drive noun [ C ] ( also Memory Stick , pen drive )

a small piece of equipment that you connect to a computer or other piece of electronic equipment to copy and store information

See picture computer

© Cambridge University Press 2013

player

player [noun] (SOUNDS/PICTURES)

a machine for playing music, sound, or pictures

US /ˈpleɪ.ɚ/ 
UK /ˈpleɪ.ər/ 
Example: 

a CD/DVD player

Oxford Essential Dictionary

player

 noun

1 a person who plays a game:
football players

2 a person who plays a musical instrument:
a trumpet player

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

player

I. playa /ˈpleɪjʌ/ BrE AmE (also player) noun [countable] spoken informal
a man who is good at meeting women and persuading them to have sex with him
II. player S2 W1 /ˈpleɪə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑play, ↑interplay, ↑replay, ↑player, ↑playfulness; verb: ↑play, ↑outplay, ↑replay; adjective: ↑playful, ↑playable; adverb: ↑playfully]
1. someone who takes part in a game or sport:
a basketball player
2. one of the important people, companies, countries etc that is involved in and influences a situation, especially one involving competition
a major/dominant/key etc player
a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street
player in/on
a key player in world affairs
3. a CD/record/video etc player a machine that is used to play CDs, videos etc
4. someone who plays a musical instrument:
a guitar player
5. a man who has sexual relationships with many different women
6. old-fashioned an actor
key mover/player at ↑key2

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

player

play·er [player players]   [ˈpleɪə(r)]    [ˈpleɪər]  noun
1. a person who takes part in a game or sport
a tennis/rugby/chess, etc. player
a game for four players
• a midfield player

• We've lost two key players through injury.

2. a company or person involved in a particular area of business or politics
The company has emerged as a major player in the London property market.

see also  team player

3. (in compounds) a machine for reproducing sound or pictures that have been recorded on CDs, etc

• a CD/DVD/cassette/record player

4. (usually in compounds) a person who plays a musical instrument

• a trumpet player

5. (old-fashioned) (especially in names) an actor
Phoenix Players present ‘Romeo and Juliet’.  
Thesaurus:
player noun C
She's one of the country's top tennis players.
athleterunner|especially BrE sportsmansportswomansportsperson|AmE, informal, sometimes disapproving jock
a top/great/keen player/athlete/runner/sportsman, etc.
a/an all-round/amateur/professional player/athlete/sportsman, etc.
a/an player/athlete/runner/sportsman, etc. competes (in sth) 
Example Bank:
The club was forced to sell their star player.
The team has drafted some good players in recent years.
Their company is a major player in the London property market.
These boots are for the professional rather than for the average player.
one of the country's top tennis players
At that time, he was one of the most famous baseball players in America.
He proved an excellent chess player.
She's a former international netball player for New Zealand.
• They're both attacking players who've scored 37 of the team's 40 goals this season.

• We've lost two key players through injury.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

player / ˈpleɪ.ə r /   / -ɚ / noun [ C ] (SOUNDS/PICTURES)

A2 a person who plays a musical instrument:

a recorder/piano player

A2 a machine for playing music, sound, or pictures:

a CD/DVD player

 

player / ˈpleɪ.ə r /   / -ɚ / noun [ C ] (ACTING)

old use an actor used in the names of some theatre companies:

the Shakespeare Players

 

player / ˈpleɪ.ə r /   / -ɚ / noun [ C ] (GAME)

A1 someone who takes part in a game or sport:

Each player takes three cards.

The team has many talented players.

someone who is very involved in an activity or organization:

She was a leading/key player in the reorganization of the health service.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

player

[ple͟ɪə(r)]
 
 players
 1) N-COUNT A player in a sport or game is a person who takes part, either as a job or for fun.
  ...his greatness as a player...
  She was a good golfer and tennis player.
  ...top chess-players.
 2) N-COUNT You can use player to refer to a musician. For example, a piano player is someone who plays the piano.
  ...a professional trumpet player.
 3) N-COUNT: oft supp N, N in n If a person, country, or organization is a player in something, they are involved in it and important in it.
  Big business has become a major player in the art market...
  America is not a party to the negotiations, yet it is a key player...
 4) N-COUNT A player is an actor.
  ...a company of players...
  Oscar nominations went to all five leading players.
 5) → See also cassette player, CD player, record player, team player

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

player
 

play·er /ˈplejɚ/ noun, pl -ers [count]
1 : a person who plays a sport or game
• She's one of the team's best players.
• a star baseball player
• professional poker players
- see also team player
2 : a person who performs music usually on a particular instrument
• The band's lead guitar player hurt his hand and couldn't play.
• Piano players are called pianists.
3 : a machine that causes recorded sounds or pictures to be heard or seen
• a record/DVD/CD player
4 : a person who participates in a usually competitive field or activity
• She is a key/major/top player in genetics research.
• one of the industry's inside players
5 old-fashioned : an actor or actress
• a traveling band of players
• Even the movie's bit players [=people who perform very small roles] are excellent.
6 US slang : a person and especially a man who has sexual relationships with more than one person at the same time
• That guy's a player.

DVD

DVD [noun]

abbreviation for digital versatile disc or digital video disc: a disc used for storing and playing music, films, or information

US /ˌdiː.viːˈdiː/ 
UK /ˌdiː.viːˈdiː/ 
Example: 

I got a DVD of 'Mary Poppins' for Christmas.

Oxford Essential Dictionary

DVD

 noun
a small plastic disk that you record films and music on. You can play a DVD on a computer or a special machine (called a DVD player):
Is the film available on DVD?

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

DVD

DVD S3 W3 /ˌdiː viː ˈdiː/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
(digital video disc or digital versatile disc) a type of computer ↑disc that can store a large amount of information, sound, pictures, and video:
a DVD player
The film is now out on video and DVD.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

DVD

DVD [DVD]   [ˌdiː viː ˈdiː]    [ˌdiː viː ˈdiː]  noun
a disk on which large amounts of information, especially photographs and video, can be stored, for use on a computer or DVD player (the abbreviation for digital videodisc or digital versatile disc )
a DVD-ROM drive
Is it available on DVD yet?  
Collocations:
Cinema/the movies
Watching
go to/take sb to (see) a film/movie
go to/sit in (BrE) the cinema/(NAmE) the (movie) theater
rent a film/movie/DVD
download a film/movie/video
burn/copy/rip a DVD
see/watch a film/movie/DVD/video/preview/trailer
Showing
show/screen a film/movie
promote/distribute/review a film/movie
(BrE) be on at the cinema
be released on/come out on/be out on DVD
captivate/delight/grip/thrill the audience
do well/badly at the box office
get a lot of/live up to the hype
Film-making
write/co-write a film/movie/script/screenplay
direct/produce/make/shoot/edit a film/movie/sequel/video
make a romantic comedy/a thriller/an action movie
do/work on a sequel/remake
film/shoot the opening scene/an action sequence/footage (of sth)
compose/create/do/write the soundtrack
cut/edit (out) a scene/sequence
Acting
have/get/do an audition
get/have/play a leading/starring/supporting role
play a character/James Bond/the bad guy
act in/appear in/star in a film/movie/remake
do/perform/attempt a stunt
work in/make it big in Hollywood
forge/carve/make/pursue a career in Hollywood
Describing films
the camera pulls back/pans over sth/zooms in (on sth)
the camera focuses on sth/lingers on sth
shoot sb/show sb in extreme close-up
use odd/unusual camera angles
be filmed/shot on location/in a studio
be set/take place in London/in the '60s
have a happy ending/plot twist 
Example Bank:
Consumers are demanding high-quality DVD playback.
I haven't seen the first DVD so I can't compare them.
Pop this DVD in and sit back and relax.
The first edition of the album comes with a bonus DVD.
The movie is available in DVD format.
a multi-region DVD player
• the DVD drive in my PC

• Let's just stay in and watch a DVD.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

DVD / ˌdiː.viːˈdiː / noun [ C ]

A1 abbreviation for digital versatile disc or digital video disc: a disc used for storing and playing music, films, or information:

I got a DVD of 'Mary Poppins' for Christmas.

Is the film available on DVD?

a DVD drive/player

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

DVD

[di͟ː viː di͟ː]
 DVDs
 N-COUNT
 A DVD is a disc on which a film or music is recorded. DVD discs are similar to compact discs but hold a lot more information. DVD is an abbreviation for `digital video disc' or `digital versatile disc'.
  ...a DVD player.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

DVD

DVD /ˌdiːˌviːˈdiː/ noun, pl DVDs [count] : a computer disk that contains a large amount of information (such as a movie)
• a DVD player
• The movie just came out on DVD. also; : a movie that is recorded on a DVD
• Do you want to pick up a few DVDs for the weekend?
DVD is an abbreviation of “digital video disc” or “digital versatile disc.”

GPS

GPS [noun]

abbreviation for global positioning system: a system that can show the exact position of a person or thing by using signals from satellites (= objects in space that send signals to Earth)

US /ˌdʒiː.piːˈes/ 
UK /ˌdʒiː.piːˈes/ 
Example: 

The unit uses GPS to determine the delivery truck's position.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

GPS

GPS /ˌdʒiː piː ˈes/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
(Global Positioning System) a system that uses radio signals from ↑satellites to show your exact position on the Earth on a special piece of equipment

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

GPS

GPS 7 [GPS]   [ˌdʒiː piː ˈes]    [ˌdʒiː piː ˈes]  abbreviation
global positioning system (a system by which signals are sent from satellites to a special device, used to show the position of a person or thing on the surface of the earth very accurately)
The drivers all have GPS in the van.
• She switched on the GPS system before she left the airport.

compare  satnav

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

GPS / ˌdʒiː.piːˈes / noun [ U ]

abbreviation for global positioning system: a system that can show the exact position of a person or thing by using signals from satellites (= objects in space that send signals to Earth)

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

GPS

[ʤi͟ː piː e̱s]
 GPSs
 N-COUNT
 GPS is an abbreviation for global positioning system.
  GPS operates best near the equator.
  ...a GPS receiver.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

GPS
 

GPS /ˌʤiːˌpiːˈɛs/ noun [noncount] : a radio system that uses signals from satellites to tell you where you are and to give you directions to other places
• The car comes with GPS.
GPS is an abbreviation of “Global Positioning System.”

healthful

healthful [adjective]

helping to produce good health

US /ˈhelθ.fəl/ 
UK /ˈhelθ.fəl/ 
Example: 

A healthful diet includes lots of green vegetables.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

healthful

healthful /ˈhelθfəl/ BrE AmE adjective formal
likely to make you healthy:
healthful mountain air

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

healthful

health·ful [healthful healthfully]   [ˈhelθfl]    [ˈhelθfl]  adjective usually before noun (formal or NAmE)
good for your health

Derived Word: healthfully

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

healthful / ˈhelθ.f ə l / adjective US

helping to produce good health:

A healthful diet includes lots of green vegetables.

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

healthful

[he̱lθfʊl]
 ADJ-GRADED
 Something that is healthful is good for your health.
  Does the college cafeteria provide a healthful diet?...
  Chinese cooking is both low in calories and healthful.
 Syn:
 healthy

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

healthful

health·ful /ˈhɛlɵfəl/ adj [more ~; most ~] : good for your health : healthy
healthful living
• a healthful lifestyle/diet
• The meal was both healthful and satisfying.
- health·ful·ly adv
- health·ful·ness noun [noncount]

earphones

earphones [noun]

a piece of electronic equipment that you put over or in your ears so that you can listen privately to radio, recorded music, etc.

US /ˈɪr.foʊnz/ 
UK /ˈiə.fəʊnz/ 
Example: 

a pair/set of earphones

Oxford Essential Dictionary

earphones

 noun (plural) = headphones

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

earphone

earphone /ˈɪəfəʊn $ ˈɪrfoʊn/ BrE AmE noun [usually plural]
a small piece of equipment connected by a wire to a radio, ↑personal stereo etc, which you put in or over your ears so that only you can listen to it

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

earphones

ear·phones [earphones]   [ˈɪəfəʊnz]    [ˈɪrfoʊnz]  noun plural
=  headphones  
Example Bank:
• She was listening to a personal stereo through earphones.

• She was listening to her MP3 player through earphones.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

earphones / ˈiə.fəʊnz /   / ˈɪr.foʊnz / noun [ plural ]

a piece of electronic equipment that you put over or in your ears so that you can listen privately to radio, recorded music, etc.:

a pair/set of earphones

See picture earphones

See picture music listening

© Cambridge University Press 2013

desktop

desktop [noun] (COMPUTING)

( also desktop computer ) a type of computer that is small enough to fit on the top of a desk

US /ˈdesk.tɑːp/ 
UK /ˈdesk.tɒp/ 
Example: 

a desktop computer

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

desktop

desktop /ˈdesktɒp $ -tɑːp/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1. the main area on a computer where you can find the ↑icons that represent programs, and where you can do things to manage the information on the computer
2. the top surface of a desk

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

desktop

desk·top [desktop desktops]   [ˈdesktɒp]    [ˈdesktɑːp]  noun

1. the top of a desk

2. a screen on a computer which shows the icons of the programs that can be used

3. =  desktop computer

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

desktop / ˈdesk.tɒp /   / -tɑːp / noun (COMPUTING)

B2 [ C ] a view on a computer screen that contains icons (= small symbols or pictures) representing files, programs, and other features of the computer:

The menu bar with its windows is one of the features of the desktop.

B2 [ C ] ( also desktop computer ) a type of computer that is small enough to fit on the top of a desk

→  Compare laptop , notebook (COMPUTER) , palmtop

 

desktop adjective [ before noun ]

a desktop device/printer/system

 

 

desktop / ˈdesk.tɒp /   / -tɑːp / noun [ C usually singular ] (FURNITURE)

the top of a desk

desktop adjective [ before noun ]

a desktop device/printer/system

© Cambridge University Press 2013

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

desktop

[de̱sktɒp]
 desktops
 also desk-top
 1) ADJ: ADJ n Desktop computers are a convenient size for using on a desk or table, but are not designed to be portable.
  When launched, the Macintosh was the smallest desktop computer ever produced.
 2) N-COUNT A desktop is a desktop computer.
 3) N-COUNT The desktop of a computer is the display of icons that you see on the screen when the computer is ready to use.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

desktop

 

2desktop adj always used before a noun
1 : of a size that is suitable to be used on a desk or table
• a desktop computer
2 : done using a personal computer
• She is working on a desktop video project.
• Do you have any experience in desktop publishing? [=the use of a computer to design and produce magazines, books, etc.]

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