Wash - English meaning

noun

An act of washing oneself.

Usage examples:

The women performed their ablutions

phrase

Your ablutions are the things you do when you wash yourself

Usage examples:

Perform your ablutions he went off to the baths to perform his ablutions., we waited for james, who…

verb

Scrape or wear away by friction or erosion.

Usage examples:

It was a landscape slowly abraded by a fine, stinging dust

noun

A formal request to be considered for a position or to be allowed to do or have something, submitted to an authority, institution, or organization.

Usage examples:

An application for leave

noun

A particular use

Usage examples:

[ u ] a letter of application, [ c ] i’ve sent off applications for four different jobs.

noun

An official request for a job, a place on a course, etc., usually in writing

Usage examples:

An application for sth we received over 250 applications for the post., make/submit an application …

noun

The movement of liquid or air back in the direction it was flowing from.

Usage examples:

When filling the tank, use an anti-siphon device to prevent backflow

noun

The motion of receding waves.

Usage examples:

The backwash is reduced in energy by the percolation of water into the shingle

verb

Clean (a filter) by reversing the flow of fluid through it.

Usage examples:

The very fine mesh is backwashed to remove solids

noun

The backward movement of waves, or the backward movement of water caused by something, such as a boat, passing through it

Usage examples:

The waterskier was caught in the backwash from a motorboat., the economic and political backwash of…

noun

A large container for water, used for immersing and washing the body.

Usage examples:

The bedrooms have their own bath and shower

verb

Wash (someone) while immersing them in a bath.

Usage examples:

How to bath a baby

noun

An ancient hebrew liquid measure equivalent to about 40 litres or 9 gallons.

Usage examples:

The bath, equal to 72 logs, is thus the liquid equivalent of the ephah, also equal to 72 logs.

verb

Support and move (someone or something) from one place to another.

Usage examples:

Medics were carrying a wounded man on a stretcher

noun

An act of carrying something from one place to another.

Usage examples:

We did a carry of equipment from the camp

verb

To transport or take from one place to another

Usage examples:

The plane carried 116 passengers and a crew of seven., would you like me to carry your bag for you?…

verb

Shake (milk or cream) in a machine in order to produce butter.

Usage examples:

The cream is ripened before it is churned

noun

A machine for making butter by shaking milk or cream.

Usage examples:

Mothers made butter from milk, they mixed the milk in a butter churn.

noun

A large metal container for milk.

Usage examples:

The fresh creamy milk sat in a churn in the kitchen

adjective

Free from dirt, marks, or stains.

Usage examples:

The room was spotlessly clean

adverb

So as to be free from dirt, marks, or unwanted matter.

Usage examples:

The room had been washed clean

verb

Make clean; remove dirt, marks, or stains from.

Usage examples:

Clean your teeth properly after meals

noun

The action of making something clean, especially the inside of a house.

Usage examples:

The housekeeper will help with the cleaning

verb

Make clean; remove dirt, marks, or stains from.

Usage examples:

Clean your teeth properly after meals

verb

Make (something, especially the skin) thoroughly clean.

Usage examples:

This preparation will cleanse and tighten the skin

noun

A process or period of time during which a person attempts to rid the body of substances regarded as toxic or unhealthy, typically by consuming only water or other liquids.

Usage examples:

You can consume the broth three times a day for a cleanse

verb

To remove all the dirt or harmful substances from something

Usage examples:

Thoroughly cleanse the wound and the area around it.

adjective

Intended to clean something thoroughly, especially the skin.

Usage examples:

A cleansing cream

verb

Make (something, especially the skin) thoroughly clean.

Usage examples:

This preparation will cleanse and tighten the skin

adjective

Used to describe something that cleans or is used for cleaning

Usage examples:

A cleansing cream

noun

An outer garment with sleeves, worn outdoors and typically extending below the hips.

Usage examples:

A winter coat

verb

Provide with a layer or covering of something.

Usage examples:

Her right leg was coated in plaster

noun

Any of various types of outer clothing that are worn over other clothes, usually open in the front, and are often used for warmth

Usage examples:

She put on her heavy winter coat., a raincoat, the dog’s coat is shiny and clean., there were about…

noun

The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light.

Usage examples:

The lights flickered and changed colour

verb

Pigmentation of the skin, especially as an indication of someone's race.

Usage examples:

Discrimination on the basis of colour

noun

Red, blue, green, yellow, etc.

Usage examples:

What's your favourite colour?, she wears a lot of bright colours., what colour are your eyes?, in a…

verb

Transport or carry to a place.

Usage examples:

Pipes were laid to convey water to the house

verb

Destroy or damage (metal, stone, or other materials) slowly by chemical action.

Usage examples:

Acid rain poisons fish and corrodes buildings

verb

To destroy or be destroyed, esp. by acid or rust, usually over a long period of time

Usage examples:

[ t ] rain water corroded the metal pipes., these alloys protect against corrosion., highly corrosi…

verb

Put something on top of or in front of (something), especially in order to protect or conceal it.

Usage examples:

The table had been covered with a checked tablecloth

noun

A thing which lies on, over, or around something, especially in order to protect or conceal it.

Usage examples:

A seat cover

verb

To put or spread something over something, or to lie on the surface of something

Usage examples:

Once the rice comes to a boil, turn down the flame and cover the pot., she covered the child with a…

verb

Bring and hand over (a letter, parcel, or goods) to the proper recipient or address.

Usage examples:

The products should be delivered on time

verb

Bring to a destination

verb

To take goods, letters, or packages to people’s houses or places of work

Usage examples:

[ t ] we had the pizza delivered., [ t ] we call our pharmacy with the doctor’s prescription and as…

verb

Strip (something) of its covering, possessions, or assets.

Usage examples:

Almost overnight the arctic was denuded of animals

verb

To remove the covering of something, especially land

Usage examples:

The countryside has been denuded by war., drought and years of heavy grazing by sheep have complete…

noun

A sum of money paid into a bank or building society account.

Usage examples:

Cash funds which are an alternative to bank or building society deposits

verb

Put or set down (something or someone) in a specific place.

Usage examples:

He deposited a pile of school books on the kitchen table

noun

An amount of money paid into an account

Usage examples:

She made a large deposit last thursday., will you get your deposit back if you cancel the trip?, th…

verb

Put or let something down quickly or briefly in or into (liquid).

Usage examples:

He dipped a brush in the paint

noun

A brief swim.

Usage examples:

They cooled off by taking a dip in the pool

abbreviation

Document image processing, a system for the digital storage and retrieval of documents as scanned images.

verb

Clean (something), especially with a chemical, in order to destroy bacteria.

Usage examples:

He disinfected and dressed the cut on his forehead

verb

To clean by using chemicals to kill bacteria that cause disease

noun

A viral disease of some animals, especially dogs, causing fever, coughing, and catarrh.

Usage examples:

For example, parvovirus, distemper and rabies are diseases that can be vaccinated against.

verb

Paint with distemper.

Usage examples:

They distempered the walls a brilliant blue

noun

A type of paint that is mixed with water and glue, used especially in the past for painting walls

noun

The interruption of a settled and peaceful condition.

Usage examples:

A helicopter landing can cause disturbance to residents

noun

Something that interrupts you, esp. something loud or causing trouble

Usage examples:

You must take care of yourself and avoid upsetting disturbances., the disturbance became a typhoon …

noun

A shower of water.

Usage examples:

I felt better for taking a daily douche

verb

Spray or shower with water.

Usage examples:

She did not douche herself and the smell, at times, was off-putting

verb

To put a liquid, usually water, into the vagina in order to wash it or treat it medically

Usage examples:

A cold douche, you'd be a douche if you did that.

verb

Pour a liquid over; drench.

Usage examples:

He doused the car with petrol and set it on fire

verb

Wet thoroughly

verb

To throw water or another liquid on someone or something

Usage examples:

To get rid of weeds, i douse them with plain white vinegar., fig. the room was doused in light., ef…

verb

Operate and control the direction and speed of a motor vehicle.

Usage examples:

He got into his car and drove off

noun

(of a fact or feeling) compel (someone) to act in a particular way, especially one that is considered undesirable or inappropriate.

Usage examples:

He was driven by ambition

verb

To travel in a motor vehicle, esp. as the person who operates it

Usage examples:

[ t ] we drove 40 miles to visit my aunt., [ i ] she drove through pennsylvania to ohio., [ i ] she…

verb

To clean clothes with chemicals, not water

Usage examples:

There are about 150,000 dry-cleaning machines in the world.

noun

A natural or synthetic substance used to add a colour to or change the colour of something.

Usage examples:

Blonde hair dye

verb

Add a colour to or change the colour of (something) by soaking it in a solution impregnated with a dye.

Usage examples:

I dyed my hair blonde

phrasal verb

Gnaw into; make resentful or angry

phrasal verb

To use or take away a large part of something valuable, such as money or time

Usage examples:

The high cost of living in london is eating into my savings.

noun

A liquid for rubbing on the body to relieve pain from sprains and strains.

Usage examples:

A bottle of embrocation

noun

A liquid that is rubbed onto the body to reduce pain or stiffness in muscles

noun

A fine dispersion of minute droplets of one liquid in another in which it is not soluble or miscible.

Usage examples:

Oil beaten to an emulsion with a half tablespoonful of vinegar

verb

Paint with emulsion.

Usage examples:

If the lining paper is not opaque, the wall should also be emulsioned

noun

A mixture of liquids that do not normally stay mixed

verb

(of wind, water, or other natural agents) gradually wear away (soil, rock, or land).

Usage examples:

The cliffs on this coast have been eroded by the sea

verb

To weaken or damage something by taking away parts of it gradually, or to become weaker in this way

Usage examples:

[ t ] budget cuts could further erode the benefit package provided for by the contract.

verb

To slowly reduce or destroy something, or to be slowly reduced or destroyed

Usage examples:

Erode value/profits/margins sudden movements in exchange and interest rates can erode profit margin…

noun

A thin flexible strip of plastic or other material coated with light-sensitive emulsion for exposure in a camera, used to produce photographs or motion pictures.

Usage examples:

He had already shot a whole roll of film

verb

Capture on film as part of a series of moving images; make a film of (a story, event, or book).

Usage examples:

She glowered at the television crew who were filming them

verb

To make pictures of something in making a movie, or to make a movie

Usage examples:

[ t ] her last movie was filmed in spain., a roll of film, i didn’t get my film developed yet., a f…

verb

(of a person's skin, face, etc.) become red and hot, typically as the result of illness or strong emotion.

Usage examples:

Rachel flushed angrily

noun

A reddening of the face, skin, etc., typically caused by illness or strong emotion.

Usage examples:

A flush of embarrassment rose to her cheeks

adjective

Completely level or even with another surface.

Usage examples:

The gates are flush with the adjoining fencing

noun

An outstanding part of an event or period of time.

Usage examples:

He views that season as the highlight of his career

verb

Draw special attention to.

Usage examples:

The issues highlighted by the report

noun

The best, most important, or most interesting part

Usage examples:

The highlight of our trip to new york was going to the top of the empire state building., the repor…

collocation

Be the physical support of; carry the weight of

phrasal verb

Support and prevent something from falling.

Usage examples:

Concrete pillars hold up the elevated section of the railway

phrasal verb

Display something by holding it above one's waist or head.

Usage examples:

He held up the book so she could see the cover

noun

A frothy white mass of bubbles produced by soap, washing powder, etc. when mixed with water.

Usage examples:

She rinsed off the lather and dried her hands

verb

Form or cause to form a lather.

Usage examples:

Soap will not lather in hard water

noun

A mass of small white bubbles produced esp. when soap is mixed with water

Usage examples:

[ i ] i lathered and shaved quickly.

verb

Wash and iron (clothes or linen).

Usage examples:

He wasn't used to laundering his own bed linen

noun

A trough for holding or conveying water, especially (in mining) one used for washing ore.

verb

To clean clothes or other cloth items by washing them

Usage examples:

[ t ] the sweater should be laundered by hand or dry-cleaned.

verb

Wash.

Usage examples:

She ran cold water in the basin, laving her face and hands

noun

A sheet, quantity, or thickness of material, typically one of several, covering a surface or body.

Usage examples:

Arrange a layer of aubergines in a dish

verb

Arrange in a layer or layers.

Usage examples:

In an ovenproof dish layer the potato and courgette slices

noun

A thin sheet of a substance on top of a surface, or a level of material that is different from the material on either side

Usage examples:

We put on two layers of paint., the road was built up with layers of crushed stone and asphalt., he…

noun

An embrocation for rubbing on the body to relieve pain, especially one made with oil.

Usage examples:

One popular therapy at this time (which continues today in china) was the combination of anmo with …

noun

A liquid, usually containing alcohol, that is rubbed into the skin to reduce pain or stiffness in a joint (= place where two bones are connected)

noun

A substance that flows freely but is of constant volume, having a consistency like that of water or oil.

Usage examples:

Drink plenty of liquids

adjective

A consonant produced by allowing the airstream to flow over the sides of the tongue (typically l and r ).

noun

A substance that flows easily and is neither a gas nor a solid

Usage examples:

Liquid assets

noun

A thick, smooth liquid preparation designed to be applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.

Usage examples:

Itching can be relieved with calamine lotion or antihistamine tablets

noun

A liquid that is put on your skin in order to protect it, improve its condition, or make it smell pleasant

Usage examples:

[ u ] she applied some hand/suntan lotion and rubbed it in.

idiom

Be reasonable or logical or comprehensible

phrase

Be intelligible, justifiable, or practicable.

Usage examples:

It makes sense to start saving early for higher education

idiom

To be clear and easy to understand

Usage examples:

This last paragraph doesn’t make any sense., everything he said made sense – i'd definitely vote fo…

noun

An implement consisting of a bundle of thick loose strings or a sponge attached to a handle, used for wiping floors or other surfaces.

Usage examples:

One way of removing built up floor wax manually, is to mix detergent and ammonia with water and app…

verb

Clean or soak up liquid from (something) by wiping.

Usage examples:

She mopped the floor and cleaned out two cupboards

noun

An autumn fair or gathering at which farmhands and servants were hired.

Usage examples:

Combine these closures with the mop fair in the autumn and businesses are beginning to lose margins…

verb

Go in a specified direction or manner; change position.

Usage examples:

She moved to the door

noun

A change of place, position, or state.

Usage examples:

She made a sudden move towards me

verb

Change location

verb

Cover the surface of (something) with a coating.

Usage examples:

Their fingernails were overlaid with silver or gold

noun

Something laid as a covering over something else.

Usage examples:

A durable, cost-effective floor overlay

verb

Past of overlie.

noun

A coloured substance which is spread over a surface and dries to leave a thin decorative or protective coating.

Usage examples:

A tin of paint

verb

Cover the surface of (something) with paint.

Usage examples:

The ceiling was painted dark grey

noun

A colored liquid that is put on a surface to protect or decorate it

Usage examples:

[ c ] acrylic/oil paints, [ u ] we need some white paint for the kitchen., [ i ] she always loved t…

noun

A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.

Usage examples:

The path continues alongside the river for half a mile

combining form

Denoting a practitioner of curative treatment.

Usage examples:

Homeopath

noun

The action or process of preparing or being prepared for use or consideration.

Usage examples:

The preparation of a draft contract

noun

The state of being ready for something that will happen, or an action taken to become ready

Usage examples:

[ u ] the teacher said my preparation for the exam was inadequate., [ c ] by the next morning our p…

verb

Wash (something) with clean water to remove soap, detergent, dirt, or impurities.

Usage examples:

Always rinse your hair thoroughly

noun

An act of rinsing something.

Usage examples:

I gave my hands a quick rinse

verb

To use water to clean soap or dirt from something

Usage examples:

Rinse the silverware before drying it., [ m ] don’t forget to rinse the dishes off., [ m ] did you …

noun

An ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection.

Usage examples:

The wound should be washed with water and then a salve applied

verb

Soothe (wounded pride or one's conscience).

Usage examples:

Charity salves our conscience

verb

Archaic term for salvage.

Usage examples:

This gun was salved, having lain nearly 100 years below the sea

verb

Clean or brighten the surface of (something) by rubbing it hard, typically with an abrasive or detergent.

Usage examples:

She scoured the cooker

noun

The action of scouring or the state of being scoured, especially by swift-flowing water.

Usage examples:

The scour of the tide may cause lateral erosion

verb

Subject (a place, text, etc.) to a thorough search in order to locate something.

Usage examples:

David scoured each newspaper for an article on the murder

verb

Rub (someone or something) hard so as to clean them, typically with a brush and water.

Usage examples:

He had to scrub the floor

noun

An act of scrubbing something or someone.

Usage examples:

Give the floor a good scrub

noun

Vegetation consisting mainly of brushwood or stunted forest growth.

Usage examples:

A desert plain dotted with scrub

noun

Comparative darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight.

Usage examples:

Sitting in the shade

verb

Screen from direct light.

Usage examples:

She shaded her eyes against the sun

noun

Darkness and cooler temperatures caused by something blocking the direct light from the sun

Usage examples:

[ u ] the truck was parked in the shade., [ c ] the lamps had matching shades., he painted the room…

noun

A liquid preparation for washing the hair.

Usage examples:

He smelt clean, of soap and shampoo

verb

Wash or clean (something, especially the hair) with shampoo.

Usage examples:

Dolly was sitting in the bath shampooing her hair

noun

A liquid soap used for washing the hair, or the act of washing the hair with this liquid

Usage examples:

[ u ] a bottle of shampoo, [ c ] the dog needs a shampoo., [ c ] a rug shampoo, he took a shower an…

noun

A brief and usually light fall of rain, hail, sleet, or snow.

Usage examples:

A day of sunny spells and scattered showers

verb

(of a mass of small things) fall or be thrown in a shower.

Usage examples:

Bits of broken glass showered over me

noun

A brief rain, or a light fall of snow

Usage examples:

A snow shower, a shower of sparks, a shower of confetti, he stays in the shower until there is no m…

verb

Make or allow (something) to become thoroughly wet by immersing it in liquid.

Usage examples:

Soak the beans overnight in water

noun

An act of immersing someone or something in liquid for a period of time.

Usage examples:

I'm looking forward to a long soak in the bath

verb

Submerge in a liquid

noun

A primitive sedentary aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body that is typically supported by a framework of fibres or calcareous or glassy spicules. sponges draw in a current of water to extract nutrients and oxygen.

Usage examples:

Other images are just as mystifying the spine of a sea urchin, sharks' teeth, sponges and ascidians…

verb

Wipe or clean with a wet sponge or cloth.

Usage examples:

She sponged him down in an attempt to cool his fever

noun

Primitive multicellular marine animal whose porous body is supported by a fibrous skeletal framework; usually occurs in sessile colonies

noun

A scraping implement with a rubber-edged blade set on a handle, typically used for cleaning windows.

Usage examples:

If we have a two-story house for instance, the windows and side walls will call for a squeegee with…

verb

Clean or scrape with a squeegee.

Usage examples:

Squeegee the shower doors while the surfaces are still wet

noun

A tool with a rubber blade and a short handle that is used for removing water from a surface such as a window or mirror after it has been washed

Usage examples:

He carries a squeegee as he searches for drivers who want their vehicle windows cleaned., the ameri…

verb

Mark or discolour with something that is not easily removed.

Usage examples:

Her clothing was stained with blood

noun

A coloured patch or dirty mark that is difficult to remove.

Usage examples:

There were mud stains on my shoes

verb

To leave a mark on something that is difficult to remove, or to become colored or spoiled by a mark

Usage examples:

[ t ] strawberry juice stained my shirt., [ i ] this carpet is practical because it doesn’t stain e…

phrasal verb

Rise to one's feet

Usage examples:

The two men stood up and shook hands

phrasal verb

To prove to be true when closely examined

Usage examples:

The evidence is weak and will not stand up in court., good research will stand up under any critici…

phrasal verb

To be in an upright position on your feet; to get yourself into an upright position on your feet

Usage examples:

I've been standing up all day and i'm really tired., it was customary then for children to stand up…

noun

A thin piece of wood that has fallen or been cut off a tree.

Usage examples:

Hayes picked up a fallen stick and twirled it idly between his fingers.

verb

Push a sharp or pointed object into or through (something).

Usage examples:

He stuck his fork into the sausage

verb

A long thin implement resembling a length of wood

verb

Clean (an area) by brushing away dirt or litter.

Usage examples:

I've swept the floor

noun

An act of sweeping something with a brush.

Usage examples:

I was giving the floor a quick sweep

noun

A shade or variety of a colour.

Usage examples:

The sky was taking on an apricot tint

verb

Colour (something) slightly; tinge.

Usage examples:

Her skin was tinted with delicate colour

verb

To color something slightly

Usage examples:

Here, the ocean is gray with a blue tint.

noun

A mark or a series of signs or objects left behind by the passage of someone or something.

Usage examples:

A trail of blood on the grass

verb

Draw or be drawn along behind someone or something.

Usage examples:

Alex trailed a hand through the clear water

verb

Teach (a person or animal) a particular skill or type of behaviour through practice and instruction over a period of time.

Usage examples:

The scheme trains people for promotion

noun

A series of connected railway carriages or wagons moved by a locomotive or by integral motors.

Usage examples:

A freight train

verb

Educate for a future role or function

verb

Take or carry (people or goods) from one place to another by means of a vehicle, aircraft, or ship.

Usage examples:

The bulk of freight traffic was transported by lorry

noun

A system or means of conveying people or goods from place to place.

Usage examples:

Many possess their own forms of transport

verb

To take goods or people from one place to another

Usage examples:

The movers will transport thousands of pictures, charts, and recordings to the library., in many ci…

verb

Erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation).

Usage examples:

The flow of water had undermined pillars supporting the roof

verb

To gradually weaken or destroy someone or something

Usage examples:

The incompetence and arrogance of the city’s administration have undermined public confidence in go…

noun

Resin dissolved in a liquid for applying on wood, metal, or other materials to form a hard, clear, shiny surface when dry.

Usage examples:

Several coats of varnish

verb

Apply varnish to.

Usage examples:

We stripped the floor and varnished it

noun

A clear liquid that you can put on a wooden surface, to protect it and give it a shiny, attractive appearance after drying

Usage examples:

[ u ] the wood can be stained any color and then sealed with a coat of varnish.

verb

Emerge or cause to emerge from sleep; stop sleeping.

Usage examples:

She woke up feeling better

noun

A watch or vigil held beside the body of someone who has died, sometimes accompanied by ritual observances.

Usage examples:

He was attending a friend's wake

noun

A trail of disturbed water or air left by the passage of a ship or aircraft.

Usage examples:

The reason given for this crash was that the aircraft flew into the wake of another aircraft, and t…

verb

Clean or dry (something) by rubbing with a cloth, a piece of paper, or one's hand.

Usage examples:

Paul wiped his face with a handkerchief

noun

Erase data from (a computer system or electronic or magnetic storage device).

Usage examples:

I discovered all of my hard drives had been wiped

verb

To slide something over the surface of something else, in order to remove dirt, food, or liquid

Usage examples:

Please wipe your feet before you come into the house., she gently wiped and cleaned her scraped kne…