figurative use en
121dustbin — is the normal word in BrE for a rubbish bin, although the shorter form bin is widely used informally (and wheelie bins, tall bins on wheels, have been in use since the 1980s: the term is Australian in origin). Dustman has largely been replaced by …
122fragile — fragile, frail 1. Fragile is pronounced fraj iyl in BrE and fraj ǝl in AmE. 2. Fragile is normally used of things being easily broken, whereas frail is normally used of people being infirm or in poor physical condition: • The lectern at the… …
123frail — fragile, frail 1. Fragile is pronounced fraj iyl in BrE and fraj ǝl in AmE. 2. Fragile is normally used of things being easily broken, whereas frail is normally used of people being infirm or in poor physical condition: • The lectern at the… …
124iron curtain — The phrase had its origin in the 18c with reference to a safety device lowered in theatres between the stage and the auditorium. Its figurative use referring to any impenetrable barrier evolved in the early 19c and it acquired its classic meaning …
125ANOINTING — ANOINTING. The anointing of persons and objects with oil was widespread in ancient Israel and its environment for both practical and symbolical reasons. Its most practical usage was cosmetic, and for medicinal purposes (see cosmetics ). Aside… …
126Contagious — Con*ta gious, a. [L. contagiosus: cf. F. contagieux.] 1. (Med.) Communicable by contact, by a virus, or by a bodily exhalation; catching; as, a contagious disease. [1913 Webster] 2. Conveying or generating disease; pestilential; poisonous; as,… …
127tear — I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tæhher, tēar; akin to Old High German zahar tear, Greek dakry Date: before 12th century 1. a. a drop of clear saline fluid secreted by the lacrimal gland and diffused between the eye and eyelids …
128Adamant — Adamantand similar words are used to refer to any especially hard substance, whether composed of diamond, some other gemstone, or some type of metal. Both adamant and diamond derive from the Greek word αδαμας ( adamas ), meaning untameable .… …
