ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: in (IV) + take (after take in, v.)
1. dialect chiefly Britain : a portion of land taken in or enclosed from a moor, common, or road : enclosure : hillside pasture or land reclaimed (as from the sea)
2.
a. : an opening through which air, water, steam, or other fluid enters an enclosure
the fuel-mixture intake of an engine cylinder
the intake of an aqueduct
— see jet engine illustration
b. : a main passageway for air in a coal mine
3.
a. : the act, process, or an instance of taking in
intake … of various life-sustaining material — H.A.Overstreet
stop the intake of new clerks — Christopher Strachey
an intake of breath
after the first quick intake of surprise — Ethel Wilson
the rate of intake is an important index — W.F.Mackey
specifically : initial procedures (as interviews) conducted by a social worker, juvenile-court officer, or clinician in considering a client for treatment or service
the role of the intake worker
an intake official
b.
(1) : the amount taken in
an adequate intake of food
strictly limited my intake during the day — Sydney (Australia) Bulletin
(2) : energy taken in : input
(3) : the persons taken into a group or organization
half the total intake were the sons of plebeians — J.W.Saunders
(4) chiefly Britain : a person taken into a military service : recruit
just arrived with a new intake — Derek Stanford
4. Scotland
a. : swindle
b. : swindler