(~es)
1.
You use ~ to show that one number or quantity is being subtracted from another.
One ~ one is zero...
They’ve been promised their full July salary ~ the hardship payment.
= less
? plus
CONJ
2.
Minus before a number or quantity means that the number or quantity is less than zero.
The aircraft was subjected to temperatures of ~ 65 degrees and plus 120 degrees.
ADJ: ADJ amount
3.
Teachers use ~ in grading work in schools and colleges. ‘B ~’ is not as good as ‘B’, but is a better grade than ‘C’.
I’m giving him a B ~.
? plus
4.
To be ~ something means not to have that thing.
The film company collapsed, leaving Chris jobless and ~ his life savings.
= without
PREP
5.
A ~ is a disadvantage. (INFORMAL)
The ~es far outweigh that possible gain...
= drawback
? plus
N-COUNT
6.
You use plus or ~ to give the amount by which a particular number may vary.
The poll has a margin of error of plus or ~ 5 per cent.
PHRASE: PHR amount