(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
A ~ is a room in a hospital which has beds for many people, often people who need similar treatment.
A toddler was admitted to the emergency ~ with a wound in his chest.
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2.
A ~ is a district which forms part of a political constituency or local council.
...the marginal ~s of Reading Kentwood and Tilehurst West.
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3.
A ~ or a ~ of court is a child who is the responsibility of a person called a guardian, or of a court of law, because their parents are dead or because they are believed to be in need of protection.
Alex was made a ~ of court.
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