■ noun
1》 a piece of furniture incorporating a mattress or other surface for sleeping or resting on.
↘a place for a patient in a hospital.
↘ informal used with reference to a ~ as a place for sexual activity.
2》 an area of ground where flowers and plants are grown.
3》 a flat base or foundation on which something rests or is supported.
↘ chiefly N. Amer. the open part of a truck or cart, where goods are carried.
4》 a stratum or layer of rock.
5》 the bottom of the sea or a lake or river.
↘a place on the sea~ where shellfish breed or are bred.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ding , ~ded )
1》 provide with sleeping accommodation.
↘( ~ down ) settle down for the night in an improvised place.
2》 informal have sex with.
3》 ( ~ something out ) transfer a plant from a pot or seed tray to the ground.
4》 fix firmly; em~.
↘lay or arrange in a layer.
Phrases
~ and board lodging and food.
~ of nails a board with nails pointing out of it, as lain on by fakirs and ascetics.
a ~ of roses [usu. with negative ] a situation or activity that is comfortable or easy.
be brought to ~ archaic (of a woman) give birth to a child.
get out of ~ on the wrong side start the day in a bad mood, which continues all day long.
put something to ~ informal make a newspaper ready for press.
Derivatives
~ded adjective
Origin
OE ~ , ~d (n.), ~dian (v.), of Gmc origin.