■ noun
1》 a set or category of things having a property or feature in common and differentiated from others by kind or quality.
↘ Biology a principal taxonomic grouping that ranks above order and below phylum or division, such as Mammalia.
↘ Brit. a division of candidates according to merit in a university examination.
2》 a system that divides members of a society into sets based on perceived social or economic status.
↘a social division based on economic or social status.
3》 a group of students or pupils who are taught together.
↘a lesson.
↘ chiefly N. Amer. all of the college or school students graduating in a particular year.
4》 informal impressive stylishness in appearance or behaviour.
■ verb assign or regard as belonging to a particular category.
■ adjective informal stylish or excellent: he's a ~ player.
Phrases
~ A (or B or C ) drug Brit. an illegal narcotic drug ~ified as being of the most harmful and addictive (or a less harmful and addictive) kind.
~ act informal a person or thing displaying impressive and stylish excellence.
Origin
C16: from L. ~is 'a division of the Roman people, a grade, or a ~ of pupils'.