~ 1
■ noun ( plural same or ~s )
1》 a waterbird with a broad, blunt bill, short legs, and webbed feet, some kinds of which are domesticated. [Family Anatidae: many species.]
↘a female ~. Contrasted with drake .
2》 a pure white thin-shelled bivalve mollusc found off the Atlantic coasts of America. [Genus Anatina .]
Phrases
get (or have ) one's ~s in a row N. Amer. informal get (or have) everything organized.
like water off a ~'s back referring to a hurtful remark which has no effect.
take to something like a ~ to water take to something very readily.
Origin
OE duce , from the Gmc base of ~ 2 (expressing the notion of 'diving bird').
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~ 2
■ verb
1》 lower the head or body quickly to avoid a blow or missile or so as not to be seen.
2》 informal evade (an unwelcome duty).
3》 push (someone) under water.
4》 Bridge refrain from playing a winning card on a particular trick for tactical reasons.
■ noun a quick lowering of the head.
Phrases
~ and dive Brit. use one's ingenuity to deal with or evade a situation.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
ME: of Gmc origin; related to ~ 1 .
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~ 3
■ noun Cricket a batsman's score of nought.
Phrases
break one's ~ Cricket score the first run of one's innings.
Origin
C19: short for ~'s egg , used for the figure 0.
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~ 4
(also ~s )
■ noun Brit. informal dear (used as an affectionate form of address).
Origin
C16: from ~ 1 .
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~ 5
■ noun a strong linen or cotton fabric, used chiefly for work clothes and sails.
↘( ~s ) trousers made from ~.
Origin
C17: from MDu. doek 'linen'.