■ adjective ( ~er , ~est )
1》 of small width in comparison to length.
2》 limited in extent, amount, or scope.
3》 barely achieved: a ~ escape.
4》 Phonetics denoting a vowel pronounced with the root of the tongue drawn back so as to ~ the pharynx.
■ verb become or make ~er.
↘( ~ something down ) reduce the number of possibilities or options.
■ noun ( ~s ) a ~ channel connecting two larger areas of water.
Phrases
~ circumstances poverty.
a ~ squeak Brit. informal an escape or victory that is ~ly achieved.
Derivatives
~ish adjective
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
OE nearu , of Gmc origin.