■ noun
1》 the number of points, goals, runs, etc. achieved in a game or by an individual.
↘a mark or grade.
2》 ( the ~ ) informal the state of affairs; the real facts.
3》 ( plural same) a group or set of twenty.
↘a large amount or number: he sent ~s of letters to friends.
4》 a written representation of a musical composition showing all the vocal and instrumental parts.
5》 a notch or line cut or scratched into a surface.
↘ historical a running account kept by marks against a customer's name, typically in a public house.
6》 informal an act of buying illegal drugs.
↘the proceeds of a crime.
■ verb
1》 gain (a point, goal, run, etc.) in a competitive game.
↘be worth (a number of points).
↘record the ~ during a game.
↘ Baseball cause (a teammate) to ~.
2》 orchestrate or arrange (a piece of music).
↘compose the music for (a film or play).
3》 cut or scratch a mark or notch on (a surface).
↘( ~ something out/through ) delete text by drawing a line through it.
4》 informal secure (a success or an advantage).
↘be successful.
↘succeed in obtaining (illegal drugs).
↘succeed in attracting a sexual partner.
5》 ( ~ off or ~ points off ) Brit. informal outdo or humiliate, especially in an argument.
Phrases
know the ~ informal be aware of the essential facts.
on the ~ of Brit. because of.
on that (or this ) ~ so far as that (or this) is concerned.
settle (or pay ) a (or the) ~
1》 take revenge on someone.
2》 dated pay off a debt or other obligation.
Derivatives
~less adjective
~r noun
Origin
OE scoru 'set of twenty', from ON skor 'notch, tally, twenty', of Gmc origin; related to shear ; the verb is from ON skora 'make an incision'.