cei ‧ ling S3 W3 /ˈsiːlɪŋ/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Origin: ceil 'to provide with a ceiling' (16-20 centuries) , probably from Latin caelare 'to cut into a surface' ]
1 . the inner surface of the top part of a room ⇨ roof :
rooms with high ceilings
a light hanging from the ceiling
2 . the largest number or amount of something that is officially allowed
ceiling of
a public spending ceiling of £240 billion
impose/set/put a ceiling (on something)
The government imposed a ceiling on imports of foreign cars.
raise/lower the ceiling (on something)
3 . technical the greatest height an aircraft can fly at or the level of the clouds
⇨ ↑ glass ceiling
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THESAURUS
▪ limit the highest number, speed, temperature etc that is allowed by a law or rule:
He borrowed money up to the limit that the bank allowed.
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The speed limit is 65 m.p.h.
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There’s no limit on the amount of money that may be brought into the US.
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Pollution levels are over the official limit.
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Some families set limits on how much they spend on each other’s Christmas present.
▪ restrictions rules or laws that strictly control what you are allowed to do:
Travel restrictions might reduce the spread of the disease.
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Unions are pressing for restrictions on steel imports from Japan.
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Because of restrictions on reporting, newspapers were not allowed to cover the story.
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New restrictions have been imposed on immigration.
▪ limitations limits on what a person or thing is able to do – used especially when you would like to be able to do more:
The president was unwilling to accept limitations on his power.
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the limitations of the computer system
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Hikers should know their physical limitations and not take unnecessary risks.
▪ constraints facts or conditions that limit what you can do, for example not having enough time, money etc:
Financial constraints are forcing many people in their twenties to live with their parents.
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The last part of the show had to be cut because of time constraints.
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The constraints of prison life are sometimes too much for people to bear.
▪ maximum the largest number or amount that is possible, normal, or allowed:
Classes have a maximum of twenty students.
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What’s the maximum you can earn before you have to pay tax?
▪ minimum the smallest number or amount that is possible or allowed:
He was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison.
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Our aim is to reduce the number of accidents to an absolute minimum.
▪ ceiling the largest number or amount of something that is officially allowed:
There is a ceiling on the amount of foreign investment.
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Import quotas may rise from the present ceiling of 18.5 million to 20 million.
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Congress was once again considering raising the federal debt ceiling.