/ ˈbɒdi; NAmE ˈbɑːdi/ noun
( pl. -ies )
OF PERSON / ANIMAL
1.
[ C ] the whole physical structure of a human or an animal :
a human / female / male / naked body
parts of the body
His whole body was trembling.
body fat / weight / temperature / size / heat
2.
[ C ] the main part of a body not including the head, or not including the head, arms and legs :
She had injuries to her head and body.
He has a large body, but thin legs.
3.
[ C ] the body of a dead person or animal :
a dead body
The family of the missing girl has been called in by the police to identify the body.
MAIN PART
4.
[ sing. ] the ~ of sth the main part of sth, especially a building, a vehicle or a book, an article, etc. :
the body of a plane (= the central part where the seats are)
the main body of the text
GROUP OF PEOPLE
5.
[ C +sing./pl. v . ] a group of people who work or act together, often for an official purpose, or who are connected in some other way :
a governing / a regulatory / an advisory / a review body
The governing body of the school is / are concerned about discipline.
recognized professional bodies such as the Law Association
An independent body has been set up to investigate the affair.
A large body of people will be affected by the tax cuts.
The protesters marched in a body (= all together) to the White House.
a meeting of representatives of the student body and teaching staff
LARGE AMOUNT
6.
[ C ] body of sth a large amount or collection of sth :
a vast body of evidence / information / research
large bodies of water (= lakes or seas)
There is a powerful body of opinion against the ruling.
OBJECT
7.
[ C ] ( formal ) an object :
heavenly bodies (= stars, planets, etc.)
an operation to remove a foreign body (= sth that would not usually be there) from a wound
OF DRINK / HAIR
8.
[ U ] the full strong flavour of alcoholic drinks or the thick healthy quality of sb's hair :
a wine with plenty of body
Regular use of conditioner is supposed to give your hair more body.
-BODIED
9.
(in adjectives) having the type of body mentioned :
full-bodied red wines
soft-bodied insects
—see also able-bodied
CLOTHING
10.
[ C ] ( BrE ) ( NAmE body·suit ) a piece of clothing which fits tightly over a woman's upper body and bottom, usually fastening between the legs
•
IDIOMS
- body and soul
- keep body and soul together
—more at bone noun , dead adjective , sell verb
••
VOCABULARY BUILDING
actions expressing emotions
Often parts of the body are closely linked to particular verbs. The combination of the verb and part of the body expresses an emotion or attitude.
| action | part of body | you are... |
| bite | lips | nervous |
| clench | fist | angry, aggressive |
| click | fingers | trying to remember sth |
| click | tongue | annoyed |
| drum / tap | fingers | impatient |
| hang | head | ashamed |
| lick | lips | anticipating sth good, nervous |
| nod | head | agreeing |
| purse | lips | disapproving |
| raise | eyebrows | inquiring, surprised |
| scratch | head | puzzled |
| shake | head | disagreeing |
| shrug | shoulders | doubtful, indifferent |
| stamp | foot | angry |
| wrinkle | nose | feeling dislike or distaste |
| wrinkle | forehead | puzzled |
For example:
She bit her lip nervously.
•
He scratched his head and looked thoughtful.
•
I wrinkled my nose in disgust.
•
She raised questioning eyebrows.
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English bodig , of unknown origin.