noun , verb
■ noun
/ ˈrekɔːd; NAmE ˈrekərd/
WRITTEN ACCOUNT
1.
[ C ] record (of sth) a written account of sth that is kept so that it can be looked at and used in the future :
You should keep a record of your expenses.
medical / dental records
Last summer was the wettest on record .
It was the worst flood since records began .
MUSIC
2.
[ C ] a thin round piece of plastic on which music, etc. is recorded :
to play a record
a record collection
a record company (= one which produces and sells records)
HIGHEST / BEST
3.
[ C ] the best result or the highest or lowest level that has ever been reached, especially in sport :
She holds the world record for the 100 metres.
to break the record (= to achieve a better result than there has ever been before)
to set a new record
There was a record number of candidates for the post.
I got to work in record time .
record profits
Unemployment has reached a record high (= the highest level ever) .
OF SB / STH'S PAST
4.
[ sing. ] record (on sth) the facts that are known about sb/sth's past behaviour, character, achievements, etc. :
The report criticizes the government's record on housing.
The airline has a good safety record .
He has an impressive record of achievement.
—see also track record
OF CRIMES
5.
(also ˌcriminal ˈrecord ) [ C ] the fact of having committed crimes in the past :
Does he have a record?
•
IDIOMS
- (just) for the record
- off the record
- put / place sth on (the) record | be / go on (the) record (as saying ... )
- put / set the record straight
—more at matter noun
■ verb
/ rɪˈkɔːd; NAmE rɪˈkɔːrd/
KEEP ACCOUNT
1.
to keep a permanent account of facts or events by writing them down, filming them, storing them in a computer, etc. :
[ vn ]
Her childhood is recorded in the diaries of those years.
You should record all your expenses during your trip.
[ v wh- ]
His job is to record how politicians vote on major issues.
[also v that , vn that ]
MAKE COPY
2.
to make a copy of music, a film / movie, etc. by storing it on tape or a disc so that you can listen to or watch it again :
[ vn ]
Did you remember to record that programme for me?
a recorded concert
[ vn -ing ]
He recorded the class rehearsing before the performance.
[ v ]
Tell me when the tape starts recording.
MUSIC
3.
to perform music so that it can be copied onto and kept on tape :
[ vn ]
The band is back in the US recording their new album.
[also v ]
MAKE OFFICIAL STATEMENT
4.
to make an official or legal statement about sth :
[ vn ]
The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.
[also v that ]
OF MEASURING INSTRUMENT
5.
to show a particular measurement or amount :
[ vn ]
The thermometer recorded a temperature of 40°C.
[also v wh- ]
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French record remembrance, from recorder bring to remembrance, from Latin recordari remember, based on cor , cord- heart. The noun was earliest used in law to denote the fact of being written down as evidence. The verb originally meant narrate orally or in writing , also repeat so as to commit to memory .