n. Ship in which noah escaped the flood with his family and animals. [old english from latin arca]
- of the covenant n. Chest or cupboard containing the tables of jewish law.
ARM
n. - upper limb of the human body from shoulder to hand.
- forelimb or tentacle of an animal.
- a sleeve of a garment. B arm support of a chair etc. C thing branching from a main stem (an arm of the sea). D control, means of reaching (arm of the law). arm in arm with arms linked. At arm's length at a distance. With open arms cordially. armful n. (pl. -s). [old english]
- —n. - (usu. In pl.) Weapon.
- (in pl.) Military profession.
- branch of the military (e.g. Infantry, cavalry).
- (in pl.) Heraldic devices (coat of arms). —v. - supply, or equip oneself, with weapons etc., esp. In preparation for war.
- make (a bomb etc.) Ready. take up arms go to war. Under arms equipped for war. Up in arms (usu. Foll. By against, about) actively resisting, highly indignant. [latin arma arms]
ART
deco n. Decorative art style of 1910–30, with geometric motifs and strong colours.
- n. - a human creative skill or its application. B work showing this.
- a (in pl.; prec. By the) branches of creative activity concerned with the production of imaginative designs, sounds, or ideas, e.g. Painting, music, writing. B any one of these.
- creative activity resulting in visual representation (good at music but not art).
- human skill as opposed to nature (art and nature combined).
- (often foll. By of) a skill, knack. B cunning; trick, stratagem.
- (in pl.; usu. Prec. By the) supposedly creative subjects (esp. Languages, literature, and history) as opposed to scientific, technical, or vocational subjects. [latin ars art-]
- nouveau n. Art style of the late 19th century, with flowing lines.
ARY
suffix forming adjectives (contrary; primary). [french -aire, latin -ari(u)s]
ASH
n. - (often in pl.) Powdery residue left after burning.
- (pl.) Human remains after cremation.
- (the ashes) cricket trophy competed for by australia and england. [old english]
- n. - tree with silver-grey bark.
- its hard, pale wood. [old english]
ASK
v. - call for an answer to or about (ask her about it; ask him his name).
- seek to obtain from someone (ask a favour of).
- (usu. Foll. By out, in, or over, or to (a function etc.)) Invite (must ask them over; asked her to dinner).
- (foll. By for) seek to obtain, meet, or be directed to (ask for help; asking for you; ask for the bar). ask after inquire about (esp. A person). Ask for it slang invite trouble. [old english]
ASP
n. Small venomous snake of north africa or southern europe. [greek aspis]
ASS
n. (brit. Arse) coarse slang buttocks. [old english]
- n. - a four-legged long-eared mammal related to the horse. B donkey.
