WR -abbr
- warehouse receipt
- world record
wrack ['rak] -n
- a wrecked ship
- wreckage
- wreck
- the violent destruction of a structure, machine, or vehicle
- marine vegetation
- kelp
- dried seaweeds
- ruin, destruction
- a remnant of something destroyed
- to utterly ruin : wreck
- rack
- rack
- rack
wrack·ful ['rak-fəl] -adj
- destructive
wraith ['rāth] -n, adj
- the exact likeness of a living person seen usu. just before death as an apparition
- ghost, specter
- an insubstantial form or semblance : shadow
- a barely visible gaseous or vaporous column
wran·gle ['raŋ-gəl] -vb
- to dispute angrily or peevishly : bicker
- to engage in argument or controversy
- to obtain by persistent arguing or maneuvering : wangle
- to herd and care for (livestock and esp. horses) on the range
wrangle -n
- an angry, noisy, or prolonged dispute or quarrel
- the action or process of wrangling
wran·gler [-g(ə-)lər] -n
- a bickering disputant
- a ranch hand who takes care of the saddle horses
- cowboy
wrap ['rap] -vb
- to cover esp. by winding or folding
- to envelop and secure for transportation or storage : bundle
- enfold, embrace
- to coil, fold, draw, or twine (as string or cloth) around something
- surround, envelop
- to suffuse or surround with an aura or state
- the affair was wrapped in scandal
- to involve completely : engross usu. used with up
- to conceal or obscure as if by enveloping
- to enclose as if with a protective covering
- to finish filming or recording
- to wind, coil, or twine so as to encircle or cover something
- to put on clothing : dress usu. used with up
- to be subject to covering, enclosing, or packaging usu. used with up
- to come to completion in filming or recording
- wrapper, wrapping
- material used for wrapping
- an article of clothing that may be wrapped around a person
- an outer garment (as a coat or shawl)
- blanket
- a treatment for the care of the skin in which material (as hot wet cloth or seaweed) is wrapped around the entire body
- this material
- a single turn or convolution of something wound around an object
- restraint
- a shroud of secrecy
- the completion of a schedule or session for filming or recording
- a thin flat piece of bread that is rolled around a filling (as of meat, fish, or vegetables)
- wraparound
wrap·around ['rap-ə-,rau̇nd] -adj
- made to be wrapped around something and esp. the body
- shaped to follow a contour
- made to curve from the front around to the side
- extending laterally to the outermost limits of the field of vision
- a wraparound movie screen
wraparound -n
- a garment (as a dress) made with a full-length opening and adjusted to the figure by wrapping around
- an object that encircles or esp. curves and laps over another
wrap·per ['ra-pər] -n
- : that in which something is wrapped: as
- a tobacco leaf used for the outside covering esp. of cigars
- jacket
- the paper cover of a book not bound in boards
- a paper wrapped around a newspaper or magazine in the mail
- one that wraps
- an article of clothing worn wrapped around the body
wrapping -n
- something used to wrap an object : wrapper
wrapup ['rap-,əp] -n
- a summarizing report
- a concluding part : finale
wrap up -vt
- summarize, sum up
- to bring to a usu. successful conclusion
- cinch, sew up
- has the nomination wrapped up
wrasse ['ras] -n
- any of a large family (Labridae) of elongate usu. brilliantly colored marine bony fishes that usu. bury themselves in sand at night and include important food fishes as well as a number of popular aquarium fishes
wrath ['rath, chiefly Brit 'rȯth] -n
- strong vengeful anger or indignation
- retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement
- wrathful
wrath·ful [-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- filled with wrath : irate
- arising from, marked by, or indicative of wrath
wrathy ['ra-thē, chiefly Brit 'rȯ-] -adj
- wrathful
wreak ['rēk also 'rek] -vt
- avenge
- to cause the infliction of (vengeance or punishment)
- to give free play or course to (malevolent feeling)
- bring about, cause
wreath ['rēth] -n
- : something intertwined or arranged in a circular shape: as
- a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory : garland
- a decorative arrangement of foliage or flowers on a circular base
- something having a circular or coiling form
wreathe ['rēth] -vb
- to shape into a wreath
- interweave
- to cause to coil about something
- to twist or contort so as to show folds or creases
- to encircle or adorn with or as if with a wreath
- to twist in coils : writhe
- to take on the shape of a wreath
- to move or extend in circles or spirals
wreathy ['rē-thē, -thē] -adj
- having the form of a wreath
- constituting a wreath
wreck ['rek] -n
- something cast up on the land by the sea esp. after a shipwreck
- shipwreck
- the action of wrecking or fact or state of being wrecked : destruction
- a violent and destructive crash
- was injured in a car wreck
- a hulk or the ruins of a wrecked ship
- the broken remains of something wrecked or otherwise ruined
- something disabled or in a state of ruin or dilapidation
- a person or animal of broken constitution, health, or spirits
- to cast ashore
- to reduce to a ruinous state by or as if by violence
- a country wreck ed by war
- ambition wreck ed his marriage
- shipwreck
- to ruin, damage, or imperil by a wreck
- bring about, wreak
- to become wrecked
- to rob, salvage, or repair wreckage or a wreck
wreck·age ['re-kij] -n
- the act of wrecking : the state of being wrecked
- something that has been wrecked
- broken and disordered parts or material from something wrecked
wreck·er ['re-kər] -n
- one that searches for or works on the wrecks of ships (as for rescue or for plunder)
- tow truck
- one that wrecks
- one whose work is the demolition of buildings
wrecking ball -n
- a heavy iron or steel ball swung or dropped by a derrick to demolish old buildings called also wrecker's ball
wrecking bar -n
- a small crowbar with a claw for pulling nails at one end and a slight bend for prying at the other end
wren ['ren] -n
- any of a family (Troglodytidae) of small typically brownish oscine singing birds
- a very small widely distributed bird ( Troglodytes troglodytes) that has a short erect tail and is noted for its song
- any of various small singing birds resembling the true wrens in size and habits
wrench ['rench] -vb, adv
- to move with a violent twist
- to undergo twisting
- to pull or strain at something with violent twisting
- to twist violently
- to injure or disable by a violent twisting or straining
- change
- distort, pervert
- to pull or tighten by violent twisting or with violence
- to snatch forcibly : wrest
- to cause to suffer mental anguish : rack
- a violent twisting or a pull with or as if with twisting
- a sharp twist or sudden jerk straining muscles or ligaments
- the resultant injury (as of a joint)
- a distorting or perverting alteration
- acute emotional distress : sudden violent mental change
- a hand or power tool for holding, twisting, or turning an object (as a bolt or nut)
- monkey wrench
wrest ['rest] -vt
- to pull, force, or move by violent wringing or twisting movements
- to gain with difficulty by or as if by force, violence, or determined labor
- the action of wresting : wrench
- a key or wrench used for turning pins in a stringed instrument (as a piano)
wres·tle ['re-səl, 'ra-] -vb, n
- to contend by grappling with and striving to trip or throw an opponent down or off balance
- to combat an opposing tendency or force
- wrestling with his conscience
- to engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate
- to engage in or as if in a violent or determined struggle
- wrestling with cumbersome luggage
- to engage in (a match, bout, or fall) in wrestling
- to wrestle with
- to move, maneuver, or force with difficulty
wrestle -n
- the action or an instance of wrestling : struggle
- a wrestling bout
wres·tling ['res-liŋ, 'ras-; 're-sᵊl-iŋ, 'ra-] -n
- a sport or contest in which two unarmed individuals struggle hand to hand with each attempting to subdue or unbalance the other
wretch ['rech] -n
- a miserable person : one who is profoundly unhappy or in great misfortune
- a base, despicable, or vile person
wretch·ed ['re-chəd] -adj, adv, n
- deeply afflicted, dejected, or distressed in body or mind
- extremely or deplorably bad or distressing
- being or appearing mean, miserable, or contemptible
- dressed in wretched old clothes
- very poor in quality or ability : inferior
wrig·gle ['ri-gəl] -vb, adj
- to move the body or a bodily part to and fro with short writhing motions like a worm : squirm
- to move or advance by twisting and turning
- to extricate or insinuate oneself or reach a goal as if by wriggling
- to cause to move in short quick contortions
- to introduce, insinuate, or bring into a state or place by or as if by wriggling
wriggle -n
- a short or quick writhing motion or contortion
- a formation or marking of sinuous design
wrig·gler ['ri-g(ə-)lər] -n
- one that wriggles
- wiggler
wright ['rīt] -n
- a worker skilled in the manufacture esp. of wooden objects usu. used in combination
wring ['riŋ] -vb, n
- to squeeze or twist esp. so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid
- to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing
- wring a confession from the suspect
- to twist so as to strain or sprain into a distorted shape
- to twist together (clasped hands) as a sign of anguish
- to affect painfully as if by wringing : torment
- a tragedy that wring s the heart
- squirm, writhe
wring·er ['riŋ-ər] -n
- : one that wrings: as
- a machine or device for pressing out liquid or moisture
- something that causes pain, hardship, or exertion
- his illness put them through the wringer
wrin·kle ['riŋ-kəl] -n, adj
- a small ridge or furrow esp. when formed on a surface by the shrinking or contraction of a smooth substance : crease
- one in the skin esp. when due to age, worry, or fatigue
- method, technique
- a change in a customary procedure or method
- something new or different : innovation
- imperfection, irregularity
wrinkle [-k(ə-)liŋ] -vb
- to become marked with or contracted into wrinkles
- to contract into wrinkles : pucker
wrist ['rist] -n
- the joint or the region of the joint between the human hand and the arm or a corresponding part on a lower animal
- the part of a garment or glove covering the wrist
wrist·band ['ris(t)-,band] -n
- the part of a sleeve covering the wrist
- a band encircling the wrist
wrist·let ['ris(t)-lət] -n
- a band encircling the wrist
- a close-fitting knitted band attached to the top of a glove or the end of a sleeve
wrist·lock ['rist-,läk] -n
- a wrestling hold in which one contestant is thrown or made helpless by a twisting grip on the wrist
wrist pin -n
- a stud or pin that forms a journal (as in a crosshead) for a connecting rod
wrist shot -n
- a quick usu. short-range shot in ice hockey made while the puck is against the blade of the stick by snapping the blade quickly forward
wrist·watch ['rist-,wäch] -n
- a small watch that is attached to a bracelet or strap and is worn around the wrist
wrist wrestling -n
- a form of arm wrestling in which opponents interlock thumbs instead of gripping hands
wristy ['ris-tē] -adj
- involving or using a lot of wrist movement (as in stroking a ball)
writ ['rit] -n
- something written : writing
- a formal written document
- a legal instrument in epistolary form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch
- an order or mandatory process in writing issued in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein
- the power and authority of the issuer of such a written order usu. used with run
- outside the United States where...our writ does not run -- Dean Acheson
writ·able ['rī-tə-bəl] -adj
- capable of being put in writing
- being an electronic storage medium capable of having new data written on it
write ['rīt] -vb
- to form (as characters or symbols) on a surface with an instrument (as a pen)
- to form (as words) by inscribing the characters or symbols of on a surface
- to spell in writing
- words written alike but pronounced differently
- to cover, fill, or fill in by writing
- : to set down in writing: as
- draw up, draft
- to be the author of : compose
- to compose in musical form
- to express in literary form
- if I could write the beauty of your eyes -- Shak.
- to communicate by letter
- write s that they are coming
- to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing
- to write contracts or orders for
- underwrite
- to make a permanent impression of
- to communicate with in writing
- we'll write you when we get there
- ordain, fate
- so be it, it is written -- D. C. Peattie
- to make evident or obvious
- guilt written on his face
- to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing
- write oneself into fame and fortune -- Charles Lee
- to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)
- to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer
- to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device
- sell
- to make significant characters or inscriptions
- to permit or be adapted to writing
- to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences
- to compose, communicate by, or send a letter
- to produce a written work
- to compose music
writedown ['rīt-,dau̇n] -n
- a deliberate reduction in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of obsolescence)
write down -vt
- to record in written form
- to depreciate, disparage, or injure by writing
- to reduce in status, rank, or value
- to reduce the book value of
- to write so as to appeal to a lower level of taste, comprehension, or intelligence
writein ['rīt-,in] -n
- a vote cast by writing in the name of a candidate
- a candidate whose name is written in
write in -vt
- to insert in a document or text
- to insert (a name not listed on a ballot or voting machine) in an appropriate space
- to cast (a vote) in this manner
writeoff ['rīt-,ȯf] -n
- an elimination of an item from the books of account
- a reduction in book value of an item (as by way of depreciation)
- a tax deduction of an amount of depreciation, expense, or loss
- something (as a damaged vehicle) or someone regarded or conceded as a loss
write off -vt
- to eliminate (an asset) from the books : enter as a loss or expense
- to regard or concede to be lost
- most were content to write off 1979 and look optimistically ahead -- Money
- dismiss
- was written off as an expatriate highbrow -- Brendan Gill
write out -vt
- to write esp. in a full and complete form
writ·er ['rī-tər] -n
- : one that writes: as
- author
- one who writes stock options
writ·er·ly ['rī-tər-lē] -adj
- of, relating to, or typical of a writer
writer's block -n
- a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece
writer's cramp -n
- a painful spasmodic contraction of muscles of the hand or fingers brought on by excessive writing
writeup ['rīt-,əp] -n
- a written account
- a flattering article
- a deliberate increase in the book value of an asset (as to reflect the effect of inflation)
write up -vt
- to make a write-up of
- to report (a person) esp. for some violation of law or rules
writhe ['rīth] -vb, n
- to twist into coils or folds
- to twist so as to distort : wrench
- to twist (the body or a bodily part) in pain
- intertwine
- to move or proceed with twists and turns
- to twist from or as if from pain or struggling
- to suffer keenly
writh·en ['ri-thən] -adj
- being twisted or contorted
writing -n
- : the act or process of one who writes: as
- the act or art of forming visible letters or characters
- handwriting
- the act or practice of literary or musical composition
- : something written: as
- letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words, or symbols
- a letter, note, or notice used to communicate or record
- a written composition
- inscription
- a style or form of composition
- the occupation of a writer
- the profession of authorship
writing desk -n
- a desk that often has a sloping top for writing on
- a portable case that contains writing materials and has a surface for writing
writing paper -n
- paper that is usu. finished with a smooth surface and sized and that can be written on with ink
Writ·ings ['rī-tiŋz] -n pl
- the third part of the Jewish scriptures
writ of assistance
- a writ issued to a law officer (as a sheriff or marshal) for the enforcement of a court order or decree
- one used to enforce an order for the possession of lands
- a writ used esp. in colonial America authorizing a law officer to search in unspecified locations for unspecified illegal goods
writ of certiorari
- certiorari
writ of error
- a common law writ directing an inferior court to remit the record of a legal action to the reviewing court in order that an error of law may be corrected if it exists
writ of extent
- a writ formerly used to recover debts of record to the British crown and under which the lands, goods, and person of the debtor might all be seized to secure payment
writ of habeas corpus
- habeas corpus
writ of mandamus
- mandamus
writ of prohibition
- a writ issued by a superior court to prevent an inferior court from acting beyond its jurisdiction
writ of right
- a common law writ for restoring to its owner property held by another
- a writ granted as a matter of right
writ of summons
- a writ issued on behalf of the British monarch summoning a lord spiritual or a lord temporal to attend parliament
wrnt -abbr
- warrant
wrong ['rȯŋ] -n
- an injurious, unfair, or unjust act : action or conduct inflicting harm without due provocation or just cause
- a violation or invasion of the legal rights of another
- tort
- something wrong, immoral, or unethical
- principles, practices, or conduct contrary to justice, goodness, equity, or law
- : the state, position, or fact of being or doing wrong: as
- the state of being mistaken or incorrect
- the state of being guilty
- not according to the moral standard : sinful, immoral
- thought that war was wrong
- not right or proper according to a code, standard, or convention : improper
- it was wrong not to thank your host
- not according to truth or facts : incorrect
- not satisfactory (as in condition, results, health, or temper)
- not in accordance with one's needs, intent, or expectations
- of, relating to, or constituting the side of something that is usu. held to be opposite to the principal one, that is the one naturally or by design turned down, inward, or away, or that is the least finished or polished
- without accuracy : incorrectly
- without regard for what is proper or just
- was reprimanded for what he had done wrong
- in a wrong direction
- turned wrong at the junction
- in an unsuccessful or unfortunate way
- out of working order or condition
- in a false light
- to do wrong to : injure, harm
- to treat disrespectfully or dishonorably : violate
- defraud usu. used with of
- wrong ed them of their land
- discredit, malign
wrong·do·er ['rȯŋ-,dü-ər] -n
- one that does wrong
- one who transgresses moral laws
wrong·do·ing [-,dü-iŋ] -n
- evil or improper behavior or action
- cleared of any wrongdoing
- an instance of doing wrong
wronged -adj
- being injured unjustly : suffering a wrong
wrongfoot ['rȯŋ-,fu̇t] -vt
- to cause (as an opponent in soccer or tennis) to lean into or step with the wrong foot
- to disrupt the equilibrium of
- a speed and flexibility that repeatedly wrongfoot ed his enemies -- Anthony Lloyd
wrong·ful ['rȯŋ-fəl] -adj, adv, n
- wrong, unjust
- having no legal sanction : unlawful
- having no legal claim
wrongful birth -n
- a malpractice claim brought by the parents of a child born with a birth defect against a physician or health-care provider whose alleged negligence (as in diagnosis) effectively deprived the parents of the opportunity to make an informed decision whether to avoid or terminate the pregnancy
- the birth or injury at issue in such a claim
wrongful death -n
- a death caused by the negligent, willful, or wrongful act, neglect, omission, or default of another
wrong·head·ed ['rȯŋ-'he-dəd] -adj, adv, n
- stubborn in adherence to wrong opinion or principles
- wrongheaded in his opinions
- marked by perversity : contrary to sound judgment
wrote ['rīt] -vb
(variant of write)
- to form (as characters or symbols) on a surface with an instrument (as a pen)
- to form (as words) by inscribing the characters or symbols of on a surface
- to spell in writing
- words written alike but pronounced differently
- to cover, fill, or fill in by writing
- : to set down in writing: as
- draw up, draft
- to be the author of : compose
- to compose in musical form
- to express in literary form
- if I could write the beauty of your eyes -- Shak.
- to communicate by letter
- write s that they are coming
- to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing
- to write contracts or orders for
- underwrite
- to make a permanent impression of
- to communicate with in writing
- we'll write you when we get there
- ordain, fate
- so be it, it is written -- D. C. Peattie
- to make evident or obvious
- guilt written on his face
- to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing
- write oneself into fame and fortune -- Charles Lee
- to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)
- to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer
- to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device
- sell
- to make significant characters or inscriptions
- to permit or be adapted to writing
- to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences
- to compose, communicate by, or send a letter
- to produce a written work
- to compose music
wroth ['rȯth also 'rōth] -adj
- intensely angry : highly incensed : wrathful
wrought ['wərk] -n
(variant of work)
- : activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something:
- sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result
- the labor, task, or duty that is one's accustomed means of livelihood
- a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity
- energy expended by natural phenomena
- the result of such energy
- sand dunes are the work of sea and wind
- the transference of energy that is produced by the motion of the point of application of a force and is measured by multiplying the force and the displacement of its point of application in the line of action
- something that results from a particular manner or method of working, operating, or devising
- something that results from the use or fashioning of a particular material
- a fortified structure (as a fort, earthen barricade, or trench)
- structures in engineering (as docks, bridges, or embankments) or mining (as shafts or tunnels)
- a place where industrial labor is carried on : plant, factory
- the working or moving parts of a mechanism
- something produced or accomplished by effort, exertion, or exercise of skill
- this book is the work of many hands
- something produced by the exercise of creative talent or expenditure of creative effort : artistic production
- an early work by a major writer
- performance of moral or religious acts
- effective operation : effect, result
- wait for time to do its healing work
- manner of working : workmanship, execution
- the material or piece of material that is operated upon at any stage in the process of manufacture
- everything possessed, available, or belonging
- the whole work s, rod, reel, tackle box, went overboard
- ordered pizza with the work s
- subjection to drastic treatment : all possible abuse usu. used with get or give
- used for work
- suitable or styled for wear while working
- involving or engaged in work
- to bring to pass : effect
- to fashion or create a useful or desired product by expending labor or exertion on : forge, shape
- to make or decorate with needlework
- embroider
- to prepare for use by stirring or kneading
- to bring into a desired form by a gradual process of cutting, hammering, scraping, pressing, or stretching
- to set or keep in motion, operation, or activity : cause to operate or produce
- to solve (a problem) by reasoning or calculation often used with out
- to cause to toil or labor
- work ed their horses nearly to death
- to make use of : exploit
- to control or guide the operation of
- switches are work ed from a central tower
- to carry on an operation or perform a job through, at, in, or along
- the peddler work ed the corner
- a sportscaster hired to work the game
- to greet and talk with in a friendly way in order to ingratiate oneself or achieve a purpose
- politicians work ing the crowd
- to pay for or achieve with labor or service
- work ed my way through college
- work ed my way up in the company
- to get (oneself or an object) into or out of a condition or position by gradual stages
- contrive, arrange
- we can work it so that you can take your vacation
- to practice trickery or cajolery on for some end
- work ed the management for a free ticket
- excite, provoke
- work ed myself into a rage
- to exert oneself physically or mentally esp. in sustained effort for a purpose or under compulsion or necessity
- to perform or carry through a task requiring sustained effort or continuous repeated operations
- work ed all day over a hot stove
- to perform work or fulfill duties regularly for wages or salary
- to function or operate according to plan or design
- hinges work better with oil
- to exert an influence or tendency
- to produce a desired effect or result : succeed
- to make way slowly and with difficulty : move or progress laboriously
- work ed up to the presidency
- to sail to windward
- to permit of being worked : react in a specified way to being worked
- to be in agitation or restless motion
- ferment
- to move slightly in relation to another part
- to get into a specified condition by slow or imperceptible movements
wrought iron -n
- a commercial form of iron that is tough, malleable, and relatively soft, contains less than 0.3 percent and usu. less than 0.1 percent carbon, and carries 1 or 2 percent of slag mechanically mixed with it
wrung ['riŋ] -vb, n
(variant of wring)
- to squeeze or twist esp. so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid
- to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing
- wring a confession from the suspect
- to twist so as to strain or sprain into a distorted shape
- to twist together (clasped hands) as a sign of anguish
- to affect painfully as if by wringing : torment
- a tragedy that wring s the heart
- squirm, writhe
wry ['rī] -vb
- twist, writhe
- to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry
- having a bent or twisted shape or condition
- turned abnormally to one side
- wrongheaded
- cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous
wry·neck ['rī-,nek] -n
- either of two Old World woodpeckers ( Jynx torquillaor J. ruficollis) that differ from the typical woodpeckers in having soft tail feathers and a peculiar manner of writhing the neck
- torticollis