lump

views updated May 23 2018

lump1 / ləmp/ • n. a compact mass of a substance, esp. one without a definite or regular shape: there was a lump of ice floating in the milk. ∎  a swelling under the skin, esp. one caused by injury or disease: he was unhurt apart from a huge lump on his head. ∎ inf. a heavy, ungainly, or slow-witted person: I wouldn't stand a chance against a big lump like you. ∎  a small cube of sugar.• v. 1. [tr.] put in an indiscriminate mass or group; treat as alike without regard for particulars: Hong Kong and Bangkok tend to be lumped together in travel brochures he tends to be lumped in with the crowd of controversial businessmen. ∎  [intr.] (in taxonomy) classify plants or animals in relatively inclusive groups, disregarding minor variations.2. [intr.] (lump along) proceed heavily or awkwardly: I came lumping along behind him.3. [intr.] concentrate or assemble together in an irregular mass: we're lumped in a limo, bound for a Los Angeles medical center.PHRASES: a lump in the throat a feeling of tightness or dryness in the throat caused by strong emotion, esp. sadness: there was a lump in her throat as she gazed down at her uncle's gaunt features.take (or get) one's lumps inf. suffer punishment; be attacked or defeated.lump2 • v. [tr.] (lump it) inf. accept or tolerate a disagreeable situation whether one likes it or not: you can like it or lump it but I've got to work.

Lump

views updated May 29 2018

Lump

a great quantity; the majority.

Examples: lumps of fables, 1875; of figs, 1611; of honey, 1713; of mankind, 1674; of money, 1869; of pain, 1841; of English papists, 1650; of people, 1880; of raisins, 1611; of ships, 1781; of sorrows, 1549; of swearers, 1709.

lump

views updated May 29 2018

lump1 compact shapeless mass. XIII. of unkn. orig.; cf. Da. lump(e) lump, Norw., Sw. dial. lump block stump, log, Du. lomp, †lompe rag, LG. lump coarse, rude.

lump

views updated May 18 2018

lump2 ugly spiny-finned fish. XVI. — MLG. lumpen, MDu. lumpe, perh. identical with LUMP1.

lump

views updated May 18 2018

lump3 look sulky XVI; (coupled with like) be displeased at XIX. of symbolic orig.