Background for piles

piles

/paɪlz/

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noun

A mass of things heaped together; a heap.

Examples :

"He left piles of dirty laundry on his bedroom floor. "

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noun

A group or list of related items up for consideration, especially in some kind of selection process.

Examples :

"When we were looking for a new housemate, we put the nice woman on the "maybe" pile, and the annoying guy on the "no" pile"

list item business organization

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noun

A mass formed in layers.

Examples :

"a pile of shot"

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noun

A funeral pile; a pyre.

Examples :

""In ancient times, a king's body might be burned on piles of wood as part of the funeral ritual." "

ritual religion

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noun

A large amount of money.

Examples :

"He made a pile from that invention of his."

amount business finance economy asset

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noun

A large building, or mass of buildings.

Examples :

"The old district was known for its impressive piles of warehouses and factories near the river. "

architecture building

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noun

A bundle of pieces of wrought iron to be worked over into bars or other shapes by rolling or hammering at a welding heat; a fagot.

Examples :

"The blacksmith heated the piles of wrought iron, preparing to hammer them into strong wagon wheel rims. "

material industry

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noun

Examples :

"The scientist built piles of copper and zinc disks separated by acid-soaked paper to demonstrate the generation of electricity. "

technology physics chemistry electric device science energy

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noun

An atomic pile; an early form of nuclear reactor.

Examples :

"During World War II, scientists worked in secret to build piles, hoping to unlock the secrets of atomic energy. "

energy physics technology machine science technical

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noun

The reverse (or tails) of a coin.

Examples :

"We flipped a coin, and I called "piles," hoping to win the first turn in the game. "

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noun

A list or league

Examples :

"The school has organized students into piles based on their math abilities for tutoring sessions. "

list organization

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verb

(often used with the preposition "up") To lay or throw into a pile or heap; to heap up; to collect into a mass; to accumulate

Examples :

"They were piling up wood on the wheelbarrow."

amount action process

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verb

To cover with heaps; or in great abundance; to fill or overfill; to load.

Examples :

"We piled the camel with our loads."

amount mass action

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verb

To add something to a great number.

Examples :

"Every day, homework piles up on my desk. "

amount mass action

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verb

(of vehicles) To create a hold-up.

Examples :

"The accident on the highway quickly piled up traffic for miles. "

vehicle traffic

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verb

To place (guns, muskets, etc.) together in threes so that they can stand upright, supporting each other.

Examples :

"The soldiers piles their rifles before breaking for lunch. "

military weapon action

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noun

A dart; an arrow.

Examples :

"The young archer practiced diligently, aiming his piles at the center of the target. "

weapon military

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noun

The head of an arrow or spear.

Examples :

"The archaeologist carefully examined the piles of the ancient arrows found in the tomb. "

weapon military item

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noun

A large stake, or piece of pointed timber, steel etc., driven into the earth or sea-bed for the support of a building, a pier, or other superstructure, or to form a cofferdam, etc.

Examples :

"The new bridge rested securely on strong piles driven deep into the riverbed. "

architecture building material property technical

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noun

One of the ordinaries or subordinaries having the form of a wedge, usually placed palewise, with the broadest end uppermost.

Examples :

"The coat of arms featured three silver piles pointing downwards from the top edge, symbolizing strength and support. "

heraldry architecture

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verb

To drive piles into; to fill with piles; to strengthen with piles.

Examples :

"The construction crew will pile the riverbank to prevent erosion during the flood season. "

architecture building property technical

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noun

(usually in the plural) A hemorrhoid.

Examples :

""Sitting for long hours at my desk gave me piles." "

medicine disease body anatomy

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noun

Hair, especially when very fine or short; the fine underfur of certain animals. (Formerly countable, now treated as a collective singular.)

Examples :

"The kitten's soft piles felt like velvet against my skin. "

appearance body animal nature

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noun

The raised hairs, loops or strands of a fabric; the nap of a cloth.

Examples :

"The worn velvet couch had flattened piles, making it look old and faded. "

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verb

To give a pile to; to make shaggy.

Examples :

"The textile artist piles the rug with soft wool to create a luxurious, shaggy texture. "

appearance material

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noun

(piles of) A large amount of.

Examples :

"He must earn piles of money."

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noun

Examples :

"Many women get piles when pregnant."

medicine disease body