nounπShareA unit of mass equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces (= 453.592 37 g). Today this value is the most common meaning of "pound" as a unit of weight."The recipe calls for two pounds of flour. "massunitamountvaluescienceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA unit of mass equal to 12 troy ounces (β 373.242 g). Today, this is a common unit of weight when measuring precious metals, and is little used elsewhere."The jeweler carefully weighed the gold bullion in pounds before offering a price. "massunitamountscienceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe symbol # (octothorpe, hash)"When entering a phone number, you can use the pounds symbol (#) to navigate the menu options. "signcommunicationwritingnumberChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe unit of currency used in the United Kingdom and its dependencies. It is divided into 100 pence."I need to save up twenty pounds to buy the new video game. "economyfinanceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAny of various units of currency used in Egypt and Lebanon, and formerly in the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus and Israel."When visiting Egypt, remember to exchange your dollars for Egyptian pounds. "worldeconomyfinanceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAny of various units of currency formerly used in the United States."the Rhode Island pound; the New Hampshire pound"economyfinancebusinessChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAbbreviation for pound-force, a unit of force/weight. Using this abbreviation to describe pound-force is inaccurate and unscientific."The label on the box incorrectly stated the shipping weight as "50 pounds" instead of "50 lbf" (pound-force). "physicsmassunitsciencetechnicalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA place for the detention of stray or wandering animals. An animal shelter."Many lost dogs and cats end up at the city's pounds, hoping to be reunited with their owners. "animalplacebuildingorganizationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA place for the detention of automobiles that have been illegally parked, abandoned, etc. Short form of impound."After being parked illegally for three days, the car was taken to one of the city's pounds. "policepropertyvehiclelawplaceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA section of a canal between two adjacent locks."The narrowboat slowly navigated the series of pounds, rising and falling with each lock. "nauticalareastructureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA kind of fishing net, having a large enclosure with a narrow entrance into which fish are directed by wings spreading outward."The fisherman checked the pounds near the shore, hoping for a large catch guided into the net's enclosure by its long wings. "fishnauticalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo confine in, or as in, a pound; to impound."The farmer will pound the stray dogs if they continue to chase his sheep. "propertylawChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA hard blow."The boxer absorbed several pounds to the body during the fight, leaving him winded. "actionbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo strike hard, usually repeatedly."The carpenter pounds the nail into the wood with a hammer. "actionbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo crush to pieces; to pulverize."The chef uses a mortar and pestle to pound the spices into a fine powder. "actionprocessChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo eat or drink very quickly."You really pounded that beer!"fooddrinkactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo pitch consistently to a certain location."The pitcher has been pounding the outside corner all night."sportChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShare(of a body part, generally heart, blood, or head) To beat strongly or throb."As I tiptoed past the sleeping dog, my heart was pounding but I remained silent."bodyphysiologysensationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo penetrate sexually, with vigour."I was pounding her all night!"sexactionbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo advance heavily with measured steps."The elephant pounds across the savanna. "actionbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo make a jarring noise, as when running."The engine pounds."soundactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo wager a pound on."I'll pound a pound that Maria will win the race. "betbusinesseconomyfinanceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading