Background for shifts

shifts

/ʃɪfts/

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noun

A modifier key whose main function is shifting between two or more functions of any of certain other keys (usually by pressing Shift and the other button simultaneously).

Examples :

""Using the shifts on the piano, the pianist can play a wider range of notes, including lower bass tones." "

computing technology electronics machine

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noun

A type of women's undergarment, a slip.

Examples :

"Just last week she bought a new shift at the market."

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noun

A change of workers, now specifically a set group of workers or period of working time.

Examples :

"The night shifts at the hospital are usually less busy than the day shifts. "

time job organization work group

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noun

An act of shifting; a slight movement or change.

Examples :

"There was a shift in the political atmosphere."

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noun

The gear mechanism in a motor vehicle.

Examples :

"Does it come with a stick-shift?"

vehicle machine technology

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noun

Examples :

"The programmer used a bit shift to quickly multiply the number by eight. "

computing technology

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noun

The infield shift.

Examples :

"Teams often use the shift against this lefty."

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noun

(often with the definite article, usually uncountable) The act of kissing passionately.

Examples :

"After a long day apart, their reunion began with deep, lingering shifts. "

action sex body human

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noun

A contrivance, a device to try when other methods fail.

Examples :

"Having tried everything else to calm the crying baby, her mother resorted to elaborate shadow puppets on the wall; these were her last shifts. "

device possibility plan action

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noun

A trick, an artifice.

Examples :

"The magician used clever shifts to make the rabbit disappear. "

character way action

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noun

The extent, or arrangement, of the overlapping of plank, brick, stones, etc., that are placed in courses so as to break joints.

Examples :

"The bricklayer carefully planned the shifts in the wall, making sure each brick overlapped the others for maximum strength and stability. "

architecture material structure

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noun

A breaking off and dislocation of a seam; a fault.

Examples :

"The earthquake caused noticeable shifts in the freshly paved road, creating dangerous cracks and uneven surfaces. "

geology technical structure

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noun

A mutation in which the DNA or RNA from two different sources (such as viruses or bacteria) combine.

Examples :

""Scientists are concerned about genetic shifts in the flu virus because these combinations could create new, more dangerous strains." "

virus biology medicine microorganism science biochemistry

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noun

In violin-playing, any position of the left hand except that nearest the nut.

Examples :

"The violinist practiced her shifts between first position and third position to make the melody sound smooth. "

music technical

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verb

(sometimes figurative) To move from one place to another; to redistribute.

Examples :

"The teacher shifts the students' seats every month to help them socialize with different classmates. "

action position business economy

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verb

To change in form or character; swap.

Examples :

"The weather shifted from sunny to rainy, completely changing our plans for the afternoon picnic. "

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verb

To change position.

Examples :

"His political stance shifted daily."

position action

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verb

To change residence; to leave and live elsewhere.

Examples :

"We are shifting to America next month."

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verb

To change (clothes, especially underwear).

Examples :

""After working in the hot garden all morning, he shifts his sweaty shirt for a clean one." "

appearance wear body

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verb

To change (someone's) clothes; sometimes specifically, to change underwear.

Examples :

"After playing in the muddy garden, the mom shifts her toddler into clean clothes before dinner. "

wear body human appearance

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verb

To change gears (in a car).

Examples :

"I crested the hill and shifted into fifth."

vehicle technical machine

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verb

(typewriters) To move the keys of a typewriter over in order to type capital letters and special characters.

Examples :

"The secretary quickly shifts the keys on the old typewriter to type the word "IMPORTANT" in all caps. "

writing machine technology communication

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verb

(computer keyboards) To switch to a character entry mode for capital letters and special characters.

Examples :

"She shifts to type capital letters at the beginning of each sentence in her essay. "

computing technology electronics machine function device

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verb

To manipulate a binary number by moving all of its digits left or right; compare rotate.

Examples :

"Shifting 1001 to the left yields 10010; shifting it right yields 100."

computing electronics number technology technical

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verb

To remove the first value from an array.

Examples :

"The program shifts the first item from the to-do list to the "completed" section when you click "done." "

computing technical list

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verb

Examples :

"How can I shift a grass stain?"

business commerce

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verb

Examples :

"If you shift, you might make the 2:19."

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verb

To engage in sexual petting.

sex body action human

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verb

To resort to expedients for accomplishing a purpose; to contrive; to manage.

Examples :

"When the printer broke down, she shifts to using the library's computer to finish her report. "

action ability plan business organization work

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verb

To practice indirect or evasive methods.

Examples :

"Instead of answering the question directly, the politician often shifts the topic when asked about controversial issues. "

action way attitude

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verb

In violin-playing, to move the left hand from its original position next to the nut.

Examples :

"The violinist shifts up the fingerboard to reach the higher notes of the melody. "

music technical position