ma s|ter key (master keys ) N‑COUNT A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.
mas|ter|ly /mɑː stə r li, mæ s-/ ADJ If you describe something as masterly , you admire it because it has been done extremely well or shows the highest level of ability and skill. [APPROVAL ] □ Malcolm Hebden gives a masterly performance.
master|mind /mɑː stə r ma I nd, mæ s-/ (masterminds , masterminding , masterminded )
1 VERB If you mastermind a difficult or complicated activity, you plan it in detail and then make sure that it happens successfully. □ [V n] The finance minister will continue to mastermind the country's economic reform.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing] The mastermind behind a difficult or complicated plan, often a criminal one, is the person who is responsible for planning and organizing it. □ [+ behind/of ] He was the mastermind behind the plan to acquire the explosives.
Ma s|ter of A rts N‑SING A Master of Arts degree is the same as an MA degree.
ma s|ter of ce r|emo|nies (masters of ceremonies ) N‑COUNT At events such as formal dinners, award ceremonies, and variety shows, the master of ceremonies is the person who introduces the speakers or performers, and who announces what is going to happen next.
Ma s|ter of Sci |ence N‑SING A Master of Science degree is the same as an MSc or MS degree.
master|piece /mɑː stə r piːs, mæ s-/ (masterpieces )
1 N‑COUNT A masterpiece is an extremely good painting, novel, film, or other work of art. □ His book, I must add, is a masterpiece.
2 N‑COUNT [with poss] An artist's, writer's, or composer's masterpiece is the best work that they have ever produced. □ 'Man's Fate,' translated into sixteen languages, is probably his masterpiece.
3 N‑COUNT A masterpiece is an extremely clever or skilful example of something. □ [+ of ] The whole thing was a masterpiece of crowd management.
ma s|ter plan (master plans ) N‑COUNT A master plan is a clever plan that is intended to help someone succeed in a very difficult or important task. □ …the master plan for the reform of the economy.
ma s|ter's de|gree (master's degrees ) also Master's degree N‑COUNT A master's degree is a university degree such as an MA or an MSc which is of a higher level than a first degree and usually takes one or two years to complete.
master|stroke /mɑː stə r stroʊk, mæ s-/ (masterstrokes ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A masterstroke is something you do which is unexpected but very clever and which helps you to achieve something. □ The company played a masterstroke in promoting her to be director of innovation.
master|work /mɑː stə r wɜː r k, mæ s-/ (masterworks ) N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] If you describe something such as a book or a painting as a masterwork , you think it is extremely good or the best that someone has produced. □ [+ of ] They endure as masterworks of American musical theatre.
mas|tery /mɑː stəri, mæ s-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you show mastery of a particular skill or language, you show that you have learned or understood it completely and have no difficulty using it. □ [+ of ] He doesn't have mastery of the basic rules of grammar.
mast|head /mɑː sthed, mæ st-/ (mastheads )
1 N‑COUNT A ship's masthead is the highest part of its mast.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] A newspaper's masthead is the part at the top of the front page where its name appears in big letters.
mas|ti|cate /mæ st I ke I t/ (masticates , masticating , masticated ) VERB When you masticate food, you chew it. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] Her mouth was working, as if she was masticating some tasty titbit. □ [V ] Don't gulp everything down without masticating. ● mas|ti|ca|tion /mæ st I ke I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Poor digestion can be caused by defective mastication of the food in the mouth.
mas|tiff /mæ st I f/ (mastiffs ) N‑COUNT A mastiff is a large, powerful, short-haired dog.
mas|tur|bate /mæ stə r be I t/ (masturbates , masturbating , masturbated ) VERB If someone masturbates , they stroke or rub their own genitals in order to get sexual pleasure. ● mas|tur|ba|tion /mæ stə r be I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ The sperm sample is produced by masturbation.
mat /mæ t/ (mats )
1 N‑COUNT A mat is a small piece of something such as cloth, card, or plastic which you put on a table to protect it from plates or cups. □ The food is served on polished tables with mats.
2 N‑COUNT A mat is a small piece of carpet or other thick material which is put on the floor for protection, decoration, or comfort. □ There was a letter on the mat.
3 → see also matt , place mat
mata|dor /mæ tədɔː r / (matadors ) N‑COUNT A matador is the person in a bullfight who is supposed to kill the bull.
match ◆◆◆ /mæ tʃ/ (matches , matching , matched )
1 N‑COUNT A match is an organized game of football, tennis, cricket, or some other sport. [mainly BRIT ] □ He was watching a football match. □ France won the match 28-19.
2 N‑COUNT A match is a small wooden stick with a substance on one end that produces a flame when you rub it along the rough side of a matchbox. □ …a packet of cigarettes and a box of matches.
3 VERB If something of a particular colour or design matches another thing, they have the same colour or design, or have a pleasing appearance when they are used together. □ [V n] Her nails were painted bright red to match her dress. □ [V ] All the chairs matched. □ [V n + to/with ] You don't have to match your lipstick exactly to your outfit. □ [V n] Mix and match your tableware and textiles from the new Design House collection. ● PHRASAL VERB Match up means the same as match . □ [V P + with/to ] The pillow cover can match up with the sheets. □ [V n P + with/to ] False eyelashes come in various shades, so it's easy to match them up with your own.