ske l|eton key (skeleton keys ) N‑COUNT A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.
skep|tic /ske pt I k/ → see sceptic
skep|ti|cal /ske pt I k ə l/ → see sceptical
skep|ti|cism /ske pt I s I zəm/ → see scepticism
sketch /ske tʃ/ (sketches , sketching , sketched )
1 N‑COUNT A sketch is a drawing that is done quickly without a lot of details. Artists often use sketches as a preparation for a more detailed painting or drawing. □ [+ of ] …a sketch of a soldier by Orpen.
2 VERB If you sketch something, you make a quick, rough drawing of it. □ [V n] Clare and David Astor are sketching a view of far Spanish hills. □ [V ] I always sketch with pen and paper.
3 N‑COUNT A sketch of a situation, person, or incident is a brief description of it without many details. □ [+ of ] …thumbnail sketches of heads of state and political figures.
4 VERB If you sketch a situation or incident, you give a short description of it, including only the most important facts. □ [V n] Cross sketched the story briefly, telling the facts just as they had happened. ● PHRASAL VERB Sketch out means the same as sketch . □ [V P n] Initially you only need to submit a proposal which briefly sketches out your ideas.
5 N‑COUNT A sketch is a short humorous piece of acting, usually forming part of a comedy show. □ [+ about ] …a five-minute sketch about a folk singer.
sketch|book /ske tʃbʊk/ (sketchbooks ) also sketch-book N‑COUNT A sketchbook is a book of plain paper for drawing on.
sketch|pad /ske tʃpæd/ (sketchpads ) also sketch-pad N‑COUNT A sketchpad is the same as a sketchbook .
sketchy /ske tʃi/ (sketchier , sketchiest ) ADJ Sketchy information about something does not include many details and is therefore incomplete or inadequate. □ Details of what actually happened are still sketchy.
skew /skjuː / (skews , skewing , skewed ) VERB If something is skewed , it is changed or affected to some extent by a new or unusual factor, and so is not correct or normal. □ [be V -ed] The arithmetic of nuclear running costs has been skewed by the fall in the cost of other fuels. □ [V n] Today's election will skew the results in favor of the northern end of the county.
skew|er /skjuː ə r / (skewers , skewering , skewered )
1 N‑COUNT A skewer is a long metal pin which is used to hold pieces of food together during cooking.
2 VERB If you skewer something, you push a long, thin, pointed object through it. □ [V n prep] He skewered his victim through the neck. □ [V -ed] …skewered chicken with vegetables.
ski ◆◇◇ /skiː / (skis , skiing , skied )
1 N‑COUNT Skis are long, flat, narrow pieces of wood, metal, or plastic that are fastened to boots so that you can move easily on snow or water. □ …a pair of skis.
2 VERB When people ski , they move over snow or water on skis. □ [V ] They surf, ski and ride. □ [V adv/prep] The whole party then skied off. ● ski|er /skiː ə r / (skiers ) N‑COUNT □ He is an enthusiastic skier. ● ski|ing N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] □ My hobbies were skiing and scuba diving. □ …a skiing holiday.
3 ADJ [ADJ n] You use ski to refer to things that are concerned with skiing. □ …the Swiss ski resort of Klosters. □ …a private ski instructor.
4 → see also water-ski
skid /sk I d/ (skids , skidding , skidded ) VERB If a vehicle skids , it slides sideways or forwards while moving, for example when you are trying to stop it suddenly on a wet road. □ [V ] The car pulled up too fast and skidded on the dusty shoulder of the road. □ [V prep] The plane skidded off the runway while taking off in a snow storm. ● N‑COUNT Skid is also a noun. □ I slammed the brakes on and went into a skid.
skid row /sk I d roʊ / also Skid Row N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] You can refer to the poorest part of town, where drunks and homeless people live, as skid row . [mainly AM ] □ He became a skid row type of drunkard.
skiff /sk I f/ (skiffs ) N‑COUNT A skiff is a small light rowing boat or sailing boat, which usually has room for only one person.
skif|fle /sk I f ə l/ N‑UNCOUNT Skiffle is a type of music, popular in the 1950s, played by a small group using household objects as well as guitars and drums.
ski jump (ski jumps ) N‑COUNT A ski jump is a specially-built steep slope covered in snow whose lower end curves upwards. People ski down it and go into the air at the end.
skil|ful /sk I lfʊl/ in AM, use skillful ADJ Someone who is skilful at something does it very well. □ He is widely regarded as Hungary's most skilful politician. ● skil|ful|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He had a clear idea of his company's strengths and skilfully exploited them.
ski lift (ski lifts ) also ski-lift N‑COUNT A ski lift is a machine for taking people to the top of a slope so that they can ski down it. It consists of a series of seats hanging down from a moving wire.
skill ◆◆◇ /sk I l/ (skills )
1 N‑COUNT A skill is a type of work or activity which requires special training and knowledge. □ Most of us will know someone who is always learning new skills, or studying new fields.