➋ still ◆◆◆ /st I l/ (stiller , stillest , stills )
1 ADJ [ADJ after v, v-link ADJ ] If you stay still , you stay in the same position and do not move. □ Suddenly he stood still and looked at Brad. □ He played the recording through once, then sat very still for several minutes. □ Gladys was still, then she shook her head slowly.
2 ADJ If air or water is still , it is not moving. □ The night air was very still. □ He watched the still water over the side of the boat.
3 ADJ Drinks that are still do not contain any bubbles of carbon dioxide. □ …a glass of still orange.
4 ADJ If a place is still , it is quiet and shows no sign of activity. □ In the room it was very still. ● still|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Four deafening explosions shattered the stillness of the night air.
5 N‑COUNT A still is a photograph taken from a cinema film which is used for publicity purposes.
➌ still /st I l/ (stills ) N‑COUNT A still is a piece of equipment used to make strong alcoholic drinks by a process called distilling. SYNONYMS still ADJ ➋1
stationary: Stationary cars in traffic jams cause a great deal of pollution.
motionless: Her hands were motionless.
inert: He covered the inert body with a blanket.
static: Both your pictures are of static subjects.
still|birth /st I lbɜː r θ/ (stillbirths ) N‑VAR A stillbirth is the birth of a dead baby.
still|born /st I lbɔː r n/
1 ADJ A stillborn baby is dead when it is born. □ It was a miracle that she survived the birth of her stillborn baby.
2 ADJ An idea, action, or attempt which is stillborn is completely ineffective or unsuccessful. □ The ceasefire itself could prove stillborn if rebel units in the bush keep on fighting.
sti ll li fe (still lifes ) N‑VAR A still life is a painting or drawing of an arrangement of objects such as flowers or fruit. It also refers to this type of painting or drawing.
stilt /st I lt/ (stilts )
1 N‑COUNT [usu pl, oft on N ] Stilts are long upright pieces of wood or metal on which some buildings are built, especially where the ground is wet or very soft. □ They inhabit reed huts built on stilts above the water.
2 N‑COUNT Stilts are two long pieces of wood with pieces for the feet fixed high up on the sides so that people can stand on them and walk high above the ground.
stilt|ed /st I lt I d/ ADJ If someone speaks in a stilted way, they speak in a formal or unnatural way, for example because they are not relaxed. □ We made polite, stilted conversation.
stimu|lant /st I mjʊlənt/ (stimulants ) N‑COUNT A stimulant is a drug that makes your body work faster, often increasing your heart rate and making you less likely to sleep.
stimu|late ◆◇◇ /st I mjʊle I t/ (stimulates , stimulating , stimulated )
1 VERB To stimulate something means to encourage it to begin or develop further. □ [V n] America's priority is rightly to stimulate its economy. □ [V n] The Commonwealth Games have stimulated public interest in doing sport. ● stimu|la|tion /st I mjʊle I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …an economy in need of stimulation.
2 VERB [usu passive] If you are stimulated by something, it makes you feel full of ideas and enthusiasm. □ [be V -ed] Bill was stimulated by the challenge. □ [be V -ed to-inf] I was stimulated to examine my deepest thoughts. ● stimu|lat|ing ADJ □ It is a complex yet stimulating book. □ The atmosphere was always stimulating. ● stimu|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] Many enjoy the mental stimulation of a challenging job.
3 VERB If something stimulates a part of a person's body, it causes it to move or start working. □ [V n] Exercise stimulates the digestive and excretory systems. □ [be V -ed to-inf] The body is stimulated to build up resistance. ● stimu|lat|ing ADJ □ …the stimulating effect of adrenaline. ● stimu|la|tion N‑UNCOUNT □ …physical stimulation. □ [+ of ] The stimulation of the nerves in the feet stimulates the whole central nervous system.
stimu|la|tive /st I mjʊlət I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If a government policy has a stimulative effect on the economy, it encourages the economy to grow. □ It is possible that a tax cut might have some stimulative effect.
stimu|lus /st I mjʊləs/ (stimuli /st I mjʊla I /) N‑VAR A stimulus is something that encourages activity in people or things. □ Interest rates could fall soon and be a stimulus to the U.S. economy.
sting /st I ŋ/ (stings , stinging , stung )
1 VERB If a plant, animal, or insect stings you, a sharp part of it, usually covered with poison, is pushed into your skin so that you feel a sharp pain. □ [V n] The nettles stung their legs. □ [V ] This type of bee rarely stings.
2 N‑COUNT The sting of an insect or animal is the part that stings you. □ Remove the bee sting with tweezers.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you feel a sting , you feel a sharp pain in your skin or other part of your body. □ This won't hurt–you will just feel a little sting.
4 VERB If a part of your body stings , or if a substance stings it, you feel a sharp pain there. □ [V ] His cheeks were stinging from the icy wind. □ [V n] Sprays can sting sensitive skin.