2(in aviation) relating to the ground rather than the air (with particular reference to the maintenance and servicing of aircraft:ground crew
არსებითი სახელი
Universal
1 [in singular] the solid surface of the earth:he lay on the ground
[mass noun] a limited extent of the earth’s surface; land:an adjoining area of ground had been purchased
[mass noun] land of a specified kind:my feet squelched over marshy ground
British the floor of a room:the device fell to the ground, where it exploded, blowing a hole in the floor
2 (also grounds) an area of land or sea used for a specified purpose:shore dumping can pollute fishing grounds
(grounds) an area of enclosed land surrounding a large house or other building:the house stands in seven acres of groundsthe university grounds
an area of land, often with associated buildings, used for a particular sport:a football groundLiverpool’s new ground is nearing completion
3 [mass noun] an area of knowledge or subject of discussion or thought:third-year courses cover less ground and go into more depth [count noun]:he shifted the argument on to theoretical grounds of his own choosing
4 (grounds) factors forming a basis for action or the justification for a belief:there are some grounds for optimismthey called for a retrial on the grounds of the new evidence
5chiefly Art a prepared surface to which paint is applied.
a substance used to prepare a surface for painting.
(in embroidery or ceramics) a plain surface to which decoration is applied.
a piece of wood fixed to a wall as a base for boards, plaster, or joinery.
6 (grounds) solid particles, especially of coffee, which form a residue; sediment:machines which presoak the coffee grounds produce a superior cup of coffee
7North American electrical connection to the earth.
1prohibit or prevent (a pilot or an aircraft) from flying:a bitter wind blew from the north-east and the bombers were grounded
informal (of a parent) refuse to allow (a child) to go out socially as a punishment:he was grounded for hitting her on the head
2(with reference to a ship) run or go aground: [with object]:rather than be blown up, Muller grounded his ship on a coral reef
3 (usually be grounded in) give (something abstract) a firm theoretical or practical basis:the study of history must be grounded in a thorough knowledge of the past
instruct (someone) thoroughly in a subject:Eva’s governess grounded her in Latin and Greek
(as adjective grounded) well balanced and sensible:for someone so young, Chris is extremely grounded
4place (something) on the ground or touch the ground with (something):he was penalized two strokes for grounding his club in a bunker
5North American connect (an electrical device) with the ground.
6 [no object] (ground out) Baseball (of a batter) be put out because of hitting a ground ball to a fielder who throws it to first base before the batter touches that base:he grounded out to shortstop
be thick (or thin) on the ground
exist in large (or small) numbers or amounts:good men are thin on the ground
break ground
North American
1do preparatory digging or other work prior to building or planting something:this tractor can break ground in the spring and throw snow in the winter
do something innovative and beneficial:this case breaks new ground of great constitutional importance
cut the ground from under someone's feet
do something which leaves someone without a reason for their actions or opinions:she rounded on Nathan with a devastating tirade and cut the ground from under his feet
from the ground up
informal completely or complete:they needed a rethink of their doctrine from the ground up
gain ground
become more popular or accepted:new moral attitudes are gaining ground
gain ground on
get closer to someone or something that is ahead in a pursuit or competitive situation:the dollar gained ground on all other major currencies
get off the ground (or get something off the ground)
start or cause to start happening successfully:there’d have to be a public inquiry before the project got off the ground
give (or lose) ground
retreat or lose one’s advantage during a conflict or competition:he refused to give ground on this issue
go to ground
(of a fox or other animal) enter its earth or burrow:rabbits evicted from one set of burrows will go to ground elsewhere
(of a person) hide or become inaccessible, especially for a long time:he went to ground following the presidential coup
hold (or stand) one's ground
not retreat or lose one’s advantage during a conflict or competition:you will be able to hold your ground and resist the enemy’s attack
make up ground
get closer to someone ahead in a race or competition:he was forced to make up ground after a bad start and was never able to catch the leader
on the ground
in a place where real, practical work is done:the troops on the ground are cynical
on one's own ground
in one’s own territory or area of knowledge or experience:I feel relaxed if I’m interviewed on my own ground
prepare the ground
make it easier for something to occur or be developed:these measures prepared the ground for further reform
