down

Ⅰ.

down [1] ► ADVERB 1) towards or in a lower place or position. 2) to or at a lower level or value. 3) so as to lie flush or flat. 4) in or into a weaker or worse position, mood, or condition. 5) to a smaller amount or size, or a simpler or more basic state. 6) in or into writing. 7) from an earlier to a later point in time or order. 8) (of a computer system) out of action. 9) away from a central place or the north. 10) (down with ) expressing strong dislike. 11) (with reference to partial payment of a sum) made initially. 12) (of sailing) with the current or the wind.

► PREPOSITION 1) from a higher to a lower point of. 2) at a point further along the course of. 3) throughout (a period of time). 4) along the course or extent of. 5) informal at or to (a place).

► ADJECTIVE 1) directed or moving towards a lower place or position. 2) unhappy. 3) (of a computer system) out of action.

► VERB informal 1) knock or bring to the ground. 2) consume (a drink).

● be (or have a) down on — Cf. ↑have a down on

● be down to — Cf. ↑be down to

● down in the mouth — Cf. ↑down in the mouth

● down on one's luck — Cf. ↑down on one's luck

● down tools — Cf. ↑down tools

ORIGIN Old English.

Ⅱ.

down [2] ► NOUN 1) soft fine feathers forming the covering of a young bird or an insulating layer below the contour feathers of an adult bird, used for stuffing cushions and quilts. 2) fine soft hairs.

ORIGIN Old Norse.

Ⅲ.

down [3] ► NOUN 1) a gently rolling hill. 2) (the Downs) ridges of undulating chalk and limestone hills in southern England.

ORIGIN Old English.