ru:m n. & v. --n. 1 a
space that is or might be occupied by
something; capaciousness or
ability to
accommodate contents (it takes up
too much room;
there is
plenty of room; we
have no room
here for idlers). b space in or on (houseroom; shelf-room). 2 a a
part of a
building enclosed by walls or partitions,
floor and ceiling. b (in pl.) a set of
these occupied by a
person or
family; apartments or lodgings. c persons present in a room (the room fell silent). 3 (in comb.) a room or
area for a specified
purpose (auction-room). 4 (foll. by for, or to + infin.)
opportunity or scope (room to
improve things; no room for dispute). --v.intr. US have a room or rooms;
lodge,
board. ømake room (often foll. by for)
clear a space (for a person or thing) by
removal of others;
make way,
yield place.
not (or no) room to
swing a
cat a
very confined space. rooming-house a
lodging house. room-mate a person occupying
the same room as
another. room service (in a
hotel etc.) service of
food or
drink taken to a guest's room. øø-roomed adj. (in comb.). roomful n. (pl. -fuls). [OE rum f. Gmc]
