Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference

1. adj. (also an before a vowel) (called the indefinite article) 1 (as an unemphatic substitute) one, some, any. 2 one like (a Judas). 3 one single (not a thing in sight). 4 the same (all of a size). 5 in, to, or for each (twice a year; {pound}20 a man; seven a side). Etymology: weakening of OE an one; sense 5 orig. = A(2) 2. prep. (usu. as prefix) 1 to, towards (ashore; aside). 2 (with verb in pres. part. or infin.) in the process of; in a specified state ( a-hunting; a-wandering; abuzz; aflutter). 3 on (afire; afoot). 4 in (nowadays). Etymology: weakening of OE prep. an, on (see ON) 3. abbr. atto-. A 1. n. (also a) (pl. As or A's) 1 the first letter of the alphabet. 2 Mus. the sixth note of the diatonic scale of C major. 3 the first hypothetical person or example. 4 the highest class or category (of roads, academic marks, etc.). 5 (usu. a) Algebra the first known quantity. 6 a human blood type of the ABO system. Phrases and idioms A1 1 Naut. a a first-class vessel in Lloyd's Register of Shipping. b first-class. 2 colloq. excellent, first-rate. A1, A2 , etc. the standard paper sizes, each half the previous one, e.g. A4 = 297 x 210 mm, A5 = 210 x 148 mm. from A to B from one place to another (a means of getting from A to B). from A to Z over the entire range, completely. 2. abbr. (also A.) 1 Brit. (of films) classified as suitable for an adult audience but not necessarily for children. Usage Now replaced by PG. 2 = A LEVEL. 3 ampere(s). 4 answer. 5 Associate of. 6 atomic (energy etc.). A 1. suffix forming nouns from Greek, Latin, and Romanic feminine singular, esp.: 1 ancient or Latinized modern names of animals and plants (amoeba; campanula). 2 oxides (alumina). 3 geographical names (Africa). 4 ancient or Latinized modern feminine names (Lydia; Hilda). 2. suffix forming plural nouns from Greek and Latin neuter plural, esp. names (often from modern Latin) of zoological groups (phenomena; Carnivora). 3. suffix colloq. sl. 1 of (kinda; coupla). 2 have (mighta; coulda). 3 to (oughta).