Читаем Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary полностью

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use constant to describe something that happens all the time or is always there. □  Inflation is a constant threat. □  He has been her constant companion for the last four months. ●  con|stant|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □  The direction of the wind is constantly changing.

2 ADJ If an amount or level is constant , it stays the same over a particular period of time. □  The average speed of the winds remained constant.

3 N‑COUNT A constant is a thing or value that always stays the same. □  In the world of fashion it sometimes seems that the only constant is ceaseless change.

con|stel|la|tion /kɒ nstəle I ʃ ^ə n/ (constellations ) N‑COUNT A constellation is a group of stars which form a pattern and have a name. □ [+ of ] …a planet orbiting a star in the constellation of Cepheus.

con|ster|na|tion /kɒ nstə ^r ne I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Consternation is a feeling of anxiety or fear. [FORMAL ] □  His decision caused consternation in the art photography community.

con|sti|pat|ed /kɒ nst I pe I t I d/ ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Someone who is constipated has difficulty in getting rid of solid waste from their body.

con|sti|pa|tion /kɒ nst I pe I ʃ ^ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT Constipation is a medical condition which causes people to have difficulty getting rid of solid waste from their body.

con|stitu|en|cy /kənst I tʃuənsi/ (constituencies )

1 N‑COUNT A constituency is an area for which someone is elected as the representative in a parliament or government.

2 N‑COUNT A particular constituency is a section of society that may give political support to a particular party or politician. □  In France, farmers are a powerful political constituency.

con|stitu|ent /kənst I tʃuənt/ (constituents )

1 N‑COUNT A constituent is someone who lives in a particular constituency, especially someone who is able to vote in an election.

2 N‑COUNT A constituent of a mixture, substance, or system is one of the things from which it is formed. □ [+ of ] Caffeine is the active constituent of drinks such as tea and coffee.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] The constituent parts of something are the things from which it is formed. [FORMAL ] □  …a plan to split the company into its constituent parts and sell them separately.

con|sti tu|ent as|se m|bly (constituent assemblies ) N‑COUNT A constituent assembly is a body of representatives that is elected to create or change their country's constitution.

con|sti|tute /kɒ nst I tjuːt, [AM ] -tuːt/ (constitutes , constituting , constituted )

1 V‑LINK [no cont] If something constitutes a particular thing, it can be regarded as being that thing. □ [V n] Testing patients without their consent would constitute a professional and legal offence.

2 V‑LINK [no cont] If a number of things or people constitute something, they are the parts or members that form it. □ [V n] Volunteers constitute more than 95% of The Center's work force.

3 VERB [usu passive] When something such as a committee or government is constituted , it is formally established and given authority to operate. [FORMAL ] □ [be V -ed] On 6 July, a People's Revolutionary Government was constituted. □ [V -ed] The accused will appear before a specially-constituted military tribunal.

con|sti|tu|tion ◆◇◇ /kɒ nst I tjuː ʃ ^ə n, [AM ] -tuː -/ (constitutions )

1 N‑COUNT The constitution of a country or organization is the system of laws which formally states people's rights and duties. □  The club's constitution prevented women from becoming full members.