Читаем Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary полностью

con|vo|lut|ed /kɒ nvəluːt I d/ ADJ If you describe a sentence, idea, or system as convoluted , you mean that it is complicated and difficult to understand. [FORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ] □  Despite its length and convoluted plot, this is a rich and rewarding read.

con|vo|lu|tion /kɒ nvəluː ʃ ^ə n/ (convolutions )

1 N‑COUNT [usu pl] Convolutions are curves on an object or design that has a lot of curves. [LITERARY ]

2 N‑VAR You can use convolutions to refer to a situation that is very complicated. [LITERARY ] □ [+ of ] …the thorny convolutions of love.

con|voy /kɒ nvɔ I / (convoys ) N‑COUNT [oft in N ] A convoy is a group of vehicles or ships travelling together. □  …a U.N. convoy carrying food and medical supplies. □  They travel in convoy with armed guards.

con|vulse /kənvʌ ls/ (convulses , convulsing , convulsed ) VERB If someone convulses or if they are convulsed by or with something, their body moves suddenly in an uncontrolled way. □ [V ] Olivia's face convulsed in a series of twitches. □ [V n] He let out a cry that convulsed his bulky frame and jerked his arm. □ [be V -ed + with ] The opposing team were so convulsed with laughter that they almost forgot to hit the ball.

con|vul|sion /kənvʌ lʃ ^ə n/ (convulsions )

1 N‑COUNT If someone has convulsions , they suffer uncontrollable movements of their muscles.

2 N‑COUNT If there are convulsions in a country, system, or organization, there are major unexpected changes in it. □  …the political convulsions that led to de Gaulle's return to power in May 1958.

con|vul|sive /kənvʌ ls I v/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A convulsive movement or action is sudden and cannot be controlled. [FORMAL ] □  She thought she could never stop until convulsive sobs racked her even more.

coo /kuː / (coos , cooing , cooed )

1 VERB When a dove or pigeon coos , it makes the soft sounds that doves and pigeons typically make. □ [V ] Pigeons fluttered in and out, cooing gently.

2 VERB When someone coos , they speak in a very soft, quiet voice which is intended to sound attractive. □ [V + at/over ] She paused to coo at the baby. □ [V with quote] 'Isn't this marvellous?' she cooed.

cook ◆◆◇ /kʊ k/ (cooks , cooking , cooked )

1 VERB When you cook a meal, you prepare food for eating by heating it. □ [V n] I have to go and cook the dinner. □ [V ] Chefs at the St James Court restaurant have cooked for the Queen. □ [V n n] We'll cook them a nice Italian meal. ●  cook|ing N‑UNCOUNT □  Her hobbies include music, dancing, sport and cooking.

2 VERB When you cook food, or when food cooks , it is heated until it is ready to be eaten. □ [V n] …some basic instructions on how to cook a turkey. □ [V ] Let the vegetables cook gently for about 10 minutes. □ [V -ed] Drain the pasta as soon as it is cooked.

3 N‑COUNT A cook is a person whose job is to prepare and cook food, especially in someone's home or in an institution. □  They had a butler, a cook, and a maid.

4 N‑COUNT [adj N ] If you say that someone is a good cook , you mean they are good at preparing and cooking food.

5 PHRASE If you say that someone has cooked the books , you mean that they have changed figures or a written record in order to deceive people. [INFORMAL ]

6 → see also cooking

▸  cook up

1 PHRASAL VERB If someone cooks up a dishonest scheme, they plan it. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] He must have cooked up his scheme on the spur of the moment. [Also V n P ]

2 PHRASAL VERB If someone cooks up an explanation or a story, they make it up. [INFORMAL ] □ [V P n] She'll cook up a convincing explanation. [Also V n P ]