3 VERB To zip a computer file means to compress it so that it needs less space for storage on disk and can be transmitted more quickly. [COMPUTING ] ● PHRASAL VERB Zip up means the same as zip . □ [V P ] These files have been zipped up to take up less disk space. [Also V P n]
▸ zip up
1 PHRASAL VERB If you zip up something such as a piece of clothing or if it zips up , you are able to fasten it using its zip. □ [V P n] He zipped up his jeans. □ [V P ] My jeans wouldn't zip up. [Also V n P ]
2 → see zip 3
zi p code (zip codes ) N‑COUNT Your zip code is a short sequence of letters and numbers at the end of your address, which helps the post office to sort the mail. [AM ] in BRIT, use postcode
zi p disk (zip disks ) N‑COUNT A zip disk is a computer disk, similar to a floppy disk but capable of storing greater amounts of data. [COMPUTING ] □ Zip disks could be used to store the equivalent of three music CDs.
zi p drive (zip drives ) N‑COUNT A zip drive is a piece of computer equipment that you use for storing large amounts of data. [COMPUTING ] □ Zip drives help people to organise their important information.
zi p file (zip files ) N‑COUNT A zip file is a computer file containing data that has been compressed. [COMPUTING ] □ When you download the font it may be in a compressed format, such as a zip file.
zip|per /z I pə r / (zippers ) N‑COUNT A zipper is a device used to open and close parts of clothes and bags. It consists of two rows of metal or plastic teeth which separate or fasten together as you pull a small tag along them. [mainly AM ] in BRIT, usually use zip
zit /z I t/ (zits ) N‑COUNT Zits are spots on someone's skin, especially a young person's. [INFORMAL ]
zith|er /z I ðə r / (zithers ) N‑COUNT A zither is a musical instrument which consists of two sets of strings stretched over a flat box. You play the zither by pulling the strings with both hands.
zo|di|ac /zoʊ diæk/ N‑SING The zodiac is a diagram used by astrologers to represent the positions of the planets and stars. It is divided into twelve sections, each of which has its own name and symbol. The zodiac is used to try to calculate the influence of the planets, especially on someone's life. □ …the twelve signs of the zodiac.
zom|bie /zɒ mbi/ (zombies )
1 N‑COUNT You can describe someone as a zombie if their face or behaviour shows no feeling, understanding, or interest in what is going on around them. □ Without sleep you will become a zombie at work.
2 N‑COUNT In horror stories and some religions, a zombie is a dead person who has been brought back to life. WORD HISTORY zombie
Zombie comes from an African word zumbi , meaning 'good-luck charm'.
zone ◆◇◇ /zoʊ n/ (zones , zoning , zoned )
1 N‑COUNT [oft n N ] A zone is an area that has particular features or characteristics. □ Many people have stayed behind in the potential war zone. □ The area has been declared a disaster zone. □ …time zones.
2 VERB [usu passive] If an area of land is zoned , it is formally set aside for a particular purpose. □ [be V -ed] The land was not zoned for commercial purposes. ● zon|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ …the use of zoning to preserve agricultural land.
▸ zone out PHRASAL VERB If you zone out , you stop being aware of what is happening around you, either because you are relaxed or because you are bored. □ [V P ] When I'm on the train, I put on my headphones and zone out. SYNONYMS zone NOUN 1
area: Local authorities have been responsible for the running of schools in their areas.
region: …Barcelona, capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia.
sector: Officers were going to retake sectors of the city.
district: I drove around the business district.
zonked /zɒ ŋkt/ ADJ If someone is zonked or zonked out , they are not capable of doing anything because they are very tired, drunk, or drugged. [INFORMAL ]
zoo /zuː / (zoos ) N‑COUNT A zoo is a park where live animals are kept so that people can look at them. □ He took his son Christopher to the zoo. □ …the penguin pool at London Zoo.
zo|ol|ogy /zuːɒ lədʒi, zoʊ-/ N‑UNCOUNT Zoology is the scientific study of animals. ● zoo|logi|cal ADJ [ADJ n] □ …zoological specimens. ● zo|olo|gist /zuːɒ lədʒ I st, zoʊ-/ (zoologists ) N‑COUNT □ …a renowned zoologist and writer.
zoom /zuː m/ (zooms , zooming , zoomed )
1 VERB If you zoom somewhere, you go there very quickly. [INFORMAL ] □ [V prep/adv] We zoomed through the gallery.
2 VERB If prices or sales zoom , they increase greatly in a very short time. □ [V ] The economy shrank and inflation zoomed.
3 N‑COUNT A zoom is the same as a zoom lens .
▸ zoom in PHRASAL VERB If a camera zooms in on something that is being filmed or photographed, it gives a close-up picture of it. □ [V P + on ] …a tracking system which can follow a burglar round a building and zoom in on his face.
zoo m lens (zoom lenses ) N‑COUNT A zoom lens is a lens that you can attach to a camera, which allows you to make the details larger or smaller while always keeping the picture clear.