Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

work|station /wɜː ^r kste I ʃ ^ə n/ (workstations ) also work station N‑COUNT A workstation is a screen and keyboard that are part of an office computer system.

wo rk sur|face (work surfaces ) also worksurface N‑COUNT A work surface is a flat surface, usually in a kitchen, which is easy to clean and on which you can do things such as prepare food.

work|top /wɜː ^r ktɒp/ (worktops ) N‑COUNT A worktop is a flat surface in a kitchen which is easy to clean and on which you can prepare food. [BRIT ] in AM, usually use countertop , counter

wo rk week (work weeks ) N‑COUNT A work week is the amount of time during a normal week which you spend doing your job. [mainly AM ] □  The union had sought a wage increase and a shorter work week. in BRIT, usually use working week

world ◆◆◆ /wɜː ^r ld/ (worlds )

1 N‑SING The world is the planet that we live on. □  It's a beautiful part of the world. □  The satellite enables us to calculate their precise location anywhere in the world.

2 N‑SING [N n] The world refers to all the people who live on this planet, and our societies, institutions, and ways of life. □  The world was, and remains, shocked. □  He wants to show the world that anyone can learn to be an ambassador. □  …his personal contribution to world history.

3 ADJ [ADJ n] You can use world to describe someone or something that is one of the most important or significant of its kind on earth. □  He was regarded as a leading world statesman. □  China has once again emerged as a world power.

4 N‑SING You can use world in expressions such as the Arab world , the western world , and the ancient world to refer to a particular group of countries or a particular period in history. □  Athens had strong ties to the Arab world. □  …the developing world.

5 N‑COUNT [oft poss N ] Someone's world is the life they lead, the people they have contact with, and the things they experience. □  His world seemed so different from mine. □  I lost my job and it was like my world collapsed.

6 N‑SING You can use world to refer to a particular field of activity, and the people involved in it. □  The publishing world had certainly never seen an event quite like this. [Also + of ]

7 N‑SING You can use world to refer to a particular group of living things, for example the animal world , the plant world , and the insect world .

8 N‑COUNT A world is a planet. □  He looked like something from another world.

9 → see also brave new world , New World , real world , Third World

10 PHRASE If you say that two people or things are worlds apart , you are emphasizing that they are very different from each other. [EMPHASIS ] □  Intellectually, this man and I are worlds apart.

11 PHRASE If you say that someone has the best of both worlds , you mean that they have only the benefits of two things and none of the disadvantages. □  They want the best of both worlds - sport and luxury in one car.

12 PHRASE If you say that something has done someone the world of good or a world of good , you mean that it has made them feel better or improved their life. [INFORMAL ] □  A sleep will do you the world of good.

13 PHRASE You use in the world to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □  The saddest thing in the world is a little baby nobody wants. □  He had no one in the world but her.

14 PHRASE You can use in the world in expressions such as what in the world and who in the world to emphasize a question, especially when expressing surprise or anger. [EMPHASIS ] □  What in the world is he doing?