Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

3 VERB If something approximates to something else, it is similar to it but is not exactly the same. □ [V + to ] Something approximating to a fair outcome will be ensured. □ [V n] By about 6 weeks of age, most babies begin to show something approximating a day/night sleeping pattern.

ap|proxi|ma|tion /əprɒ ks I me I ʃ ^ə n/ (approximations )

1 N‑COUNT An approximation is a fact, object, or description which is similar to something else, but which is not exactly the same. □ [+ of ] That is a fair approximation of the way in which the next boss is being chosen. [Also + to ]

2 N‑COUNT An approximation is a number, calculation, or position that is close to a correct number, time, or position, but is not exact. □  Clearly that's an approximation, but my guess is there'll be a reasonable balance.

apptAppt is a written abbreviation for appointment .

Apr.Apr. is a written abbreviation for April .

apres-ski /æ pre I skiː/ also après-ski N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Apres-ski is evening entertainment and social activities in places where people go skiing.

apri|cot /e I pr I kɒt/ (apricots )

1 N‑VAR An apricot is a small, soft, round fruit with yellowish-orange flesh and a stone inside. □  …12 oz apricots, halved and stoned. □  …apricot tart.

2 COLOUR Apricot is used to describe things that are yellowish-orange in colour. □  The bridesmaids wore apricot and white organza.

April /e I pr I l/ (Aprils ) N‑VAR April is the fourth month of the year in the Western calendar. □  The changes will be introduced in April. □  They were married on 7 April 1927 at Paddington Register Office. □  He announced that he will retire next April.

A pril Foo l (April Fools ) N‑COUNT An April Fool is a trick that is played on April Fool's Day.

A pril Foo l's Day N‑UNCOUNT April Fool's Day is the 1st of April, the day on which people traditionally play tricks on each other.

a prio|ri /e I pra I ɔː ra I / ADJ [usu ADJ n] An a priori argument, reason, or probability is based on an assumed principle or fact, rather than on actual observed facts. ● ADV [oft ADV after v] A priori is also an adverb. □  One assumes, a priori, that a parent would be better at dealing with problems.

apron /e I prən/ (aprons ) N‑COUNT An apron is a piece of clothing that you put on over the front of your normal clothes and tie round your waist, especially when you are cooking, in order to prevent your clothes from getting dirty.

ap|ro|pos /æ prəpoʊ /

1 PREP Something which is apropos , or apropos of, a subject or event, is connected with it or relevant to it. [FORMAL ] □  All my suggestions apropos the script were accepted.

2 PREP Apropos or apropos of is used to introduce something that you are going to say which is related to the subject you have just been talking about. [FORMAL ] □  Apropos Dudley Moore living in California he said, 'He loves the space, Californians have a lot of space.'

apt /æ pt/

1 ADJ An apt remark, description, or choice is especially suitable. □  The words of this report are as apt today as in 1929. □  …an apt description of the situation. ●  apt|ly ADV □  …the beach in the aptly named town of Oceanside.

2 ADJ If someone is apt to do something, they often do it and so it is likely that they will do it again. □  She was apt to raise her voice and wave her hands about.

ap|ti|tude /æ pt I tjuːd, [AM ] -tuːd/ (aptitudes ) N‑VAR Someone's aptitude for a particular kind of work or activity is their ability to learn it quickly and to do it well. □ [+ for ] An aptitude for computing is beneficial for students taking this degree.