Pounce Meaning
/paʊns/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA type of fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, sprinkled over wet ink to dry the ink after writing or on rough paper to smooth the writing surface.
nounCharcoal dust, or some other coloured powder for making patterns through perforated designs, used by embroiderers, lacemakers, etc.
Sentence Examples
He knows that his critics are waiting to pounce on any slip that he makes.
Sami finally saw his chance to pounce.
A mountain lion was preparing to pounce on Ziri.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The cat waited silently under the table, ready to ____ on the mouse.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The cat waited patiently in the grass before deciding to ____ on the unsuspecting mouse.
Word Origin & History
From French ponce, from Latin pūmex. Doublet of pumice.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"At the Thorn, or at a meagre kitchen table, or even on the carpenter’s workbench, he spreads open the portfolio, lights a candle stub, slices a fresh quill, and arranges pounce pot and ink well."
— 2021, A. K. Blakemore, The Manningtree Witches, Granta Books, page 120:
"Again the cat jolted the bed with a pounce."
— 1999, Niki Anderson, Inspurrrational Stories for Cat Lovers:
"And from her griping pounce the greedy prey doth quarry"
— 1596, Edmund Spenser, “Book V, Canto IV”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC:
"a pounce to print money with"
— 1602, John Withals, A Dictionarie in English and Latine for Children:
"one spendeth his patrimony upon pounces and cuts"
— 1571, John Jewel et al., “An Homily Against excess of apparel”, in The Second Tome of Homilees […] :
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The cat waited silently under the table, ready to ____ on the mouse.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The cat waited patiently in the grass before deciding to ____ on the unsuspecting mouse.