pounce

CEFRC1

/paʊns/

verb · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To jump suddenly on someone or something.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    Charcoal dust, or some other coloured powder for making patterns through perforated designs, used by embroiderers, lacemakers, etc.

Examples

  • A mountain lion was preparing to pounce on Ziri.

  • He knows that his critics are waiting to pounce on any slip that he makes.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meaning
  1. To sprinkle or rub with pounce powder.

noun

Extra meanings
  1. A 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.

  2. A sudden leaping attack.

More examples

In context
  • Sami finally saw his chance to pounce.

  • The kitten pounced at the ball I threw to it.

  • to pounce paper, or a pattern

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The cat waited silently under the table, ready to blank on the mouse.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From French ponce, from Latin pūmex. Doublet of pumice.