| 释义 |
doz·en
I. \ˈdəzən\ noun
(plural dozens or dozen)
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English dozeine, from Old French dozaine, from doze twelve, from Latin duodecim, from duo two + -decim (from decem ten) — more at two, ten
1.
a. : a group of 12
< oranges sold by the dozen >
< a dozen eggs >
< three dozen bottles of ale >
< dozens of people >
b. : any of the three columns respectively representing the numbers 1 to 12, 13 to 24, and 25 to 36 on which one may bet at roulette
2.
a. : a group containing an indefinite small number
< a dozen years ago >
< scribbled a dozen words on a scrap of paper >
b. : a larger number than one might expect — usually used in plural
< I've dozens of things to do >
< she had dozens of chances to marry >
3. archaic : coarse woolen cloth formerly made in England and commonly woven in lengths of approximately 12 yards each — usually used in plural
II. transitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
: to make up into lots of a dozen
< dozened the load of apples >
III. noun
dozens plural : a game that consists of exchanging often obscene insults usually about the members of the opponent's family — often used in the phrase play the dozens |