释义 |
cush·ion I. \ˈku̇shən sometimes -shin\ noun (-s) Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English cuisshin, cusshin, from Middle French coissin, cussin, coussin, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin coxinus, from Latin coxa hip + -inus -ine — more at coxa 1. a. : a bag or case made typically of cloth, upholstery, or matting that is stuffed with a soft or resilient material and used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling : pillow, pad b. : the cushion on the seat of a ruler or judge often regarded as a symbol of his office c. : the cushion on which a Bible or other book rests on a lectern d. : a cushion regarded as a symbol of ease and luxury 2. : a part resembling a pad: as a. : the fleshy part of the rump of the horse or pig b. (1) : the frog of a horse's hoof (2) : the pad just above the hoof c. : the fleshy foreface or top lips of certain animals (as the bulldog) d. : pulvillus e. : the ball of the thumb f. : the soft feathers about the base of the tail of a hen especially when present in excess g. : strawberry comb h. : a boned shoulder of pork or lamb with a pocket for stuffing 3. : something resembling a cushion in properties or use: as a. : pillow 3 b. : pincushion c. : rat 3 d. : bustle e. : the pad of springy rubber affixed along the upper part of the inside of the rim of a billiard table or pool table — called also bank f. : the head of a drill brace g. : a padded insole : a padded insert in a shoe at the ball or heel h. : a strip of soft resilient rubber between the breaker and carcass of a pneumatic tire to secure the adhesion of carcass to tread and assist in protecting the former i. (1) : an architectural part (as a frieze) that projects convexly — compare cushion capital (2) : the top stone of a pier supporting an arch j. : an artificial pool provided to absorb the kinetic energy of falling water and so prevent erosion k. : an elastic body (as of air or steam) for reducing shock; especially : the steam allowed to remain in an engine cylinder after exhaust in order to avoid shock by reducing the momentum of the reciprocating parts l. : a layer of fine material (as sand, granulated slag, bituminous mastic, or stone screenings) placed on top of a foundation for a block pavement m. or cush·ion·ing \-sh(ə)niŋ, -shin-\ : a structure or material used to separate and protect goods in transit from shock and damage n. : a felt mat laid under a large rug to ease the effect of wear o. : a pad on which gold leaf is placed to be cut 4. obsolete : a swelling like that of pregnancy 5. a. : something serving to mitigate the effects of economic disturbances < public works to provide jobs as a cushion against unemployment > : a factor that lessens adverse developments in the economy and limits price declines in markets; especially : a monetary reserve for use in special circumstances < a thickened cushion of liquid assets for protection — New York Herald Tribune > b. : margin : reserve supply < a cushion of resources > 6. : a medical method, procedure, or drug that eases a patient's discomfort without necessarily affecting his basic condition 7. : program material that can be lengthened, shortened, or omitted entirely to make a radio or television program end exactly on time II. transitive verb (cushioned ; cushioned ; cushioning \-sh(ə)niŋ, -shin-\ ; cushions) 1. : to seat (a person) on a cushion : prop up or make comfortable with cushions < nurses cushioning his injured shoulder > 2. a. : to suppress by ignoring < cushioning the scandalous occurrence > b. : to mitigate the effects of : palliate : protect by absorbing or checking harmful force or shock : keep from harm or shock as if with a cushion < cushioning the blow > < cushioning the public from disappointment > 3. : to provide or equip with a cushion or cushions : pad < cushion the wooden seats > : protect from jarring effects with or as if with a cushion < soft tires that cushion the ride > 4. : to check gradually so as to minimize shock due to the inertia of moving parts < cushion a piston by leaving some steam in the cylinder after exhaust > III. noun : a comfortable lead < a 4-0 cushion in the ninth inning > |