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array

n. · v.
US //ɝˈeɪ// UK //ɐɹˈeɪ// ar·ray
  1. 1 an impressive group (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a large and impressive collection of people or things.

    an imposing or comprehensive collection of items or people, often arranged for display.

    Example

    The shop offers a wide array of organic vegetables and fruits.

    Example

    The gallery featured a stunning array of contemporary sculptures, each positioned to catch the shifting afternoon light.
  2. 2 an orderly arrangement (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a group of things placed in a specific order or pattern.

    an orderly series or arrangement, often in rows or columns.

    Example

    The solar panels were placed in a neat array on the roof.

    Example

    The military commander inspected the array of troops, ensuring each battalion was perfectly aligned for the ceremonial parade.
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  1. 3 computing data structure (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a way of storing a list of similar items in a computer program.

    a data structure consisting of a collection of elements, each identified by at least one array index or key.

    Example

    The programmer used an array to store the names of all the users.

    Example

    By using a multidimensional array, the software can efficiently process complex spatial coordinates in real-time.
  2. 4 legal jury panel (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

    the group of people chosen to be a jury in a court case.

    the whole body of jurors summoned to attend a court or the list of those impanelled.

    Example

    The lawyer challenged the array of jurors, claiming the selection was unfair.

    Example

    The defense attorney moved to quash the array, arguing that the jury pool did not represent a fair cross-section of the community.
  3. 5 to arrange or deploy (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to place things or people in a specific order, especially for a battle or a display.

    to set in order or to marshal forces; often used in passive constructions regarding military or political positioning.

    Example

    The general arrayed his tanks along the border as a show of strength.

    Example

    The various political factions were arrayed against the new tax proposal, forming an unlikely alliance to block the legislation.
  4. 6 to dress up (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    to dress someone in beautiful or expensive clothes.

    to clothe or attire someone in fine or decorative garments.

    Example

    The queen was arrayed in jewels and silk for the coronation.

    Example

    The bride was arrayed in a gown of antique lace, looking like a figure from a nineteenth-century portrait.
Origin

From Middle English arrayen, from Anglo-Norman arraier (compare Old French arraier, areer (“to put in order”)), from Vulgar Latin arrēdō (“to put in order, arrange, array”), from rēdum (“preparation, order”), from Frankish raid or raidā (“preparation, order”) or Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐍂𐌰𐌹𐌸𐍃 (garaiþs, “ready, prepared”), from Proto-Germanic raidaz, raidiz (“ready”). Compare Old English rād (“condition, stipulation”), Old High German antreitī (“order, rank”). Doublet of ready.

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