fleece
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the thick coat of wool that covers a sheep or similar animal.
n.the woolly coat of a sheep or other long-haired animal, especially when shorn and kept as a single piece.
Simple“The farmer spent the whole morning shearing the thick fleece from the sheep.”
In context“After the spring shearing, the raw fleece must be cleaned and carded before it can be spun into high-quality yarn.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a soft, warm jacket or top made from a light, woolly synthetic fabric.
n.a garment made of a soft, napped synthetic fabric, typically polyester, designed for thermal insulation.
Simple“It was getting cold outside, so he put on his blue fleece before the hike.”
In context“Modern outdoor enthusiasts prefer a lightweight fleece as a mid-layer because it retains heat even when slightly damp from perspiration.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to take a lot of money from someone in a way that is unfair or dishonest.
v.to deprive someone of money or possessions through deception or overcharging.
Simple“The dishonest mechanic tried to fleece the tourists by charging double for the repair.”
In context“Vulnerable investors were fleeced of their life savings by a firm promising unrealistic returns on offshore accounts.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to cut the wool off a sheep.
v.to remove the woolly coat from an animal by shearing.
Simple“The sheep were gathered in the barn to be fleeced before the summer heat.”
In context“Experienced shearers can fleece a sheep in under two minutes without causing any distress to the animal.”
“Prices reached a 10-year high earlier this year, and comes after some farmers burnt fleeces in protest against how little they were being paid.”