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jacket

n. · v.
US //ˈdʒækət// UK //dʒˈækɪt// jack·et
  1. 1 clothing (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a short coat that you wear over your other clothes to keep warm or look smart.

    an outer garment extending to the waist or hips, typically having sleeves and a fastening down the front.

    Example

    Don't forget to bring a light jacket because it might get cold this evening.

    Example

    The dress code requires a formal jacket and tie for all guests attending the evening gala in the main hall.

  2. 2 protective cover (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a protective outer cover for something, like a book or a water tank.

    an outer covering or casing used for protection, insulation, or identification.

    Example

    The book jacket was beautifully designed with bright colors and gold letters.

    Example

    The technician replaced the insulation jacket on the boiler to improve the building's overall energy efficiency.

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  1. 3 potato skin (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Cooking

    the skin of a potato, especially when it is baked.

    the skin of a potato, particularly when left on during the cooking process.

    Example

    I usually eat the jacket of the potato because it contains many vitamins.

    Example

    The chef served the sea bass alongside a crispy jacket potato seasoned with sea salt and rosemary.

  2. 4 police record (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang American English

    a person's official criminal record or police file.

    a person's official criminal history or police file, often used in law enforcement contexts.

    Example

    The officer checked the suspect's jacket to see if he had any previous arrests.

    Example

    Despite his clean appearance, a quick look at his jacket revealed a history of minor drug offenses and parole violations.

  3. 5 to cover (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    to put a cover or a jacket around something.

    to enclose or encase an object in a protective or insulating covering.

    Example

    The workers had to jacket the pipes to prevent them from freezing in the winter.

    Example

    Engineers decided to jacket the structural steel columns with fire-resistant material to meet the new safety regulations.

Origin

From Middle French jacquet, diminutive of Old French jaque.

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