ENGLISH
REFERENCE

record

US //ˈɹɛkɝd// record
  1. 1 stored information (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a written or digital account of facts or events kept for the future.

    a formal or official account of facts, events, or transactions preserved in a permanent medium.

    Example

    The hospital keeps a detailed record of every patient's medical history.

    Example

    The historical society maintains a meticulous record of all property transactions in the district dating back to the nineteenth century.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'keep', 'maintain', or 'set'.
  2. 2 best performance (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    the best, fastest, or highest result ever reached in a sport or activity.

    the most extreme known value of a variable, particularly regarding achievement in competitive events.

    Example

    She ran the race so fast that she broke the world record.

    Example

    The athlete's performance was unprecedented, shattering a world record that had stood for over a decade.

    Usage

    Commonly used with 'break', 'set', or 'hold'.
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  1. 3 music disc (n.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    a large black plastic disc that plays music.

    a thin plastic disc, typically vinyl, carrying recorded sound in a continuous groove.

    Example

    My grandfather has a large collection of old jazz records in the attic.

    Example

    Despite the dominance of digital streaming, many audiophiles still prefer the warm, tactile experience of playing a vinyl record.
  2. 4 data entry (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a single set of information in a database or computer list.

    a collection of related data items treated as a single unit within a database or file.

    Example

    Each record in the database contains a customer's name and address.

    Example

    The software failed to update the specific record because of a conflict in the primary key field.
  3. 5 to capture sound or video (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to store sound, music, or moving pictures using electronic equipment.

    to convert sound or visual images into a permanent form for subsequent reproduction.

    Example

    The band went into the studio to record their new album.

    Example

    Security cameras are positioned to record any activity near the main entrance during non-business hours.

    Usage

    The verb is transitive and requires an object.
  4. 6 to write down facts (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to write down or store information so it can be looked at later.

    to register or set down in writing or other permanent form for the purpose of preservation.

    Example

    Please record your daily expenses in this notebook.

    Example

    The researchers were instructed to record every observation, no matter how insignificant it might initially appear.
  5. 7 unprecedented (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    higher or better than anything that has happened before.

    surpassing all previous levels or achievements; used attributively.

    Example

    The company reported record profits for the third year in a row.

    Example

    The region experienced record temperatures this summer, leading to widespread concerns about the local water supply.

    Usage

    Always placed before the noun it modifies.
Etymology 1

From Middle English recorde, borrowed from Old French record, from recorder. See record.

Etymology 2

From Middle English recorden (“to repeat, to report”), borrowed from Old French recorder (“to get by heart”), from Latin recordārī (“remember, call to mind”), from re- (“back, again”) + cor (“heart; mind”).

Idioms5 entries

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