ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tails

n.
US //ˈteɪɫz// UK //tˈeɪlz// tails
  1. 1 plural of tail (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the long parts at the back of animals' bodies.

    the plural form of the posterior appendage of an animal.

    Example

    The two dogs wagged their tails happily when their owner came home.

    Example

    The biologist noted that the various species of lemurs used their long tails for balance while navigating the thin branches of the canopy.
  2. 2 side of a coin (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the side of a coin that does not have a person's face on it.

    the reverse side of a coin, opposite the obverse or 'heads' side.

    Example

    He flipped the coin and it landed on tails, so I had to go first.

    Example

    In many sports, a referee flips a coin and asks the captains to choose heads or tails to determine which team kicks off first.
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  1. 3 formal clothing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a very formal black jacket that is short in the front and long in the back.

    a man's formal evening suit featuring a coat with a divided skirt at the back; a clipping of 'tailcoat'.

    Example

    The musicians in the orchestra all wore black tails for the gala performance.

    Example

    The invitation specified white tie, requiring the gentlemen to arrive in full tails and a stiff-fronted shirt.
    • tailcoat
    • evening dress
  2. 4 industrial waste (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the waste material left over after processing ore or making alcohol.

    the residue or waste remaining after the valuable part of an ore has been extracted; also used for the final part of a liquid distillation.

    Example

    The mining company had to build a large dam to hold the tails from the gold mine.

    Example

    Environmental regulations require the safe disposal of tails to prevent toxic chemicals from leaching into the local groundwater supply.
Idioms1 entry

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