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REFERENCE

user

n.
US //ˈjuzɝ// UK //jˈuːzɐ// us·er
  1. 1 computing/technology (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    a person who uses a computer, an app, or a website.

    an individual who operates a computer system or software, typically via a registered account.

    Example

    The new app is very easy for the average user to understand.

    Example

    The system administrator reset the password after the user failed to authenticate their identity through the secure portal.
  2. 2 general consumer (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    someone who uses a specific product or service.

    a person who makes use of a particular facility, product, or service.

    Example

    Regular users of the library can borrow up to ten books at a time.

    Example

    The city council conducted a survey to determine if frequent users of public transport were satisfied with the new bus routes.
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  1. 3 an exploiter (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a person who uses other people in a selfish or unfair way.

    an individual who habitually exploits others for personal gain or emotional support without offering anything in return.

    Example

    She eventually realised he was just a user who only called when he needed money.

    Example

    In her memoir, she describes her former business partner as a cold-hearted user who discarded colleagues once they were no longer profitable.
  2. 4 drug user (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    a person who uses illegal drugs.

    an individual who habitually consumes controlled substances or illegal drugs.

    Example

    The local clinic provides support and clean needles for drug users.

    Example

    Public health initiatives often focus on harm reduction strategies for long-term intravenous drug users within the urban core.
  3. 5 username (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    the name you use to log in to a website or app.

    a shortened form of 'username', referring to the unique identifier for a digital account.

    Example

    I forgot my user, so I had to ask the website to email it to me.

    Example

    Please ensure your user and password do not contain any special characters that might conflict with the database syntax.
Origin

From Middle English usere, equivalent to use + -er. Cognate with Scots usar, uiser (“user”).

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