1course 
/ˈkoɚs/ noun
plural cours·es /ˈkoɚs/ noun 1 [count] a : the path or direction that something or someone moves along
▪ the course of a river ▪ a ship's course ▪ The pilot brought the plane back on course. ▪ The ship was blown off course by a storm. — often used figuratively ▪ This win puts the team back on course for the championship. ▪ The book is generally well written but it occasionally veers off course. [=it has some parts that do not seem to be about what the rest of the book is about] ▪ a battle that altered/changed the course of history [=that changed the way things happened in the years that followed] — see also collision course
b : a path or route that runners, skiers, bikers, etc., move along especially in a race
▪ a cross-country/marathon/ski course — see also obstacle course, racecourse 2 [count] a : a series of classes about a particular subject in a school
▪ an introductory/training course ▪ I'm taking a few writing courses [=classes] at the university. ▪ She's taking a chemistry course this semester. — often used before another noun ▪ course materials ▪ course work/requirements ▪ I have a light/full course load this semester. [=I am taking few/many classes this semester]
b : a group of classes that lead to a degree (sense 5)
▪ (chiefly Brit) She's beginning a four-year course in chemistry. [=(US) a four-year chemistry program] ▪ Students earn the degree after a two-year course of study. — see also correspondence course, crash course, refresher course, sandwich course, survey course 3 [noncount] : the normal or regular way that something happens over time
▪ There is no cure, but the treatment will slow the course of the disease. ▪ It's something you would never see in the normal/ordinary course of events. [=if things were happening as they usually happen] ▪ payments made in the usual/normal/ordinary course of business [=as part of doing regular business] ▪ The disease usually runs its course in a few days. [=develops in the usual way; begins, gets worse, and ends] 4 [noncount] — used to describe what happens during a period of time or when something is being done ▪ They met 12 times during/in/over the course of a year. ▪ facts discovered in the course of research ▪ Things will get better in the course of time. [=things will get better as time passes] 5 [count] : a way of behaving or proceeding that you choose
▪ Our wisest course is to retreat. ▪ We're trying to determine the best course of action [=the best actions; the best things to do] at this point. 6 [count] medical : a series of medicines or medical treatments that are given to someone over a period of time
▪ a new course of medication ▪ The doctor prescribed a 10-day course of antibiotics. ▪ a short/intensive course of therapy 7 [count] : a part of a meal that is served separately from other parts
▪ We had salad for the first course. ▪ You can choose what you want for the main course. ▪ A different wine was served with each course. ▪ a five-course dinner [=a dinner served in five separate parts] 8 [count] : golf course
▪ an 18-hole course
▪ the course of a river ▪ a ship's course ▪ The pilot brought the plane back on course. ▪ The ship was blown off course by a storm. — often used figuratively ▪ This win puts the team back on course for the championship. ▪ The book is generally well written but it occasionally veers off course. [=it has some parts that do not seem to be about what the rest of the book is about] ▪ a battle that altered/changed the course of history [=that changed the way things happened in the years that followed] — see also collision course
b : a path or route that runners, skiers, bikers, etc., move along especially in a race
▪ a cross-country/marathon/ski course — see also obstacle course, racecourse
▪ an introductory/training course ▪ I'm taking a few writing courses [=classes] at the university. ▪ She's taking a chemistry course this semester. — often used before another noun ▪ course materials ▪ course work/requirements ▪ I have a light/full course load this semester. [=I am taking few/many classes this semester]
b : a group of classes that lead to a degree (sense 5)
▪ (chiefly Brit) She's beginning a four-year course in chemistry. [=(US) a four-year chemistry program] ▪ Students earn the degree after a two-year course of study. — see also correspondence course, crash course, refresher course, sandwich course, survey course
▪ There is no cure, but the treatment will slow the course of the disease. ▪ It's something you would never see in the normal/ordinary course of events. [=if things were happening as they usually happen] ▪ payments made in the usual/normal/ordinary course of business [=as part of doing regular business] ▪ The disease usually runs its course in a few days. [=develops in the usual way; begins, gets worse, and ends]
▪ Our wisest course is to retreat. ▪ We're trying to determine the best course of action [=the best actions; the best things to do] at this point.
▪ a new course of medication ▪ The doctor prescribed a 10-day course of antibiotics. ▪ a short/intensive course of therapy
▪ We had salad for the first course. ▪ You can choose what you want for the main course. ▪ A different wine was served with each course. ▪ a five-course dinner [=a dinner served in five separate parts]
▪ an 18-hole course
in due course
: after a normal amount of time has passed : in the expected time
▪ His discoveries led, in due course, to new forms of treatment. ▪ The reasons will become apparent in due course. [=eventually]
▪ His discoveries led, in due course, to new forms of treatment. ▪ The reasons will become apparent in due course. [=eventually]
let nature take its course — see nature
of course 1 — used to show that what is being said is very obvious or already generally known ▪ We're talking, of course, about what happened last night. ▪ She was late and rude—so of course she didn't get the job. ▪ Of course, it wasn't easy for me to admit I was wrong. ▪ “Has the bus already left?” “Of course.” 2 — used informally to give permission or say yes in a way that shows you are very certain ▪ “May I borrow this book?” “Of course!” [=absolutely, certainly] ▪ “Will you go?” “Of course!” ▪ “Are you angry with me for being late?” “Of course not!” [=I am not at all angry] ▪ “Did you take the money?” “Of course not!” [=I definitely did not] 3 — used to stress that what you are saying is true and you feel no doubt about it ▪ Of course we'll be there. We wouldn't miss it for the world! ▪ Of course I don't hate you! How could you think such a thing? — see also as a matter of course at 1matter
par for the course — see par
pervert the course of justice — see 1pervert
stay the course — see 1stay
