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2 design

Function:

noun

Inflected forms:

plural designs

Meaning:

1 : the way something has been made : the way the parts of something (such as a building, machine, book, etc.) are formed and arranged for a particular use, effect, etc. [noncount] There are problems with the design of the airplane's landing gear. I like the design of the textbook. I love the sculpture's design. [count] The machine had a flawed design.
2 [noncount] : the process of planning how something will look, happen, be made, etc. : the process of designing something She is studying furniture/Web design. [=how to design furniture/Web sites] the design and development of new products The new model is still in the design stage. [=is still being designed] Correcting mistakes is part of the design process. a number of design concepts/ideassee also interior design
3 [count] : a drawing of something that is being planned or created —often + for We reviewed the preliminary design for the new stadium. Can I see the designs [=plans] for both bridges?
4 [count] : a decorative pattern that covers something : a repeating picture, shape, etc., on something The wallpaper in the bedroom has a floral design. a skirt with a paisley design fabric sold in a variety of colors and designs
5 : something that you plan to do : intention [count] My design [=(more commonly) purpose] in writing to you is to ask for your support. [noncount] The motor is loud by design. [=because it was intended to be loud] The meeting happened by accident, not by design. [=on purpose]
have designs on
1 : to have a secret desire and plan to get (something) She had designs on my job.
2 formal + humorous : to want to date or have a sexual relationship with (someone) You can deny it all you want, but I think it's pretty obvious that you have designs on her.
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