1 mass
Pronounced:
/ˈmæs/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural mass·esMeaning:
1 [count] : a usually large amount of a substance that has no particular shape ▪ The slush froze into an icy mass. ▪ a cold air mass ▪ rock masses —often + of ▪ a mass of metal/clay/dough ▪ masses of floating ice —see also body mass index, critical mass, landmass
2 a [count] : a large number or amount of something ▪ The plant produces a (great/large/huge) mass of blossoms every spring. = The plant produces masses of blossoms every spring. ▪ a mass of data/information b [count] : a large number of people ▪ A great mass of voters turned out for the election. ▪ The team was greeted by a mass [=crowd] of fans. ▪ The war has forced masses of people to flee their homes. c masses [plural] Brit informal : a large amount of something ▪ Don't worry: we've still got masses [=lots] of time.
3 the masses : the ordinary or common people ▪ His films are not intended to appeal to the masses. ▪ the needs of the masses ▪ a politician who is popular with the masses ▪ trying to reach the masses
4 [noncount] physics : the quantity of matter in something ▪ a star's mass
2 a [count] : a large number or amount of something ▪ The plant produces a (great/large/huge) mass of blossoms every spring. = The plant produces masses of blossoms every spring. ▪ a mass of data/information b [count] : a large number of people ▪ A great mass of voters turned out for the election. ▪ The team was greeted by a mass [=crowd] of fans. ▪ The war has forced masses of people to flee their homes. c masses [plural] Brit informal : a large amount of something ▪ Don't worry: we've still got masses [=lots] of time.
3 the masses : the ordinary or common people ▪ His films are not intended to appeal to the masses. ▪ the needs of the masses ▪ a politician who is popular with the masses ▪ trying to reach the masses
4 [noncount] physics : the quantity of matter in something ▪ a star's mass
the mass of
: the main part of (something) ▪ The mass of the iceberg [=the largest part of the iceberg] is below the surface of the water. ▪ His policies are supported by the (great/broad) mass of the people. [=by most of the people]