pile1
n.
- a heap of things laid or lying one on top of another.
▸
informal a large amount:
the growing pile of work.
- a large imposing building:
a Gothic pile.
- a series of plates of dissimilar metals laid one on another alternately to produce an electric current.
v.
- place (things) one on top of the other.
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(be piled with)
be stacked or loaded with.
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(pile up)
form a pile or large quantity.
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(pile something on)
informal intensify or exaggerate something for effect.
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(pile into/out of)
get into or out of (a vehicle) in a disorganized manner.
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(pile into)
crash into.
Phrase
- make a pile
informal make a lot of money. - pile arms
Military place a number of rifles with their butts on the ground and the muzzles together.
Etymology
ME: from OFr., from L. pila ‘pillar, pier’.
pile2
n.
- a heavy stake or post driven into the ground to support the foundations of a superstructure.
- Heraldry a triangular charge or ordinary formed by two lines meeting at an acute angle, usually pointing down from the top of the shield.
v.
strengthen with piles.
Derivative
Etymology
OE pīl ‘dart, arrow’, also ‘stake’, of Gmc origin.
pile3
n.
the soft projecting surface of a carpet or a fabric such as velvet, consisting of many small threads.
Etymology
ME: from L. pilus ‘hair’.