mole1
/
məʊl/
n.
- a small burrowing mammal with dark velvety fur, a long muzzle, and very small eyes, feeding mainly on worms and grubs.
[Talpa europaea and other species.]
- a spy who gradually achieves an important position within the security defences of a country.
▸a person within an organization who reveals confidential information.
Etymology
ME: from the Gmc base of MDu. and Mid. Low Ger. mol.
mole2
/
məʊl/
n.
a small dark blemish on the skin caused by a high concentration of melanin.
Etymology
OE māl ‘discoloured spot’, of Gmc origin.
mole3
/
məʊl/
n.
a large solid structure serving as a pier, breakwater, or causeway.
▸a harbour formed by a mole.
Etymology
C16: from Fr. môle, from L. moles ‘mass’.
mole4
/
məʊl/
n.
Chemistry the SI unit of amount of substance, equal to the quantity containing as many elementary units as there are atoms in 0.012 kg of carbon-12.
Etymology
early 20th cent.: from Ger. Mol, from Molekul ‘molecule’.
mole5
/
məʊl/
n.
Medicine an abnormal mass of tissue in the uterus.
Etymology
ME: from Fr. môle, from L. mola in the sense ‘false conception’.
mole6
/
ˈməʊleɪ/
n.
a highly spiced Mexican savoury sauce containing chilli peppers and chocolate.
Etymology
Mex. Sp., from Nahuatl molli ‘sauce, stew’.