plural
courses
plural
courses
Britannica Dictionary definition of COURSE
1
[count]
a
:
the path or direction that something or someone moves along
—
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
—
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
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
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]
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]
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
—
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
2
course
/ˈkoɚs/
verb
courses;
coursed;
coursing
courses;
coursed;
coursing
Britannica Dictionary definition of COURSE
always followed by an adverb or preposition
[no object]
:
to move or flow quickly