Topic: OTHER SPORTS
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| Date: | 1400-1500 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | trac |
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track1 S2 W2
1 a narrow path or road with a rough uneven surface, especially one made by people or animals frequently moving through the same place : The track led through dense forest. a steep mountain track
path/road
[countable]SGThe track led through dense forest.a steep mountain track2 a line of marks left on the ground by a moving person, animal, or vehicle : We followed the tyre tracks across a muddy field. The tracks, which looked like a fox's, led into the woods.
marks on ground
tracks
[plural]We followed the tyre tracks across a muddy field.The tracks, which looked like a fox's, led into the woods.3 a circular course around which runners, cars etc race, which often has a specially prepared surface : To run a mile, you have to run four circuits of the track. ➔ dirt track (2)
for racing
[countable]DSTo run a mile, you have to run four circuits of the track.4
train
[countable]a) TTT the two metal lines along which trains travel [= railway line]: The track was damaged in several places.
The track was damaged in several places.b) American English the particular track that a train leaves from or arrives at : The train for Boston is leaving from track 2.
The train for Boston is leaving from track 2.5 to think in a way that is likely to lead to a correct or incorrect result : We've had the initial test results and it looks as though we're on the right track.
be on the right/wrong track
We've had the initial test results and it looks as though we're on the right track.6 to pay attention to someone or something, so that you know where they are or what is happening to them, or to fail to do this : It's difficult to keep track of all the new discoveries in genetics.
keep/lose track of somebody/something
It's difficult to keep track of all the new discoveries in genetics.7 one of the songs or pieces of music on a record, cassette, or CD : There's a great Miles Davis track on side two.
music/song
[countable]APMThere's a great Miles Davis track on side two.8 to suddenly stop, especially because something has frightened or surprised you
stop/halt (dead) in your tracks
9 to be careful not to leave any signs that could let people know where you have been or what you have done because you want to keep it a secret, usually because it is illegal : He tried to cover his tracks by burning all the documents.
cover your tracks
He tried to cover his tracks by burning all the documents.10
sport
[uncountable] American Englishb) DSO all the sports in an athletics competition such as running, jumping, or throwing the javelin : a famous track star She went out for track in the spring (=she joined the school's track team).
a famous track starShe went out for track in the spring (=she joined the school's track team).11 to be likely to achieve the result you want : We're still on track for 10% growth.
be on track
spokenWe're still on track for 10% growth.12 to begin to deal with a new subject rather than the main one which was being discussed : Don't get off the track, we're looking at this year's figures not last year's.
get off the track
spokenDon't get off the track, we're looking at this year's figures not last year's.13 to hunt or search for someone or something : Police are on the track of the bank robbers.
be on the track of somebody/something
Police are on the track of the bank robbers.15 the direction or line taken by something as it moves
direction
[countable]16 a continuous metal band that goes over the wheels of a vehicle such as a bulldozer, allowing it to move over uneven ground
on a vehicle
[countable]TT➔ off the beaten track
at beaten (1), one-track mind➔ be from the wrong side of the tracks
at wrong1 (17)WORD FOCUS: roadWORD FOCUS: road a big road: main road, highway, motorway British English, freeway American English, expressway, turnpike American English, interstate American English, A-road British English
a road in a town: street, avenue, boulevard
a road in the countryside: country road, lane, track
a road you pay to use: toll road
parts of a road: fast lane, slow lane, hard shoulder British English/shoulder American English, central reservation British English/median strip American English, pavement British English/sidewalk American English
➔ See also road
