use [2] (uses plural ) (NOUN USES)
1 n-uncount Your use of something is the action or fact of your using it.
also a N, usu N of n
The treatment does not involve the use of any artificial drugs., ...research related to microcomputers and their use in classrooms..., We are denied use of the land by the ruling classes..., He would support a use of force if the UN deemed it necessary.
2 n-sing If you have a use for something, you need it or can find something to do with it.
a N for n
You will no longer have a use for the magazines..., They both loved the fabric, but couldn't find a use for it.
3 n-var If something has a particular use, it is intended for a particular purpose.
with supp, oft adj N, N of/for n, N as/in n
Infrared detectors have many uses..., It's an interesting scientific phenomenon, but of no practical use whatever..., French furniture was designed for every use..., The report outlined possible uses for the new weapon., ...Elderflower Water for use as an eye and skin lotion..., We need to recognize that certain uses of the land upon which we live are simply wrong.
4 n-uncount If you have the useof something, you have the permission or ability to use it.
also the N, usu N of n
She will have the use of the car one night a week., ...young people who at some point in the past have lost the use of their limbs..., You will have full use of all the new leisure club facilities.
5 n-count A use of a word is a particular meaning that it has or a particular way in which it can be used.
with supp, oft N of n
There are new uses of words coming in and old uses dying out.
6 n-uncount Your use of a particular name is the fact of your calling yourself by it.
N of n
Police have been hampered by Mr Urquhart's use of bogus names.
7 If something is for the use of a particular person or group of people, it is for that person or group to use.
for the use of phrase PHR n
The leisure facilities are there for the use of guests..., He raises crops mainly for the use of his family.
8 If you say that being something or knowing someone has its uses, you mean that it makes it possible for you to do what you otherwise would not be able to do.
INFORMAL
have its uses phrase V inflects
Being a hospital Sister had its uses.
9 If something such as a technique, building, or machine is in use , it is used regularly by people. If it has gone out of use, it is no longer used regularly by people.
in use phrase usu v-link PHR
...the methods of making Champagne which are still in use today..., The site has been out of use for many years.
10 If you make use of something, you do something with it in order to do a job or achieve a particular result or effect.
WRITTEN
make use of phrase V inflects, PHR n
Not all nursery schools make use of the opportunities open to them., ...making use of the same bottle time after time.
11 You use expressions such as it's no use, there's no use, and what's the use to indicate that a particular action will not achieve anything.
it's no use/there's no use phrase V inflects, usu PHR -ing
It's no use arguing with a drunk..., There's no use you asking me any more questions..., What's the use of complaining?
12 If you say it's no use, you mean that you have failed to do something and realize that it is useless to continue trying because it is impossible.
it's no use phrase V inflects
It's no use. Let's hang up and try for a better line.
13 If something or someone is of use, they are useful. If they are no use, they are not at all useful.
be of use/be no use phrase usu v-link PHR, oft PHR to n
The contents of this booklet should be of use to all students..., I'm sorry, I've been no use to you.
