mole1 [m??l]
¦ noun
1. 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.]
2. a spy who gradually achieves an important position within the security defences of a country.
a person within an organization who reveals confidential information.
Origin
ME: from the Gmc base of MDu. and Mid. Low Ger. mol.
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mole2 [m??l]
¦ noun a small dark blemish on the skin caused by a high concentration of melanin.
Origin
OE mal 'discoloured spot', of Gmc origin.
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mole3 [m??l]
¦ noun a large solid structure serving as a pier, breakwater, or causeway.
?a harbour formed by a mole.
Origin
C16: from Fr. mole, from L. moles 'mass'.
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mole4 [m??l]
(abbrev.: mol)
¦ noun 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.
Origin
early 20th cent.: from Ger. Mol, from Molekul 'molecule'.
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mole5 [m??l]
¦ noun Medicine an abnormal mass of tissue in the uterus.
Origin
ME: from Fr. mole, from L. mola in the sense 'false conception'.
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mole6 ['m??le?]
¦ noun a highly spiced Mexican savoury sauce containing chilli peppers and chocolate.
Origin
Mex. Sp., from Nahuatl molli 'sauce, stew'.