Pronunciations (2)
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/ˈkɹækɪŋ/
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ˈkɹækɪŋ
Noun
The thermal decomposition of a substance, especially that of crude petroleum in order to produce petrol / gasoline.
The formation of cracks on a surface.
The production of a crack sound.
- Examples
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the crackings of whips
Adjective
That cracks; that produces a sharp sound as of something splitting or breaking.
- Examples
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From the spot where the body lay came a fierce fizzing and cracking sound, which ceased, however, before the fumes had cleared away.
Great; excellent.
Usage- Colloquial
- Synonyms
- Examples
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Near-synonym: crackerjack
The race started at a cracking pace.
More examples (1)
That's a cracking example of what we've been looking for.
Enjoyable.
Usage- Colloquial
- Examples
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We had a cracking time.
More examples (1)
Near the back of the concourse is a piano, [...]. Explains Reeve: "It was donated by a lady who had written to me. My Duty Manager at the time had a qualification and so was able to restore it to full working order. I've heard some cracking tunes on it."
Adverb
Very, usually associated with praise.
Usage- UK usage
- not-comparable
- Examples
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It was a cracking good show.
Adjective
excellent
- Examples
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he did a bully job
a neat sports car
More examples (3)
had a great time at the party
you look simply smashing
we had a grand old time
Noun
a sudden sharp noise
- Broader terms
- Examples
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the crack of a whip
he heard the cracking of the ice
More examples (1)
he can hear the snap of a twig
the act of cracking something
the process whereby heavy molecules of naphtha or petroleum are broken down into hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight (especially in the oil-refining process)
- Broader terms