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noun American English pronunciation: origin /ˈɔrədʒɪn/ 
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singularorigin
pluralorigins
  1. 1

    origin

     or

    origins

     [countable] the place or moment where something begins to exist
    origin of:

    Meteorites may hold clues about the origin of life on Earth.

    origin in:

    The country’s constitution had its origins in Roman law.

    something owes its origin to someone/something:

    The collection owes its origin to an anonymous donation of drawings.

    trace your origins (=follow the history of your development):

    The college can trace its origins back to the 18th century.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  originThesaurus entry for this meaning of origin
  2. 2
    [countable/uncountable] [often plural] the country, race, or social situation that someone comes from

    She tries to hide her upper-class origins, but her accent gives her away.

    humble origins:

    Despite his humble origins, Steen went on to become a member of Congress.

    ethnic/racial origin:

    All the children will be treated equally, regardless of ethnic origin.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  originThesaurus entry for this meaning of origin

phrases

This is the American English definition of origin. View British English definition of origin.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

vocal fry

a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence

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a mineral which is mined in a place where there is armed conflict, and sold to help pay for weapons

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