frequently_asked_questions_files/Oxford Thesaurus.pdf

it, inchmeal, gradually, by degrees, slowly, in bits and
pieces, by fits and starts, fitfully, intermittently,
sporadically, disjointedly: The ministry insisted that the
plans should remain as one package and not be introduced
piecemeal over the next two years. 2 into fragments or shreds or
pieces: He angrily took the cheque and tore it up piecemeal.
--adj. 3 fragmentary, bit by bit, inchmeal, gradual,
disjointed, sporadic: The South-east could become one huge
traffic jam unless the Government drops its piecemeal approach
to planning.
pier n. 1 wharf, landing (stage or place), jetty, quay, floating
dock, Technically inaccurate dock: The ship is tied up at the
pier. 2 pile, piling, post, upright, column, support, buttress:
Owing to lack of maintenance, the piers supporting the building
have crumbled.
pierce v. 1 stab, puncture, penetrate, thrust or poke into, lance,
spear, spit, run through or into, skewer, impale, fix, transfix:
The arrow pierced his heart and he dropped down dead. 2 bore
into or through, penetrate, drill, perforate, riddle, punch
through, hole, tunnel into: The wall is pierced to provide
ventilation. 3 penetrate, fathom, see, understand, comprehend,,
grasp, discover, realize: His keen analytical mind allowed him
to pierce the mysteries of nature. 4 affect (keenly), touch,
move, melt, stir, rouse, pain, cut to the quick, wound, strike:
It pierced my heart to hear the child weep.
piercing adj. 1 strident, shrill, harsh, ear-splitting, ear-shattering,
high-pitched, screaming, shrieking, screeching, loud, blaring:
The piercing sound of the police siren made me sit bolt-upright
in bed. 2 probing, searching, penetrating, sharp, keen;
arresting, gripping, spellbinding, enthralling, fascinating,
entrancing: I was completely transfixed by her piercing green
eyes. 3 penetrating, icy, frosty, frigid, chilling, freezing,
cold, numbing, keen, wintry, arctic, raw, bitter, fierce,
biting, nipping, nippy: Shivering in that piercing wind I
thought I'd never be warm again. 4 stabbing, shooting,
excruciating, exquisite, acute, sharp, severe, agonizing,
fierce, intense, painful, racking: I suddenly felt a piercing
pain in my left ear.