lump

Everyday

1. A lump is a small solid piece of something with no clear shape, like a lump of sugar, clay or coal. tree →
2. A lump is a swelling on the body, like a bump after you hit your head. tree →
3. A lump in your throat is a tight feeling when you want to cry. tree →
4. To lump things together is to put them in one group. tree →

In the lessons

In maths lumps are small pieces counted, like lumps of sugar in cups of tea: «lumps in each cup» is a group size, cups × lumps. In everyday life: lumps in porridge or gravy, a lump on the head after a fall (tell an adult). Phrases: «a lump sum», «a lump in my throat».

Examples

• She puts 2 lumps of sugar in each cup. tree →
• How many lumps for 5 cups? tree →
• A lump of clay weighs 300 grams. tree →
• He split the lump into 4 equal parts. tree →
• Stir the sauce so there are no lumps. tree →
• He got a lump on his head when he fell. tree →
• I had a lump in my throat at the end of the film. tree →
• The potter shaped a lump of clay into a bowl. tree →
• Don't lump all dogs together; each one is different. tree →
• I want another lump of sugar, then I’ll drink it.” tree →

Note

Countable. Adjective: «lumpy» (full of lumps). A lump on the body that does not go away should be shown to a doctor. Maths: cups × lumps per cup. Trap: «a lump sum» is money paid all at once, not a piece.