work-up

[wurk-uhp]

noun

Printing.

1. an undesirable deposit of ink on a surface being printed, caused by the forcing into type-high position of quads or other spacing material.

work up

verb

1. to arouse the feelings of; excite

2. to cause to grow or develop

   to work up a hunger

3. (also preposition) to move or cause to move gradually upwards

4. to manipulate or mix into a specified object or shape

5. to gain knowledge of or skill at (a subject)

Word History and Origins

Origin of work up¹

Noun use of verb phrase work up

Idioms and Phrases

Arouse emotions; see worked up .

Increase one's skill, status, or responsibility through effort, as in He worked up to 30 sit-ups a day , or She worked up to bank manager . Also see work one's way . [Second half of 1600s]

Intensify gradually, as in The film worked up to a thrilling climax . [Second half of 1600s]

Develop or produce by effort, as in Swimming always works up an appetite . [Second half of 1600s]

Example Sentences

After a youth enters a clinic, they undergo a diagnostic phase that lasts at least six months, during which time there’s an intensive work-up involving detailed questionnaires and dialogue between the young person and a mental health support team.

From Salon

A fertility work-up suggested that the couple would have no trouble conceiving the old-fashioned way.

From Slate

Neurology was consulted and did an extensive work-up: blood tests, CT scans, an M.R.I., an EEG, a spinal tap.

From New York Times

Trump has actually produced a work-up.

From Slate

In his admission work-up, Dr. Riordan wrote that my dad had "loss of sensation on the ulnar aspect of both hands… and he has had recurrent bouts of neuritis. I think he will benefit by having an ulnar nerve transposition."

From Salon

Related Words

• agitate 
• animate 
• excite 
• get up 
• inflame 
• rouse