work-up

American  

[wurk-uhp] / ˈwɜrkˌʌp /

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.

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work up British  

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)

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work up Idioms  

1. Arouse emotions; see worked up .

2. 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]

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of work-up

Noun use of verb phrase work up

Example Sentences

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

The Harvard scientists examined studies that used a method known as “active case ascertainment,” a process where every participant is screened with an extensive work-up to confirm a dementia diagnosis, Weisskopf said.

From Washington Post

Shortly afterwards, I scheduled a full audiologist work-up.

From Washington Post

In detail and sweep, “Emily” nevertheless shares many of the handsome, cozily inviting essentials of a standard biographical work-up.

From New York Times

Certainly, tweaks to the bill — some of them under discussion as part of the Rules Committee’s work-up — would strengthen the proposal.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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