lib

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableinformalcomputing

   A library, especially in computing: a collection of prewritten code that programs can use.

   Grammar: Often used in compounds like 'code lib' or 'software lib'; countable.

   Patterns

   • a lib
   • the lib
   • code lib

   I added a new lib to handle the graphics.

   This lib makes it easy to connect to the database.

2. 2noununcountableinformalold-fashioned

   A political movement for liberation, especially in phrases like 'women's lib'.

   Grammar: Usually in the phrase 'women's lib' or 'gay lib'; not used as a count noun.

   Patterns

   • women's lib
   • gay lib

   She was active in women's lib in the 1970s.

   The term 'gay lib' was common during the rights movement.

Common combinations

code lib

The developer shared a useful code lib on GitHub.

software lib

We need a software lib for image processing.

women's lib

Women's lib fought for equal rights.

gay lib

Gay lib was an important part of the movement.

Synonyms and how they differ

library

The full form; 'lib' is informal and mostly used in computing or as a short form in speech.

framework

A set of code that provides structure; a 'lib' is usually a smaller collection of functions.

Commonly confused: lib or libel?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “lib”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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