- 1[uncountable] contact (with somebody) contact (between A and B) the act of communicating with someone, especially regularly I don't have much contact with my uncle. There is little contact between the two organizations. Have you kept in contact with any of your friends from college (= do you still see them or speak or write to them)? She's lost contact with (= no longer sees or writes to) her son. I finally made contact with (= succeeded in speaking to or meeting) her in Paris. The organization put me in contact with other people in a similar position (= gave me their addresses or telephone numbers). two people avoiding eye contact (= avoiding looking directly at each other) Here's my contact number (= temporary telephone number) while I'm away.
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touching someone or something - 2[uncountable] the state of touching something His fingers were briefly in contact with the ball. This substance should not come into contact with food. a fear of physical contact She blushed at the sudden contact of his hand against her arm. This pesticide kills insects on contact (= as soon as it touches them). This chemical is liable to explode on contact with water.
- 3[uncountable] the state of meeting someone or having to deal with something In her job she often comes into contact with (= meets) lawyers. Children should be brought into contact with poetry at an early age. relationship
- 4[countable, usually plural] an occasion on which you meet or communicate with someone; a relationship with someone We have good contacts with the local community. The company has maintained trade contacts with India. person
- 5[countable] a person that you know, especially someone who can be helpful to you in your work social/personal contacts I've made some useful contacts in journalism. She has several contacts in New York. for eyes
- 6contacts [plural] (informal) = contact lens electrical
- 7[countable] an electrical connection The switches close the contacts and complete the circuit.
- 8[countable] a person who may be infectious because he or she has recently been near to someone with a contagious disease Idioms
act of communicating
a place where you go or a person that you speak to when you are dealing with an organization The receptionist is the first point of contact most people have with the clinic.
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