record

Universal Words noun, verb noun written account 1 [C] ~ (of sth) a written account of sth that is kept so that it can be looked at and used in the future: You should keep a record of your expenses. * medical / dental records * Last summer was the wettest on record. music 2 [C] a thin round piece of plastic on which music, etc. is recorded: to play a record * a record collection * a record company (= one which produces and sells records) highest / best 3 [C] the best result or the highest or lowest level that has ever been reached, especially in sport: She holds the world record for the 100 metres. * to break the record (= to achieve a better result than there has ever been before) * to set a new record * There was a record number of candidates for the post. * I got to work in record time. * record profits / sales * Unemployment has reached a record high (= the highest level ever). of sb / sth's past 4 [sing.] ~ (on sth) the facts that are known about sb/sth's past behaviour, character, achievements, etc: The report criticizes the government's record on housing. * The airline has a good safety record. * He has an impressive record of achievement. seealsoTRACKRECORD of crimes 5 (also criminal record) [C] the fact of having committed crimes in the past: Does he have a record? IDIOMS (just) for the record 1 used to show that you want what you are saying to be officially written down and remembered: Just for the record I would like to clarify something my colleague said earlier. 2 used to emphasize a point that you are making, so that the person you are speaking to takes notice: And, for the record, he would be the last person I'd ask. off the record if you tell sb sth off the record, it is not yet official and you do not want them to repeat it publicly: Strictly off the record, some members of staff will have to be made redundant. put / place sth on (the) record