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

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