a structure consisting of a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of wood, metal, or rope, used for climbing up or down something 梯子 ■(figurative)a series of ascending stages by which someone or something may advance or progress (喻)前进阶段,进步阶梯 employees on their way up the career ladder. 在事业阶梯上上升的雇员。 ■(Brit.)a vertical strip of unravelled fabric in tights or stockings (英)(紧身衣或长筒袜)梯状脱丝
verb
[with obj.](Brit.)cause (tights or stockings) to develop a ladder (英)使(紧身衣,长筒袜)形成梯状脱丝 [as adj. laddered]her dress was crumpled and her tights were laddered. 她的连衣裙皱成团,紧身衣被弄得一条条脱丝。 ■[no obj.](of tights or stockings) develop a ladder (紧身衣,长筒袜)出现梯状脱丝
语源
Old English hlæd(d)er, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch leer and German Leiter