If one thing covers another, it has been placed over it in order to protect it, hide it, or close it. His finger went up to touch the black patch which covered his left eye His head was covered with a khaki turban
Something that is a cover for secret or illegal activities seems respectable or normal, and is intended to hide the activities. They set up a spurious temple that was a cover for sexual debauchery As a cover story he generally tells people he is a freelance photographer. = front
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory; "This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds"; "this should cover everyone in the group"
The cover of a book or a magazine is the outside part of it. a small spiral-bound booklet with a green cover I used to read every issue from cover to cover
a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent); "her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment"
Shelter; protection; as, the troops fought under cover of the batteries; the woods afforded a good cover
If you cover a particular topic, you discuss it in a lecture, course, or book. The Oxford Chemistry Primers aim to cover important topics in organic chemistry = deal with
Act of purchasing futures contracts to offset a short position, or shorting futures to offset a long position (See "Covered Option")
To blow someone's cover means to cause their true identity or the true nature of their work to be revealed. The young man looked embarrassed, as if he were a spy whose cover had been blown
bedding that keeps a person warm in bed; "he pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep"
To protect using an aimed firearm and the threat of firing; or to protect using continuous, heaving fire at or in the direction of the enemy so as to force the enemy to remain in cover; or to threaten using an aimed firearm and the threat of firing
Overhanging or instream structures (such as tree roots, undercut streambanks, or boulders) that offer protection from predators, shelter from strong currents, and/or shading