Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - proof

(proofs) Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English. 1. Proof is a fact, argument, or piece of evidence which shows that something is definitely true or definitely exists. You have to have proof of residence in the state of Texas, such as a Texas ID card... This is not necessarily proof that he is wrong... N-VAR: oft N of n, N that 2. In publishing, the proofs of a book, magazine, or article are a first copy of it that is printed so that mistakes can be corrected before more copies are printed and published. I’m correcting the proofs of the Spanish edition right now. N-COUNT: usu pl, oft N of n • Proof is also an adjective. ...an uncorrected proof copy of the book. ADJ: ADJ n 3. Proof is used after a number of degrees or a percentage, when indicating the strength of a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky. ...a glass of Wild Turkey bourbon: 101 degrees proof. ADJ: amount ADJ 4. the proof of the pudding is in the eating: see pudding